I direct you to Revelation Chapters 2 and 3 where Jesus writes letters to the seven types of churches that will be present in the period of time covered by Revelation up to His Return at the start of The Day of the LORD. Since the Revelation 12:1-2 Great Sign was over four years ago, we can consider ourselves well and truly in the Book of Revelation. Let him who has ears hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.
“This world has far too many “leaders,” “teachers,” and “gurus.” Many of them swear they are not teaching us, as they go about teaching us!”
I’d really like to see the presiding minister act as more of a guide and facilitator of discussion and testimony rather than the principle source of wisdom.
However, the unconventional churches I attended tended to be light on Bible scripture–one was quite selective and used primarily the scripture that bolstered the pastor’s corrupted point of view.”
LOL
There has never been a need for a new kind of church. There is the Church Jesus founded. That‘s sufficient.
There is great benefit and I think need for Bible scholar to lead.
Taken literally, the Bible contains passages that can appear contradictory. The subject matter is both simple and difficult. And yes, people can and should study the Bible on their own, asking for guidance from the Holy Spirit.
I would not trust a random group of well-intentioned but not Bibles scholars to reliably get the right messages. By nature we are self-centered, and Satan is powerful that way.
I’m spoiled, I know, by having grown up in and accustomed to LCMS doctrine and teaching, so take my remarks with that bias. Even that institution went through a schism not so many years ago.
So the historical sermons of Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, Donald Gray Barnhouse et. al. (not to mention the writings of that Paul fellow) don’t mesh with wannabe Pastor Laodicea?
Where is this found in scripture?
God gave teachers to the church as a gift.
“ 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…
In the traditional Latin Mass, the Catholic priest faces the altar along with all the parishioners. The focus is on Jesus and not some no-name Bible college graduate in a slick suit.
Read “The Normal Christian Church Life” by Watchman Nee.
Grk. Ecclesia
Called out ones
“The model for churches we typically see–no matter the kind of church–is off. Typically, in one form or another, the pastor/minister seems to think it is his (or her–these days) duty to teach us, even though Jesus pointedly warned to “let no man teach us.” “
Actually, a qualification for an elder is that he be “apt to teach,” and we are told to submit to their “rule.” We are also told to teach in other circumstances, for instance, we are repeatedly told to teach our children.
Take the Bible as a whole. Yes, we are specifically told how to call elders/bishops and deacons. It is biblical.