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Bible Question: We are having a lot of problems in our church. First our preacher resigned and left right away, and now our deacons have taken it upon themselves to bring in preachers of their choice. Our church is nondenominational. We elected a pulpit committee, but it seems the committee is just a farce because in the end the deacons are controlling the church. They have changed or added to the by-laws of the church without bringing it before the church. We are supposed to vote on everything that goes on in our church, but lately we have not had the chance to do so. Can you tell me if it is legal for the deacons to do this? Our church is going to be torn apart if we cannot get this settled.
Bible Answer: I am sorry your pastor left quickly, and I am sorry the deacons
are not communicating with the congregation. Unfortunately, the
things you are experiencing are not uncommon in the church of
God. Before you draw too many conclusions, you may want to check
an old copy of the by-laws to see what authority the deacons had.
The by-laws determine their authority. The answer to your question
is that the deacons can amend the church by-laws unilaterally
only if the by-laws gave them that power. If the by-laws did give
them this power, then they can choose what they want to bring
to the congregation.
The selection of a new pastor is usually done with a Search Committee
in independent and Baptist churches. Typically, a group of church
members agree to serve on the committee. Their responsibility
is to search for potential new pastors and invite promising ones
to come and preach. This sounds like what you are experiencing.
That seems normal, but you are in a better position to know who
is serving on the Search Committee. Are only deacons serving on
the committee?
God's Leaders. Many leaders hear the words of Christ and either do not understand
them, or they do not really care. A leader's responsibility in
the body of Christ is first and foremost one of being a servant.
Leaders should never view individual ministry responsibilities
as acquisition of power or influence! Christ did not intend the
leaders to have a position of personal honor, prestige or glory.
Jesus’ instruction to His disciples was that their role was one
of service (being a servant) and slaving for others. The congregation
should be at the top of the church’s organization chart with the
leaders at the bottom and not the reverse. In Matthew 20:25-27,
Jesus said,
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You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not so among you . . . just as the Son of Man did not come to serve, but to be served . . . (NASB) Matthew 20:25-27 |
and then again in Mark,
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And calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, "You know that
those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over
them; and their great men exercise authority over them. But it
is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among
you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among
you shall be slave of all." (NASB) Mark 10:42-44 |
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