- Aug 14, 2024
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- 366
Mark 10.42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
So we have to ask the question: Is there a necessary hierarchy in the Church that all of God's People must obey and live under? Based on the statement of Jesus above, the answer has to be no. There is no requirement of obedience to those placed in superior positions that are given to serve us, rather than to lord over us.
But the fact God placed this ministry leadership in the Church makes it clear that it is desirable to live within institutions properly overseen by such leadership. They are there to supply needed guidance and edification so that the Church will grow up healthy and properly directed. If, however, the leadership is tainted or corrupted, or simply fails to supply what is needed, it would be advisable to find a place where such leadership is more effective.
What about those institutions that remain in effect, and no longer properly supply needed edification? They will simply age and lose relevance, and should not be of our concern. Our concern should be to remain effective witnesses to the work of Christ in us. After all, it is Christ's work that we should be focused upon. Any leadership that departs from the work of Christ itself has lost its mission.
So we have to ask the question: Is there a necessary hierarchy in the Church that all of God's People must obey and live under? Based on the statement of Jesus above, the answer has to be no. There is no requirement of obedience to those placed in superior positions that are given to serve us, rather than to lord over us.
But the fact God placed this ministry leadership in the Church makes it clear that it is desirable to live within institutions properly overseen by such leadership. They are there to supply needed guidance and edification so that the Church will grow up healthy and properly directed. If, however, the leadership is tainted or corrupted, or simply fails to supply what is needed, it would be advisable to find a place where such leadership is more effective.
What about those institutions that remain in effect, and no longer properly supply needed edification? They will simply age and lose relevance, and should not be of our concern. Our concern should be to remain effective witnesses to the work of Christ in us. After all, it is Christ's work that we should be focused upon. Any leadership that departs from the work of Christ itself has lost its mission.
