Congregation vs. Leaders

September 21, 2015 Monday Message:

Last week’s Monday Message was confusing at best. The Bible gives us a distinction between who should be in church leadership, and who is welcome to attend church, and I blurred the line. I’m sorry - I need to teach this better!

In ancient times, the “Presence of God,” the Shekinah, was believed to reside in the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple, in the inner sanctum. The Holy of Holies could only be entered by the high priest, the Kohen Gadol. No one else could even touch these Holy places, or they would die. Other priests performed specific religious duties, both within and outside of the Temple, similar in a way to today’s church leadership.

Note that the temple also had a very large outer court, plenty of space for the general congregation and even seekers. ALL were welcome there. This is like our congregations and those that attend our churches. ALL are welcome.

Just to be clear, EVERYONE is welcome to attend church, but not everyone can or should be part of the church leadership team. God has called specific individuals to His work, and each of us should serve as we are called.

Commentary:

The Bible says, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” James 3:1 NIV As I read the news nowadays, I am saddened by the number of fallen clergy, often causing their congregations to second-guess their commitment to Jesus. Beware of people who, under the cover of religion, hide unclean, impure and evil things. Beware of evil workers in the Kingdom, Priests who lie, and churches that prefer to bury the truth rather than tell the truth. God will hold these leaders to His higher standard.

May your churches be served by leaders with an intact value system, and may your congregations be filled with those who love our Lord, and with those seeking to learn about Him.

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This Sunday, Sept. 27, Paul, man of God, survives a stormy sea – a miracle! See you at church!