This union of churches idea is interesting to me. It appears as though it simply eliminates the conference level and with it a lot of expense. There definitely seems to be an upside with what looks like a lot of cost savings.However, I wonder about the ramifications of such a move. Will such a move effectively eliminate the voice of the layperson from directing the church. I mean now, the conference is elected by lay people and the workers in a conference. However, will eliminating the conference level leave those lay people, and workers who are not politically powerful, from the table of decision making? Is such a move the best?
It is true that the discussions and decisions have to be made on how this will work, but I do wonder about whether the average pastor and average lay person will have as much say in the leading of these Union of Churches and in the leading of their local conference.
For that reason alone, I wonder if the elimination of the Union level might be brought to the table as a cost saving device as well. How many of us even interact with out union officials. We do see the conference officials often, but the union? Division, GC?
I'm all for monetary savings and am not philosophically against restructure, but I do think we need to be very careful about how we consolidate power. If done in the wrong way, we will never be able to get it back.
I don't think that the question is of cost-saving or "the layperson" voice nature. The question that we should be asking ourselves is whether the current church structure follows a Biblical model. We need to ask:
ReplyDelete1) Where can we find in the Bible the clergy/laity separation. I don't see such. Sure, there are separation of responsibilities, but where do we have a decision-making class of clergy that is independent of the local churches.
2) Where is it Biblically warranted to maintain a corporate structure of the church with President, chairs, committees, and other offices that don't follow the Biblical model?
3) If we can't change the Sabbath laws, how is it then that we quote the OT Biblical tithe laws that were done in a specific manner for a specific purpose... and we distribute the tithes based on the new corporate model of the world. Tithes are invested in stock-market, the concept of poor and the widows benefiting from the 1/3 of the tithes goes out of the window. Where in the Bible can we find the principle of changing the tithe laws however we like? Where do we see a weekly tithes?
4) How did we come up with "democratic election" for a "Biblical model" of leadership? Biblically, the leaders arose naturally, or chosen by lottery (casting lots). You will not find "voting by the laity" in the Bible.
The current conference structure still carries and encourages racial segregation. There's a total disconnect when it comes to accountability of the GC to the local churches that support it. I don't even know how the money is spent by the conference! Our previous treasurer who made an inquiry was denied and made let go of his office in our local church.
We need to go back to the Biblical model, or in the very least stop quoting out of context OT verses to demand tithes and admit that current hierarchy is based on Catholic tradition rather than on Biblical congregation model, where every member has a say and can be heard and can address the rest of the church.
Beautifully conveyed Andrey. If all the nuts & bolts are worked out for an appropriately Biblical model to propose, the Church (laity & clergy) will be guided by Divine wisdom for us to efficiently serve in this His church. There has to be a purpose for this change that will be clear and a model that is His.
ReplyDeleteWe need to conscientiously seek the Holy Spirit for complete guidance to diestablish the local conferences and keep the union conference. When we subjectively neglect too ask the Hply Spirit to lead and direct us in making decisions and do it as we see it, can only lead to a division in the organization.
ReplyDeleteHistorically, the chuch has attempted to make unfair decisions which would have led to a separation among us.
We need UNITY not DIVISION. We need to become one in the Spirit and one in Jesus. Let us deposit and save our enegy to be about our Father's business in spreading the Gospel throghout the world in place of seeking to break the local conferences up during these latter days on eartth.
If the words from Andrey have been taking lightly, and the asking of guidence what V.L. Sanders is crying out has also been ignored, then it's a clear sign that are Mother (The Church) has a problem in the inside (A Sickness). It is very important that we seek Guidence in prayor and read what the Word of God and the S.O.P have to say about are situation as a Church today.
ReplyDeletefrom the book
The Great Controversy
Chpt. 37 - The Scriptures a Safeguard
"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.' Proverbs 16:25. Ignorance is no excuse for error or sin, when there is every opportunity to know the will of God."
Many are deceived as to their true condition before God. They congratulate themselves upon the wrong acts which they do not commit, and forget to enumerate the good and noble deeds which God requires of them, but which they have neglected to perform. It is not enough that they are trees in the garden of God. They are to answer His expectation by bearing fruit. He holds them accountable for their failure to accomplish all the good which they could have done.
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