House Church Talk - pastors and elders

[Dan Beaty]

Some interesting reading here. I too liked the analogy of the baker, and
Claire's comments on the Moses model. Another angle to the Moses model I see
is that Moses would typifiy Christ, not the local pastor anyway.

Dan Beaty
Columbus, Ohio
www.livingtruth.com

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Claire Bennett" <clairebnntt at cox.net>
To: <House Church Talk  at housechurch.org>
Sent: Friday, September 03, 2004 4:02 PM
Subject: House Church Talk -  pastors and elders


I know you are trying to get some to think outside of the box - the box of
"this is the way we do things..."

The word "pastor" is mentioned only once in the NT, and it refers to those
with pastoral gifts.

"Elders" also do not have a position, authority or power - they are the
older and more mature and have responsibility.  Paul entreats to obey your
leaders as they keep watch over your souls.  Most miss the second part of
the sentence.  How many "leaders" keep watch over souls?  They keep watch
over the bottom line, finances, head count, etc.

The Moses Model - The Calvary Chapel franchise claims the "Moses Model."
Two issues here.  Jesus never advocated the "Moses Model."  Also, those that
claim to adhere to the "Moses Model," don't.  Moses was called and his
calling was validated by signs and wonders.  His calling was for a specific
time and place, and he didn't enter the promised land.


The terms "pastor" and "minister" have been co-opted.  These terms referred
to lowly service.  Now they have become terms of honor and authority and
control.  Biblical words, like elder, have been taken and infused with
meaning from corporate America - the role of business leaders is to exploit
and maximize human and other resources for the benefit of the owners.




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