Some of the men I
have respected most have been clergymen. I do not support the concept of
a professional clergy system, but I do love and appreciate many who
might be considered clergy. Not all clergymen are truly elders/pastors,
called of God. Many clergymen have not really even believed in the real
Jesus in terms of the real Gospel.
There are other
brothers who have desired to minister within the churchianity but not of
the churchianity. They've gone the route of ordination and maybe
seminary, but they minister as true brothers, not as part of the elite
priesthood ruling over the "laity".
All should recognize,
also, that there are many brothers who have never been
"ordained", who clearly are not clergymen, but who have been
called by God and who currently serve as elder/pastor and/or teacher
with at least as much validity as any clergyman.
I support the freedom
of an assembly to provide financial support for one or more of their
elders. It's not required in scripture and it's not prohibited. This
freedom has nothing to do with a professional clergy system.
I've lost a number of
friends and co-workers in Christ to the professional clergy system. It
doesn't have to be that way. Many brothers who have a zeal and
dedication for the Gospel and for making disciples and for edifying the
Bride of Christ think they must naturally go on to become a professional
clergyman. But it doesn't have to be that way. Mothers, don't let your
children grow up to be clergymen!
There is no greater
calling than to simply be a brother in Christ who desires to serve God
and serve people.
"This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work."
1 Timothy 3:1
There is no greater
calling than to simply be a brother willing to lead and set an example,
whether as an elder who helps to shepherd the flock, or an evangelist
willing to live from the Gospel in a foreign land; or a brother willing
to serve as a deacon , or who simply works for a living, functions as a
father and husband, and fellowships with the Body of Christ.
There are many
brothers, some clergy, some not, who have had a major impact in my life,
for whom I am grateful to our Lord for their example and ministry and
service.
Who Should Lead in the Body of Christ? - Commentary
- Elders in the Church - Pastors
- Support for Evangelists - Honor for Elders - Good things for Teachers
- Questions About Churchianity vs. The Church
- Counterfeit Christs: Is your pastor a one-man show?
- The Evangelical Subculture
Proclamation, Invitation, & Warning
