Christian Forums

[Otto]

Nicolaitanes are the breed that institutionalize that which has already been instituted, the church.
here's a pretty short article that addresses the issue, let me know whatchya think:

http://www.christiancounterculture.com/40615/clergy-laity.html

It starts out w/a letter this guy wrote to a conference of pastors in Atlanta...
here's an excerpt:

"To: The sponsors of the Atlanta Clergy Conference

Re: Undermining the authority of God’s Word by your promotion of the unscriptural “Clergy/Laity” distinction

In several weeks you will be having a “Clergy Conference” in Atlanta. I know you are well-meaning in your desire to support and affirm the “clergy.” However, in assuming this category of the “ordained”, you are overlooking a more basic and pressing question that must be addressed:

Does the New Testament teach that there is a separate caste
of church leaders designated as “clergy” who are over the “laity”?

It does not.

I have prepared a paper on this question that is enclosed for you perusal. [see below]

By gathering “clergymen” together you are just assenting to the status quo and, in effect, putting band aids on it. What really needs to be done is to hold a conference where the New Testament's teaching on leadership is unfolded. If this were done, of course, then the traditional “clergy/laity” practice would have to be jettisoned in favor of the New Testament patterns.

Looking at the big picture, you are really doing harm to the very class of persons you are trying to help. By not challenging the “clergy” system, which has brought untold hurt to those within its pale, you end up giving pep-talks and encouragement to people who are functioning in an office Christ has nowhere revealed in His Word. You admit in Men of Action (Nov. 1995, p. 4),

Pastors are worn out, discouraged, and in need of affirmation. In fact, poll after poll reveals that most pastors are battling isolation, depression, and loneliness. They are so beaten up by the ministry . . .

Actually, the situation among the “clergy” is much worse than this brief statement. But should this be surprising when people are forced to fill a job description found nowhere in the New Testament? The most Christ-honoring and caring thing you could do is to tell the 70,000 men that come to Atlanta to stop being “clergy”, because God's Word teaches nothing about “clergy.”

I guess I have to honestly wonder: Do you leaders care at all that the New Testament is, in fact, against the “clergy” system? Are you concerned that the “clergy” system, as James D. G. Dunn points out, does more to undermine the canonical authority of the New Testament than other heresies? You claim that God's Word must be our authority in all matters of faith and practice. But you undermine and nullify this confession by promoting a “clergy” system that is claiming the lives of men and their families every moment. By assuming that the “clergy”category is correct, your conference actually is perpetuating an unbiblical system that is to the detriment of those who attend. Does this concern you? Is your conscience pricked because you are promoting and cultivating that which the New Testament is against?"
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[ariel]

While I would want to balance this with some positive biblical teaching--in the interest of not cursing the darkness but lighting a candle--he makes some good points, although he really overdoes it, likes he's on a crusade, or just figured out that things are imperfect here on earth. Leadership in the congregation is actually meant to be an extension of leadership in the home, and all men are called to be leaders in their homes. Thus it follows that all can be leaders in the congregation. 1 Timothy gives good guidelines on developing leadership in the congreagation. Anyway I thought his advice here (though still largely negative, unfortunately) was good and practical:

[Helen]

Otto, its a good article, and I agree with many aspects of it. Particulary the Reverend bit, which for some reason inflames me more than the rest of it.

Whats difficult as a Body today, is to establish our leaders/ministers in a Godly fashion whilst also avoiding the pitfalls of nicolaitianism and Churchianity. In Corinthians, Paul was already struggling with what was to go on for many years to come.

Homegroups are good, and I belonged to one for awhile, but inevitably, we see a different form of nicolaitanism showing through, where prehaps the leader or elder, begins to dictate the behaviour thoughts, and spirit of the group, discouraging open discussion under the guise of protecting the flock - hmmm this is even WORSE!

I would hazzard a guess, that there are very few Christians indeed, who have found long-term fellowship with other members of the Body, without there being disagreements in relation to doctrine, practices, giving, or some other issue.

If anyone has found such a fellowship, then I would love to hear about it.

If we dont find this fellowship then, where do we draw the line in accepting the views of others, and at what point do we consider leaving because we havent crossed our 'T' s?

This is a very real dilemna, not just a rhetorical question, my fellowship is largley regarded as being Baptist, yet I couldnt sign up wholeheartedly for all of its doctrine. What I could say wholeheartedly, is that God lives within most of its members.


Helen
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?Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear, The hour I first believed!