empathy or prosperity gospel?

How do poor people see themselves?
When poor people are thought we tend to see them in terms of how they lack material things (e.g. food, money, clean water, housing).  However, when a person who is poor is asked how they see themselves most will admit that yes they do lack these things, but more important is their feelings of shame, inferiority, powerlessness, humiliation, hopelessness, depression, social isolation, voicelessness, etc.

Solutions?
How poverty is defined will therefore affect how it is solved.  The mistakes most people make when trying to overcome poverty is that ...

• we treat the symptoms instead of the underlying illnesses, and
• we wrongly diagnose the underlying illnesses and therefore prescribe the wrong medicine.

The solution is to develop relationships with people because ...

• People are not always fully aware of what is affecting their life
• People are not always fully honest about their life
• Any effort to resolve poverty is multifaceted in design and execution because we are designed to relate with God, ourself, others, and creation

And therefore we need to ...

• Discover how God is already working among people, their organisations, institutions, and culture, while also
• Seeing people as part of the new world Christ is restoring and sustaining

So who are the poor?
Everyone!  We are all poor because when it comes to spiritual intimacy, poverty of being, poverty of community, and a poverty of stewardship, we all lack something.
As such, because not everyone will experience material poverty, it makes it possible to believe that I am better than others just because I have more material stuff. In addition, this belief often comes with a second thought: that because I achieved this wealth through my own efforts I have the right to decide what is best for low income people.  The consequences of this is:

• People who are not materially wealthy, healthy and powerful have not enough or no faith in God and/or are not obeying him
• People experiencing poverty are viewed as inferior
• People are reduced to objects that fill my needs to accomplish

In terms of the church, these are the philosophies of the prosperity gospel.  Where people who are materially wealthy etc are viewed as having been rewarded for their faith and obedience in God.  Therefore, the solution according to the prosperity gospel preached to materially poor people is that all their finances, their jobs, and how much they possess will increase if they only had more or real faith and obedience.  The poor may even be told that they are sick and unemployed because of their lack in faith and obedience.

Unfortunately this philosophy fails when we place it into the context that if it is true then it must apply to every people and culture.  So can the prosperity gospel work in war torn nations or nations that experience governmental corruption?  How would it sound to a woman who has just been raped or a father whose children died in a house fire?

No it cannot!

Jesus himself reminds us that "the poor will always be with us" and that to follow him is to expect suffering and persecution.  He also repeatedly urges us to understand that seeking after the riches of this world leads to death, and that God sees and treats us all equally no matter how much we have or do not have

Conclusions

• Understand we are all poor in the sense of broken relationships
• Be open to ongoing repentance: "Jesus can fix us both"
• Reject the prosperity gospel that claims “spiritual maturity leads to financial well-being”
• Realise material poverty can be due to external circumstances (e.g. racism, job availability) and not due to spiritual immaturity

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luke 15

What is the gospel of the kingdom from Luke 15?


church leadership

• Man's Kingdom: The designated leader is unable, even unwilling to leave the flock in any other hands for fear of loss.

• God's Kingdom: The designated leader is released by a well nurtured and equipped flock to go and find the lost.

disciplinary action

• Man's Kingdom: When people stray and allegedly function disloyally to community or leadership, they are disciplined and exiled to some degree.  They might be allowed to return after a process of proving loyalty again, but even so never really trusted again.

• God's Kingdom: When people stray and allegedly function disloyally to community or leadership, they are loved; sought after and welcomed back before needing to hear ANY reason.

eternal inheritance

• Man's Kingdom: Inheritance is apportioned to the deserving (human measure & standard) usually by merit or pecking order. (i.e. each person gets a slice of a pie, its size determined by external reasons)

• God's Kingdom: Inheritance is always shared to the nth degree with ALL, ALWAYS; whatever the circumstances (unconditional).  (i.e. every person gets the whole pie, while simultaneously sharing all of it with everyone else)

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confusion in the pews

God why are your people so confused? Why do we prefer to choose a life of niceties and self protection and justify it with the name of your son?  Why are we so ready to reject your reality?  Why do we call comfort and preference faith?

Why do we insist on giving all our time to people who are either like us, don't threaten us, or serve our self interests?  Please God bring our enemies, strangers, foreigners, the unlovable into our lives in such a way we cannot ignore them.  Open our eyes to what it means to reject you when we reject those you love.

Are you serious when you said you would vomit up the luke warm?  What about when you stated that anyone who does not love what you love hates you?  Is it true for you to not know us even as we go about your business?

Please God, don't leave us to our own self indulgences.  Please do something, anything to wake us up.  Please bring us to our senses.

God end our addiction to doing things our way.  Give us revelation to the dangers of pursuing sectarianism before it is too late.  Before the ground opens up beneath us, turn us around.  God teach us to see one another as family, to stop the finger pointing at our neighbours who we have labelled as heathens.  Indeed, please teach us to see one another.

Why do we justify our theological differences when you told us there is oneness in your body?  Why do we allow them to fester to the point of splits, starting something new, and mocking others?  God, what will it take for us to desire a path of healing from our family dysfunctions?

God, Please encourage us to stand by our brothers and sisters.  I am sorry that although my eyes were opened I stand back.  Should I limit my actions to prayer with the hope you will one day resolve our bickering and tribalism?  Or is there something you want me to do?  It breaks my heart to witness our situation.  Please open our eyes.  Please stoke or hearts.

"But don't we pray for other churches?  Don't our leaders gather?  Don't we celebrate at joint events or with visiting speakers?"

Why does it frustrate me to hear people claim that "All is well" or "the church has no real significant differences?"  How can this be true when there are dozens of denominations and hundreds of congregations who were formed on the basis of theological disagreement to the point where many won't even talk with one another.  How can this be a reflection of being one as you and your son are one?  Surely if there are no real differences it wouldn't matter where people go to gather and gain discipleship.  Isn't the same gospel being shared, the one Jesus, one Spirit, Father, etc?

Why have we convinced ourselves that the group we belong to is better than others?  Why have we convinced ourselves that our group has the real and exclusive truth?  Why do our elders compete for your flock, indeed compete for the right to rule your kingdom?  Should we remain silent or have we entered the guilt of enabling and cheering?  Are we to leave our family to their own devices?  How will you view us if we do?  Thank you for sending your son so we wouldn't perish.  Please God open our ears to the truth that comforts as opposed to simply seeking comfort.

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homosexuality: a special sin?

introduction

Why are certain actions, attitudes, and ways people live viewed with a special kind of disdain?  Why are they given a level of badness above others?  Pedophilia, murder, rape, are just a few examples.

Another, and the example used here is homosexuality.  Why?  Because in recent years, not far behind when speaking of marriage, is the topic of whether or not homosexuals (people who sexually desire the same gender as themselves) should be entitled to marry, with the same legal privileges as heterosexual people (people who sexually desire the opposite gender to themselves).

NOTE: This exploration is not intended to prove whether or not homosexuality is acceptable or a sin.  Rather, it is an attempt to ask whether we are justified to judge and shun people based upon personal, social, or religious views.

marriage is for a male and female only

• “gay marriage” is bad  because…
• the act of homosexuality is bad, therefore …
• people who are homosexual are not normal and
• sometimes considered unsaved in a Christian sense

anyone should be allowed to marry (mm, ff, mf)

• I feel normal and/or I know people who are homosexual who are not bad.  In fact some state Jesus as their saviour. Therefore…
• I am normal, therefore…
• homosexuality is just part of who I am, therefore…
• when I want to get married I should be able to

quick analysis

The difficulty when entering this argument is both sides appear “right” in their own eyes. But have another look. A circular argument is occurring through the blurring of the lines between the person and their sexuality. We are equating the inner worth of a person with who they have sex with. Heterosexual marriage = good normal person. Homosexual = bad abnormal person. Therefore,

• if you disagree with gay marriage you probably have other judgments about the men and women involved
• if you are a man or woman who is homosexual you probably consider yourself an ordinary person because you know how you feel and think

what does the bible say?

There are four main passages in the bible that speak directly of homosexuality.  The first two mentions appear in this context as the Hebrew word shakab, meaning "to lie together sexually".  Both  appear in the same Old Testament book called Leviticus:

• “Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin." (Lev 18:22)
• “If a man practices homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman, both men have committed a detestable act. They must both be put to death, for they are guilty of a capital offense." (Lev 20:13)

The other two direct references to homosexuality is the Greek word arsenokoites, each within a different book of the New Testament:

Paul starts by explaining of our need to resolve disputes instead of taking legal action because that would prove our unwillingness to love one another. It is even better to simply accept the injustice put upon us and leave it at that (1 Co 6:1-8).

Why?  Because anyone, yes even you, who does wrong will not inherit God’s Kingdom!

The examples of wrongdoing Paul gives includes indulging in sexual sin, worshiping idols, committing adultery, prostitution, homosexuality, stealing, or being greedy, an alcoholic, abusive, or cheating (1 Co 6:9-10), murdering, slave trading, lying, breaking a promise, or simply having evil thoughts, deceit, lust, envy, slander, pride, being foolish (1 Tim 1:8-11; Mk 7:21-23), being hostile, quarreling, jealous, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, or wild parties (Gal 5:19-21).

Indeed, Jesus explained that all these things come from your inner parts and that it is this  inner stuff that defiles you well before you act upon it (Mk 7:21-23).

Read Matthew 5.  What is Jesus explaining?  Is it enough to point at people whose actions seem obvious because we can see them, or do we need to consider something else?  How can you apply what you learn here into the above list of 'wrongdoings'?

For example, finish the following sentence: “You have heard it said, no one who sleeps with another person of the same sex will enter God’s Kingdom, but I (Jesus) say to you …”

Paul then continues by speaking of our need to stop committing these acts once we realize who Jesus is and how he has caused us to be right with God (1 Co 6:12-20).  But does Paul declare one or more of the listed wrongdoings better or worse than any other? 

Why?

Which of these listed actions do you recognize in your life?  What about when you apply what you found by understanding Matthew 5 (the “you have heard it said” ones)?

Paul also explains that … God’s law, when used correctly is good because it helps people live correctly.  The law was "not intended for people who do what is right, but for people who are lawless, rebellious, ungodly, or sinful, anyone who does anything that contradicts the teaching of Jesus Christ” (1 Tim 5:8-11).

conclusion

So, if you found yourself guilty of any of the wrongdoings, then you are living in opposition to Jesus, and need God's law.  Does it matter whether you choose to include or exclude homosexuality in this list?  No.  There will be one or more other things you will be found guilty of.

Thank Jesus for his mercy.  For, even though Paul used to blaspheme his name, persecute, and kill his people, Jesus showed him who he is and why he came to earth.  By being forgiven, Paul became an example proving Jesus came to save sinners, all sinners, no matter how horrendous your actions (1 Tim 5:12-17).

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my pastor for a horse

If history had developed a different set of tasks for the pastor of our local churches, would the people who seek to be today's pastors be doing those things instead of what they are now doing?

Why do we do the things we do?

Why do we do them the way we do?

Do tasks and jobs, activities, create the role (pastor or otherwise), or does the role determine what we need to do and how we do them?  That is, "I am X because I do Y", a matter of utilitarianism (function), or "I do Y because I am X" a matter of character (heart)?

action

With these options in mind, examine your church.  Why are people, including your pastor, priest, elders, deacons, etc, doing what they are doing?  Is it because it is an outcome of the heart God has instilled into the role?  [To discover this answer you may need to revisit the bible and seek God for his intentions.]  Or is it because there are certain activities that need to be done? (and yes there may be a mix of both).

Indeed, ask these same questions of yourself in terms of being for instance a parent, a brother or sister, a child, a work colleague, a friend, a citizen of your city or nation, etc.

related posts

• ezekiel 34 ... identifying a shepherd

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do we need to gather together?

If we are one with the Head (Jesus), we are one with the Body (church), even if we are not gathered together.  But, if we are not one with the Head, we are not one with the Body, even if we are gathered together.

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following jesus is easy

Accepting to follow Jesus means choosing to change how you live, unless you are one of the lucky perfect few.

How does God ask us to live? To worship him with everything you are, and to love other people as you would hope others would treat you (Matthew 7:12). And, fortunately an example of being loved by someone else has/is already given. God.

Choosing to live is to love as God loves us (John 15:1-17). Indeed, anything you say or do, if it lacks love is nothing (1 Corinthians 13).

What does it look like to love as God loves us?

How would church activity need to change in order to start and finish in love?

God has given the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to equip his people to do what he asks them to do. Until, the church is unified in faith and knowledge of Christ in such a way that we are mature, that is measure up to the full and complete standard of Christ (Ephesians 4).

Is the church mature today?

Are people who say they are 'christian' pursuing teachings that sound like the gospel, but not? Which ones do you do this?

How are these teachings different, no matter how obvious or subtle?

Are people who say they are 'christian' speaking and living God’s truth with love?

What are some examples of how they should be speaking and behaving?

Are people who say they are 'christian' doing what God asks them to do or are they doing what people ask of them? What about you?

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who is the head of the church?

Does authority exist even if we choose to ignore or not recognise it?

If so, does Christ's authority exist if we as believers or as the church collectively ignore or not recognise it, let alone disobey it

If yes, then would it be wise to discover and then stop doing everything that usurps his authority? Usurp? Yes, anything we do to take that does not belong to us.

What areas does the church currently do this?

How are you personally behaving to support this behaviour?

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identifying a shepherd

ezekiel 34

To prevent people scattering, to keep them from falling prey to wild animals, God asks his shepherds to…

• Feed his people
• Take care of the weak
• Tend the sick and injured
• Look for those who have wandered away and are lost
• Guide people with gentleness and love

To ignore this is to become God’s enemy, he will hold you responsible for what happens to people.  He will…

• Take away your right to feed people
• Destroy those who are fat and powerful by feeding feed you justice!
• Stop you from feeding yourself

And, rather than relying on the shepherds, he will take it upon himself to …

• Search and find his people
• Rescue his flock from both the wilderness and failed shepherds
• Return them back home to the ‘promised land’ from among the nations
• Tend his people and give them a place to rest in peace
• Bandage the injured and strengthen the weak

overview

In short, when God’s shepherds don't do their appointed tasks, God promised to personally do what he had asked of them.  This was fulfilled by Jesus being sent to do what Israel should have done, but didn't.  Unfortunately today, this failure continues.  The ‘church’ being the new ‘Israel’ is not shepherding God’s people.

Who are God’s people?  Anyone.  Whether we acknowledge him as Lord or remain estranged.

.

Because the same expectations and consequences of being a shepherd (e.g. discipling) exist today as they always have,  God asks us:

[table id=1 /]

Are the pastor and leaders of your church personally doing these things themselves?  Are you (Revelations 1:4-6)?

Is it enough to speak about it, preach a sunday message/sermon, pray about it, delegate to others?  Or do we need to be involved in the day to day lives of people?

How does God consider those who don't do as he has asked?  He will consider them his enemy and will remove their authority, give them justice, and humble them in every aspect of their lives.  Yes, pastors, priests, elders, deacons, anyone he has asked to be his shepherds.  Does this also mean you (Revelations 1:4-6)?

conclusion

God wants to prevent people from scattering, to bring them home, and keep them from falling prey to anything that may destroy them.  He sends shepherds to help.  Are you helping?

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real love = attending church

The following is a response to a spoken message by Tony Rainbow of Victory Church (Adelaide, Australia) to the people of Fusion City Church (Canberra – Australia)

audio link

 

Topic being shared: Staying the Course

For the most part this message shared was positive.  However, part way through Tony stated:

"a person's church attendance reflects their real relationship with God.  If they are not attending they are reflecting a lack of genuine love for Him." Tony Rainbow, Victory Church, Australia - 27 Nov 2011

Given the information of the rest of the sermon, the context for this is attendance of Sunday church services.

In other words, Tony was suggesting that people who do not regularly attend a church service lack a genuine love for God.  Alternatively, people only really love God if they attend church services, preferably every week.

(This kind of comment is in the same category as those that suggest "Your love for God is measured by the amount of money you give to the church.")

Shortly after Tony stated

"If you hang around (spend time with) people who hate the church or speak against it, then we are going to become like them."  Tony Rainbow, Victory Church, Australia - 27 Nov 2011

Unfortunately the implications of this are:

• No one should speak against anything a church does, even if it does or says something counter to what appears in the Bible
• Decision makers and leaders of churches view themselves as infallible
• Anyone who raises a question of how and why things are done is seen as a hater of the church and indeed the people involved in it

And even if it is possible to ignore these comments, what are the implications for our relationship with God?  Ask yourself:

• Who did God send his son, Jesus, to hang around?  Did he become like them?
• Did he speak against religious attitudes and behaviours or people?
• Who did Jesus send his disciples amongst?
• People who pursue a life that copies Jesus will be hated and persecuted because the world first hated him (John 15:18-27).  Why does Gods warn us about this?  Does it mean we are to run away or persevere?  What does each choice here say about how we view God and Jesus?
• The Bible teaches us that we are not perfect and we make mistakes.  Is this is a reason to limit our relationships to those who agree with us and behave like us (Mt 5:43-48)?
• Consider evangelism.  Who is the audience?  How can discipleship occur if we are not to spend time people who disagree with us?

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is your church a sect?

Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ; they are serving their own personal interests. (Romans 16:17-18)

 features of a sectarian church group

• Members point to the importance of their group and/or leader instead of Christ alone.
• They claim to support the universal church, the body of Christ, but in practice promote structures and attitudes that lead to their own isolation.
• They may claim their group possesses “the real truth”
• The ministers/leaders claim to be the ones God reveals things to. People are either not encouraged to listen or understand God for themself, or told there are certain things God speaks to the leaders alone.
• The praise and warmth people receive when they first join continues only as long as they follow what is expected of them.
• Other groups of believers (Christians) are criticised or mocked.
• A belief exists that “our group” can’t learn from others who do/see things differently.
• People and groups who disagree with them are slandered.
• People and groups who reject their version of the truth are viewed as dishonest, insincere, offensive, immature, not living right, etc.
• Anyone and any group who don’t accept their teaching are cut off or isolated.
• Ministers/leaders control the way people live and their activities by requiring permission to do things or expecting direct input.
• They are typically not upfront about their core beliefs.

how to avoid joining a sectarian group

• Ask people and the leaders of the church why people leave their group.
• Ask to be able to speak with the last 3 families that left.
• Ask who God speaks to within their group and whether people are encouraged to understand what he says. Ask how and who teaches people how to hear God clearly.
• Are people freely encouraged to share what they believe God is saying? How?
• Ask how interaction with other church members outside their group is encouraged. Is action left to the leaders or for anyone?

dangers of joining a sectarian group

• They will replace the guidance of the Holy Spirit with their own, or of the ministry, or church, and claim to be the voice of the Lord.
• You will be influenced to have prejudice and intolerance toward other Christians.
• You will be influenced to invite people to belong to the church group, instead of Christ.
• Your spiritual and day to day life will become controlled.
• Their ministers may try to lead your family.
• If you query or speak against the group, your family may have wedges placed between its members.
• If you leave, they may expect your children and spouse to stay.
• If you leave, they may deal with you unfairly and harshly.

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ephesians

When Paul wrote to God’s people of Ephesus, he praised God.  Why?

• God blesses us with every spiritual blessing because we are united with Christ. 

God loved us and adopted us into his own family, by making us holy and without fault in his eyes through Christ...

• Who is part of God's family? [LINK]

Paul then explains God’s plan regarding Christ:

1. Everything would be brought together under Christ’s authority
2. We receive an inheritance from God because we are united with Christ
3. United Jews and Gentiles into one people by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations and thus all who hear the truth about Jesus, and believe, bring praise and glory to God

• What is God's plan? 
• What did we receive and who received it?
• How did Jesus do this?
• What are the implications?

God put everything under Christ’s authority.  He is the head of everything for the benefit of the church (his body).

• Who belongs to God’s family?
• Who does the church need to be led by in order for it to benefit?
• What are the implications when we place someone or something as the head of the church?

Therefore Paul begs people to lead lives worthy of being called by God. To always be humble, gentle, patient, make allowances for one other’s faults, and united in peace.  Why?  There is one body (church), one Spirit, one hope for the future, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father.

• What is your calling? A ministry or that Christ calls us to follow him?  Explain
• If we choose to follow then how should we live?  Read also 1Corinthians13
• Why?

However, he gave each one of us a special gift through Christ: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.

• Does this mean each individual receives these things directly.  Or something else?
• What is their responsibility?
• Who are these gifts for?  Why?
• How should the success of these gifts be measured?
• What is the responsibility of God's people?
• How long will this exercise take?  What does that look like?
• How can success be measured?

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

If God’s people do what God asks of them and are equipped by the ‘fivefold ministries’ to do so … what will the church look like

What is Christ’s role in all this?  What are the implications for us?

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assuming authority over others

introduction

When Paul first came to the church in Corinth he didn't speak about God's plan with big words and impressive wisdom.  Instead, he chose to focus only on Christ and rely upon the Spirit:

• Paul used plain words
  ... people understood not because of what he said
• Paul was timid and trembling
  ... because did not know what would happen next

Why did Paul behave this way?  Because he wanted people to trust in God's power not human wisdom (1Co 2:1-5)

Yet, when he was among people who claimed to know God well, he chose to use words of wisdom.  Why? Because God gave us his Spirit so we can understand his thoughts.  Without his Spirit we cannot understand him.  As such:

• people who know God, have his Spirit and thus can understand spiritual truths when they are shared to them, however,
• people who don't know God, cannot understand, no matter how much they claim to know him.  It sounds foolish to them.

how this is generally applied in local churches

In some churches these passages are interpreted to mean that

• God sends certain people of authority to "speak into our lives", as justified by Paul speaking to the church of Corinth.
• And, because they are appointed "over you" "you need to submit to them".
• However, if you disagree with them, this evidences your own personal pride.

But what if the speaker is wrong?  Do you have the opportunity to discuss the matter?

please read again 1 Corinthians 2

Does Paul state anywhere that some people are "placed in our lives to speak into our lives"?  Can this be fairly justified because it Paul, an authority, was the one who spoke?  Who does Paul say is speaking into our lives?  How?

Who does Paul suggest we need to submit to? A person or God?  How?

Finally, what are we to make of comments like "a person is prideful if the won't receive from others" or "people won't agree with what I tell them, but prefer to wait to hear from God"?

Does these comments reveal more about the person or the person claiming authority? (1Thes 5:19-22; 1Jn 4:1-3)

Is it wrong to first consider and seek God's counsel before doing what someone asks of you?  Or is it wrong to ask someone not to do this and just do what you ask of them.

conclusion

It is one thing to be willing to be fully submitted to Christ.  It is another to submit to another person simply because they claim to have godly authority.  Yes, they might have this authority.  But what if they don't?

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winds of change

"I still hold out hope that one day the wind will change back."

adapted from an article written by Ron McGatlin 

"I still hold out hope that one day the wind will change back."

what is church ministry?

• Grow in numbers?
• Improve its activities and services?
• Perform benevolent acts?
• Have greater prosperity?
• Do more and better evangelism?
• To heal people physically, emotionally, and spiritually?

These are a few examples of the results of the ecclesia (church), but they are not the goal. The goal is Christ dwelling among his people, who as a result mature with his character and nature, in the world, producing God’s kingdom and righteousness.

• This is the work of his Spirit and not a work of our efforts (Romans 8:11; Galatians 5:22)
• The love of Christ flowing from a pure heart is the most powerful world changing force.  Fear, pride, lust, greed, envy, and every evil work can be overpowered by love from a pure hearted people touching and changing our household and those who abide within then spilling out to the world (1 Timothy 1:5).

embracing the original goals

The love and gifts flowing through relationship are becoming the primary structure replacing institutional structure (e.g. intimacy with God, Father's love, "Christ in you", transformation, reformation, church without walls, etc).

We are learning that we do not "go to church" nor "join a church", but we are "added to the church". We are the church. In a way christians are taught about the church being a 'priesthood of the believer'.  However, we have not fully acted upon this understanding. The gap between the officials (pastor, priest, elders, bishop, etc) and the ordinary person continues to prevent us from fully enabling the priesthood of all believers.

 

systems, not the church will end

In the confusion of transition some think anarchy and rebellion are coming against the church and attempting to throw off leadership (e.g pastors and elders). If there are, they are wrong. The new paradigm will bring forth many times more gifted men and women who have in the passing systems been relegated to pew sitting, or limited jobs.

leadership and headship differences

There is one human head of the ecclesia (church). No one man stands as head over the church, local, regionally, or universally. No priest, pastor, or pope.  Nor does anyone represent the head to the mature believers.  The head is Christ Jesus.

Leadership simply means those further down the road on which we all are walking. The mature lead the immature until they are matured, then they lead other immature people, in turn.  How? By helping people to clearly hear God and live as he asks.

The term the bible uses is elder.  An elder has nothing to do with an office or official role. Elders lead by example, training and assisting the immature.  Elders:

• shepherd and oversee
• allow people to observe them and their lives, then
  
• release the maturing disciples to do the work while they watch, then
• leave them to do the work, themself now considered mature, an elder

don't to be mislead

• by reactions of people who fear losing the systems that have served them for so long, or
• by those who attempt to repackage the passing system practices with new labels
• by worring about where people gather, for our man-made traditions work whatever the venue (e.g. traditional church, a house, at work).

The move is about Christ truly becoming the head in a practical real way and not just in word only.

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