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CLERGY and LAITY TRADITION

When will the kingdoms of this world give way to the Kingdom of G-d?
We have the seen religious rulers who sought to do what they thought to be G-d's will. They introduced a theocratic kingdom upon the earth.

The governence of G-d's kingdom by human authority has resulted in dangerous limitations to the Gospel. It come far short of the Glory of G-d though efforts may have been founded with good intentions even based upon Scriptural guidance. Ultimately formal theology and systems of ministry find themselves at variance with the kingdom of G-d, a spiritual kingdom outside of the world's philosophy and paradigms.

Where did the clergy and the laity doctrine come from? Historical information is available to search out that chronicles the transition to religion in the 2nd and 3rd centures.
In my own experience of studying the Word and watching religious scenes playing out, how worldly values overtake the Spiritual side of Christian belief.
Jude exhorts in his short epistle to contend for the faith first presented by the apostles lest it be lost or corrupted. (Jude vs 3.)

In light of the gospel, we see that there is a clear pathway of revelation which leads away from any doctrine of priesthood. "The ministry" as a clergy-centered activity must be viewed in the light of other apostolic exhortations: All have received a gift. Minister that gift to one another, Peter tells us. Priesthood is any system in which a person (a leader or person of authority) intervenes with G-d on behalf of others. The revelation of the New Covenant Gospel points to a new dispensation:  a priesthood of all believers.
Further, in the book of The Revelation, John receives a vision of the churches and among these we find referance to the doctrine of the Nicolaitins. This is a doctrine that G-d despises. Nicolaitinism is that system that takes control over the common believers and essentially take them captive, ruling over them and dispensing whatever teaching they deem necessary and merchandising the sheep in any way that they may wish.

We can not compare the forms of worship or discipleship described in the Epistles to most formal church practices which are known today. In the early days of the church there was no formalized ministry, no theology schools, no accreditation to ministry credentials. There were only believers who after being told the good news, free gift of salvation and were discipled in matters of the Spiritual life afforded through the Son of G-d. To these disciples it was given to experience the powers of the world to come, (The Kingdom of Heaven.)

These first century believers were not graduates of Bible schools, but all experienced the mighty works of G-d on a day to day basis. All learned that Jesus (Yeshua the Messiah) made it possible for any and all to become adopted children of G-d. Believers then as well as now being new creations and temples of the Holy Spirit began to be discipled to do the same kinds of exploits that were familiar to Jesus' ministry.

Changes herald a new status of humanity
In the ancient time period after Eden, before Christ the Messiah was manifested in human form man, for the most part, could not know G-d, could not meet nor have fellowship with him. After Jesus Christ came and fulfilled his mission as the "son of man" and the lamb of G-d, We could at last, know Him, meet with Him, have fellowship with Him, and even call Him Abba, Daddy. This is the Good News!

Throughout the earliest days of the Christian faith the question has been asked and must continue to be asked, "Should we obey G-d or man?" In order to distinguish between these two voices something is required of us:
Each of us must search the Word of Truth and trust it to be the single valid source of correct doctrine;
Secondly it is required of us to listen to the voice of the inner witness which G-d has given to all his children.

About new believers:
We all go through a spiritual infancy. At such times you are open and eager to grow in the knowledge of G-d. During these times we find that G-d is always close at hand. He is quick to reveal himself and to answer prayers and to support you as you grow.
But this is also a precarious time because in our eagerness to learn the ways of G-d we can be taken captive easily by wrong doctrine and fall into the trap of religion which we accept willingly enough. (1Corinthians 12v1-2)
New believers require time to renew their minds and their habits of lifestyle and even beliefs they held to be normal and true. The renewing of the mind is achieved more or less quickly as we absorb the words pertaining to the Good News. The epistles written by the first apostles describe the nature of the spiritual life and the parameters of community and discipleship. The Holy Spirit baptism is the keystone of all such discipleship and growth. It opens our eyes to heavenly things and the Spirit of Truth that the world can not receive nor comprehend. If any person tells you with the assumed authority that the gifts of the first century apostolic church have disappeared, do not believe them and flea quickly the association of any such authority. As Jesus said addressed leaven of the Pharisees (religious traditionalists without spiritual understanding); Matt 23: 15“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.

We as spiritual infants may be given milk polluted with religious doctrine, our understandings will be corrupted to some extent. We may well received the wrong Jesus, the wrong spirit, or the wrong gospel. Discerning  truth is not always easy. Religion presents teachings or stipulations which become binding or obligatory upon the followers. Are we to question the teachings of traditional authorities? Are we to question the doctrine of our church or church leadership? Is this heretical? It may be called this but it may be the path to liberty.
 

In the New Testament texts, the word translated "ministry" is translated from service. The term   ministry comes from Greek Diakonia. Thus ministry means one who serves. Through the process of generations of religious practice, ministry has come to mean something else, something formal and liturgical, a religious office. Within the context of "church" practices ministry has been restricted to that which is done behind a pulpit and then only by the few with "credentials."

Discipleship is for all believers.
According to the Scripture, discipleship is the keystone of the gospel. Yet, it is rarely taught to church congregations with the emphasis that Jesus gave to his own first disciples or apostles. All believers are trainees or disciples in the Kingdom of G-d. And all disciples are expected to to minister what he has been given by the Holy Spirit (A particular gift of G-d). "As every person has received the (free) gift, so minister the same to one another." (1Peter 4:11)

To grow in the Spiritual life of G-d we are instructed that we can be transformed into the pattern of Jesus the Son of G-d. and through him becoming partakers of the Lord's ministry as well as his spiritual attributes. These attributes include the gifts of the Spirit, (Galations 5:22) love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. All demonstrate the character of compassion and the ability to serve in kindness, (charity) through the Spirit of Love. Through such ministry (service) the path is open to see human lives restored and perfected. 

The Tradition of the Professional Clergy

There are some positives that remain in the institutional church. These include social relationships and a place to receive some teachings and moral precepts that are Biblical. But even in this light such relationships are limited and lack deeper levels of discipleship and growth in the knowledge of heavenly things.

The fortresses of institutional religion remain resistant and resolute. Institutional religion is the domain of the crow and not the eagle. Institutional religion is in descendancy but does not have the insight or grace to resign to its own demise. Old habits and traditions die hard. The inertia of centuries of social tradition is hard to halt.

We may well question the role of a trained clergy person. Many of these become brilliant communicators and also men (and women) of compassion and dedication. These have their own fruitfulness in their calling and are beloved by those who they touch or disciple. Cnversely, there are others among the certified clergy who may not even know G-d, in his promises and power. Unlike the apostle Paul who said I determine to know nothing among you but Jesus Christ crucified and to demonstrate the reality of his rulership by the power of G-d; these trained professionals presume to substitute sermonettes rather than demonstrating Spiritual understanding and the power of the Spirit. Those who exalt 'preaching' are referring to exalted and persuasive speech which is able to hold an audience attention for a sufficient amount of time. As a rule professional clergy assume their own pre-eminence owing to their credentials. If only people with spiritual credetials would use these to bless and to edify. Sadly these spiritual credentials are often turned into a tool of merchandising.

Examining The Clergy and the Laity

The Clergy-Laity doctrine divides the flock into two disparate parts.
The good shepherd story described in John's gospel, chapter 10, describes the characteristics of a good shepherd. It lists among the virtues, intimacy and closeness of the shepherd to the flock. The shepherd knows each of his charges by name; he will sacrifice his personal comfort and life for the flock. Finally we are told that Jesus is this shepherd. The psalmist has written almost a thousand years before, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." It is unlikely that a human shepherd could duplicate all the qualities of Christ Jesus the true bishop (overseer) and shepherd (pastor) of our souls."

Jesus modeled correct shepherding, in his ministry process of preaching, teaching and leading with care and compassion. The Lord demonstrated his Spiritual credentials with miracles, signs and wonders, and with deliverance from the demonic. To those who did not know of the Father's plan to extend the Kingdom of G-d he Preached the Gospel of the Kingdom; To his closest disciples, he gave more intimate insight and he taught them through dialogue of questions and answers.

Jesus came and ministered with meekness. He was a friend to sinners. He came to seek and to save and to serve.  Modern church members tend to exalt leadership and place them on unrealistic pedestals and grant them unusual authority. Jesus taught us about those who lead: "Who is the greatest among you, Jesus said, shall be a servant to all." This might qualify as a template by which to measure the character and role of those in the role of pastoral leadership. 

The role and calling of a Spiritual shepherd is a gift to the body. But he must minister that gift outside of the parameters of religious formalism. The shepherding gift is formed in caring relationships. It brings with it a necessary compassion and wisdom to minister hope, encouragement, wisdom to strengthen the 'flock.'

THE BODY : edified by more than one leadership gift
One with a pastoral gifting ought to be aware that he does not hold all of the ministry gifts. These are all needed. (Ephesians 4)
G-d in fact has more than one finger on his hands. There is something called the 5-fold ministry, which includes apostles, prophets, teachers, pastors, and evangelists.  On the other hand are 5 other ministries which serve in a less formal or visible way. 

The religious tradition of "Clergy and Laity" is not found in the Bible per se and must be examined in the light of Scripture. The practice no doubt made inroads into common practice through the doctrine of the five public ministry gifts (offices) described in Ephesians chapter 4. The five fold ministry has one aim; that to build up all believers for the work of the ministry until we all come to the unity of the faith to the stature of a mature man (Christ Jesus).

Guidance by Spiritually wise and experienced

Throughout the apostolic letters we are told that mature men of G-d were to guide and direct and to maintain purity of doctrine and practices. These were to be overseers (Gr. presbuteros) of the local flocks (fellowships) of G-d. These bodies met in a form and place having no resemblance to church houses that are the norm today.

Overseers need spiritual experience more than theological credentials! The intention of keeping our faith and traditions accurate and steadfast, holding the Apostle's teaching as the model is still a priority. What was written was written with the intention of providing mature guidance and knowledge of Scripture to all believers mature and less mature, being discipled in the faith.

Maturity in faith and spiritual understanding is recognized in elders or overseers. Men and woman who have depth of experience in the Spiritual life provide balance and correction as necessary to assure that true doctrine can be maintained and enforced among the fellowship.

NEXT CHAPTER

E Book 1:
The Gospel Without Religion

E Book 2:
A Disciples Handbook

E Book 3:
Mysteries in the Bible

Index to all Charles Pinkney Christian Titles