333 Words
333 WORDS….
The problem with a singular, overly influential spokesman in a house church setting is his propensity to draw the group into his ‘camp’. And chances of him arising out of an inferior camp are better than 95%.
There are in the church of Christ many camps (factions, persuasions). Listed are a few:
- God-has-everything-under-control camp.
- God-tests-His-people camp.
- God-God-God camp
- Follow-me-guys camp
- Win-the-world-for-Christ camp
- Let’s-party camp
- Messianic-christianity camp
- Apostolic-prophetic camp
- God-is-love-only camp
- Christ-focused camp
It is in our nature to draw others into our persuasion. Vegans want the world to eat lotsa veggies. Environmentalists and political activists want to sign us up. ‘Leaders’ from various camps itch to realign the entire church. That’s just the way we are.
And that’s a problem.
#1 leader-guy burns to convince us of his understanding of the sovereignty of God. #2 reaps his irresponsible sowing and concludes God is testing him (and, obviously, everyone else).
#3 once peppered his sermons with “Jesus-Jesus-Jesus” and since backslid to a less discomforting “God-God-God” (just like unbelievers). #4 believes he’s God’s appointed and you’re his helper.
#5 is stuck in the gospel of works, his creed being, “Let’s get ’ir done!” 6 wants us to squeeze fun out of a condemned world. 7’s focus is Israel and end-times, and yours must be also.
#8 wants everyone reading the globetrotter’s websites and emails. 9 wants everybody to stop believing/preaching hell. And that brings us to #10.
Only those in this “Christ-focused” camp have opportunity to accomplish their calling. These will be eternally wealthier than those of inferior camps. They definitely, positively will not be embarrassed at the upcoming judgment seat of Christ.
Yet the chances of a #10 out-muscling his 1 to 9 siblings to dominate the hc group are nil. Ain’t gonna happen.
So what’s the answer?
There is a (strong?) argument for a consensus-governed open pulpit in the hc gatherings. [See note.] Because each is gifted you need each other. And because each is so very unfinished you need protection from each other.
NOTE: Or some equivalent method to ensure equal opportunity to share.