Church Overseers/Leaders

[Lafon]

In his letter to Titus, Paul the apostle writes to reiterate, or remind him of the task he was assigned to accomplish in all of the churches which existed on the Isle of Crete: .....

"For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:" (Titus 1:5, KJV).

Within the content of this letter we discover Paul prescribing both the qualifications and duties of the elders whom Titus was commanded to appoint to perform the responsibilities this position of oversight entails within the church assembly. This task, which Paul [obviously] relayed to Titus prior to their separation when he departed from the Isle of Crete to travel to Rome, clearly establishes the hierarchy (i.e., a group that controls/oversees) which Christ ordained as functional among the members of the church.

Within the worldwide contemporary Oneness Apostolic Pentecostal assemblies we find a hierarchy which differs significantly from that which Paul commanded Titus to establish in the 1st Century churches at Crete; instead of elders serving as overseers of the flock, as himself had done when he "planted" the church at Ephesus (see Acts 19:1-7, 20:17, 28-30), we find in place a monarchial bishop form of rulership, wherein one man "assumes" himself to have been granted the power to exercise dominion over all other members of a local assembly of saints.

As a former member of the Church of Christ (being converted 27 plus years ago at the age of 48), wherein leadership/oversight IS structured after the manner Paul prescribed, I assumed, without questioning the merits, of a hierarchy wherein it is "taken for granted" that a Pastor has been granted the privilege of exercising this role.

Following my conversion, and recognizing the abundance of doctrinal differences which prevailed between Oneness Apostolic Pentecostalism and the Churches of Christ, such became the major factor in causing me to "assume", without questioning the merits of this long-held hierarchy, that this was the way it was supposed to be. But then I paused to reflect upon Paul's instructions to Titus about the appointment of elders in the churches at Crete. As a result I now consider the hierarchy in the modern OAP churches to be non-biblical, and therefore standing in need of change that it might align/comply to the pattern of the early church.

Without doubt, the established ministry in the present-day OAP churches would be quick to refute this understanding, therefore I seek to learn the manner in which fellow saints interpret Paul's command to Titus. What say ye?

[Sean]

Brother Lafon, Do the Churches of Christ teach multiple Elders for leadership or just one elder or pastor?

[Lafon]

Originally Posted by Sean

Brother Lafon, Do the Churches of Christ teach multiple Elders for leadership or just one elder or pastor?

Multiple, the number depending on size of the congregation. I don't recall the formula ... it's was so long ago. But they never use the term pastor, although the elder leading a service is referred to as a minister.

[Sean]

Does that system work ok?

If so, can you elaborate on how decisions are made?

[KeptByTheWord]

I agree Lafon, that the system of leadership in most churches today resembles nothing of the plural leadership that the NT church obviously had. In fact, it seems that the leadership in the churches more resembles the Catholics than anything else. OPs will vehemently deny that any part of Catholicism is part of their dogma, but when you look at the structure of the leadership in their churches (other denominations too), and compare it to the Catholics, there are many similarities.

[Lafon]

Originally Posted by Sean

Does that system work ok?

If so, can you elaborate on how decisions are made?

Sean, as I said, it's been a long time since I was a part of the CofC, but, it worked then, and they're thriving quite well it seems, so it must still be functioning ok. I see no reason why it wouldn't (judging my Paul's instructions to Titus).

I was never an Elder in the CofC during my years there, so I can only assume concerning the manner in which decisions are made.

[Lafon]

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

I agree Lafon, that the system of leadership in most churches today resembles nothing of the plural leadership that the NT church obviously had. In fact, it seems that the leadership in the churches more resembles the Catholics than anything else. OPs will vehemently deny that any part of Catholicism is part of their dogma, but when you look at the structure of the leadership in their churches (other denominations too), and compare it to the Catholics, there are many similarities.

Oh, if only the "presumed" leadership of the present-day OAP church would acknowledge that MANY of its practices, etc., are simply following the traditions its "Apostolic forefathers" of yesteryear (i.e., early 20th Century), who themselves were former members of the RCC or one of her Daughters, wherein they followed such rituals. As with any tradition established by man, once they are practiced over a long period of time, take on an aura of legitimacy, thus causing a formidable defense to be raised by those who might oppose them.

[KeptByTheWord]

Originally Posted by Lafon

Oh, if only the "presumed" leadership of the present-day OAP church would acknowledge that MANY of its practices, etc., are simply following the traditions its "Apostolic forefathers" of yesteryear (i.e., early 20th Century), who themselves were former members of the RCC or one of her Daughters, wherein they followed such rituals. As with any tradition established by man, once they are practiced over a long period of time, take on an aura of legitimacy, thus causing a formidable defense to be raised by those who might oppose them.

Yes. Very, very true. It is like a large "ship" whose helm needs to be turned, but where do you begin the turning?

I like Watchman Nee's book on Spiritual Authority. Have you ever read it? I feel that he lends valuable insight on principles of leadership, and authority within a body of believers.

[Lafon]

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

Yes. Very, very true. It is like a large "ship" whose helm needs to be turned, but where do you begin the turning?

I like Watchman Nee's book on Spiritual Authority. Have you ever read it? I feel that he lends valuable insight on principles of leadership, and authority within a body of believers.

I have several of Watchman Nee's books, but its been awhile since I read them. Thanks for the alert, as I'm now inspired to re-examine them to discover what he wrote about this issue. I have always enjoyed his views concerning sickness and disease, having read that only recently.

[Michael The Disciple]

I started in the Church Of Christ myself. Their "eldership" really is about like any other group. Bro. D. C. Lawrence was considered the "Pastor". He did all the preaching in the Sunday meetings. The other elders were trained men in the sense of knowing the Church Of Christ stance on things but played little role in the Church.

Of course there was really no fellowship in the group. Fellowship was when you gathered for the Lords supper and a few acappello songs followed by a teaching.

Among Apostolics Bro. Dave Huston is promoting plural eldership. Very few are interested.

http://gloriouschurch.ning.com/