Sacerdotalism Or Every-Member Ministry?

David Alan Black / Dave Black Online:
Here's something to chew on: One's understanding of the nature of the church is a test or expression of one's understanding of Christ and the Bible. For example, why do we use the terms "minister" and "ministry" synonymously with "pastor" and "pastorate"? Or why do some use "priest" for an official minister when the term in the New Testament is used for any believer? We must honestly admit that there is in the New Testament not the faintest hint of a clergy-laity distinction. The various gifts of the Holy Spirit were bestowed by Jesus on all His followers for the purpose of building up His church. New Testament ecclesiology can be realized only when the congregation is filled with the Spirit and when each member is exercising his or her spiritual gift.

Posted by Editor at February 3, 2010 02:32 AM