Summoned By Jesus

Jesus words in Matt 16:6 was a caution to His disciples and His followers. Perhaps these words are appropriate for today.

Over time the Pharisees had been manipulating the word of God by inserting traditions and becoming prideful and arrogant. The Sadducees, also prideful, refused to believe in the resurrection.

Over many years from humble, necessary, circumstantial & righteous beginnings, Church structure has become, and continues to be, pastor-centered. Unfortunately, this can create a circumstance where power, control, manipulation, and pride grow and flourish. A place, if not properly checked, can be a playground for satan to enter. News reports from the past-till-today are replete with stories of pastors who have fallen from grace. Though it is typical for most churches to have boards of elders and deacons, these are often hand-picked by the pastor himself. They may become yes-men seeking to fulfill the wishes of the “important” pastor. Or they may become overly powerful and controlling thwarting the efforts of a Godly pastor. The process becomes self-fulfilling and leadership becomes (overly) exalted. Again, a fertile field for Satan.

In this framework churches begin to move towards increasing size and income…and the prideful step of wanting to look good to the community and all those around. (The trap and bait of satan.) In an effort to gain greater membership, less emphasis is placed on the full message of salvation, and easy-believism enters the church. Nickels, noses, and numbers may become a driving concern. (Though there are many good and well functioning churches today, the temptation to assert power, control and influence is very strong. Over time righteous parameters erode away.)

The Bible talks about a leadership style called the five fold ministry…including pastors (shepherds), apostles, teachers, evangelists, and prophets. These multiple & equal “offices” are intertwined & important and offer checks and balances.

Unfortunately, denominations are structured to produce and enable pastor-centered churches. It is now difficult, if wanted, to change and redirect Church structure. And though pathways have been set for the qualifying and ordination of pastors, it is not so, or less so, for apostles, teachers, evangelists and prophets. Additionally, pastoral qualification is based on academic standards. In and of itself, not a bad thing, but very hard to determine and evaluate the authenticity of the person’s relationship with our Lord. It’s a conundrum.

However, the current decline of the American Church somewhat speaks for itself. There are problems inherent in what is being presented and produced by our churches.

AW Tozer said this…”Faithfulness to the local church is a good thing; but when the church becomes so large and important that it hides God from our eyes, it may become a good thing wrongly used.”

And he asked this…”When was the last time we left church having felt the fire of His presence?”

Francis Frangipane said…”To seek and find God is everything.”

After 2,000 years of robust growth, it is a sad commentary that today there is a decline. It must be evaluated and Holy Spirit-led steps need to be taken to reignite the church and to make holy and righteous disciples… submitted and committed to our Lord Jesus Christ…to present the gospel in the most truthful and compelling manner.

The Holy Spirit gave me a message. I present it for your consideration…