New Testament Teaching VS. The Traditions of Men

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New Testament Teaching VS. The Traditions of Men

Forum: Theological Expressions
Date: 2001, Apr 22
From: CH

got this from a Reformed-Charismatic newlist
#1
Traditions of Men: Attending church is a spectator event with ministry and edification limited to professional clergymen. Very little is expected from the "laity." Saints are silent and passive in the church meeting.
New Testament: Attending church is a participating event where each believer contributes his spiritual gift for the common good (Rom 12:4-8; 1 Cor 12:4-7; 14:12,26; Col. 3:16; Heb. 10:24-25; 1 Pet 4:10-11). Saints are active participants in the church meeting.
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Traditions of Men: Only those specially called, trained and "ordained" are viewed as ministers with the authority to minister to the assembly. Promotes a false division between God's people known as the "Clergy-laity" distinction.
New Testament: Every Christian is a priest before God with the authority to minister and edify the saints (1 Pet 2:5,9; Rev 1:6; 5:10 Eph 4:12-16). The New Testament knows nothing of a "clergy-laity" distinction nor does it confine "ministry" to a select few.
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Traditions of Men: A church is to be governed by a man known as the "pastor." He is the final say on church-related matters. In reality, the "buck" stops with him.
New Testament: A church is to be watched over by a plurality of older men known as "elders" (Acts 14:23; 20:17.28; Phil 1:1; 1 Thes 5:12-13; 1 Tim 5:17; Titus 1:5; Heb 13:17; 1 Pet 5:1-4). Leadership decisions come through a non-authoritarian and consensus process (1 Pet 5:3; Acts 15:22-25).
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Traditions of Men: Church leadership is divided into a hierarchy of "pastor," "deacon," then "laity."
New Testament: Without denying that there might be leading men among the brethren ("First Among Equals" - Acts 15:22), the New Testament knows nothing of such a rank structure among the brothers. Elders may be gifted differently (1 Tim 5:17), but there is no need for special titles or "offices" among them.
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Traditions of Men: Church leaders are to be given elite and honorific titles such as "Reverend," "Minister," "Father," "Bishop," "Senior Pastor," and "Pastor." Religious garbs, collars, and suits and ties are also important. Calling an "elder" or older brother in the church, "Pastor so-in-so."
New Testament: Special titles not only feed the pride of men and divide the Christian brotherhood, but they contradict the words of Jesus who taught that such honorific titles should not mark His followers nor are we to call any man "Master", "Teacher", "Rabbi", "Father", "Pastor", "Reverend", or "Elder" for in Christ alone are these titles to be given (Matt 23:6-12; Mark 10:35-45; John 10:1-18). Religious garbs are unnecessary and draws attention to the individual rather than to Christ alone.
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Traditions of Men: Elders are viewed as different from Pastors. Elders are to do the non-spiritual work (e.g., church administration, property oversight, budget and finances, etc.) while "the pastor" is to do the spiritual work (e.g., preaching, teaching, praying, etc.).
New Testament: Terms such as "elder," "pastor," and "overseer" are used interchangeably within the New Testament to describe church leaders. All elders are older men, are pastors, and fully involve themselves in the spiritual oversight of the local church (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim 5:17; James 5:14; 1 Pet 5:1-4).
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Traditions of Men: One man alone is to do the corporate teaching on Sunday morning (i.e. "the Pastor"). He is to be the dominant, focal-point of the gathering. The church is held together by a precarious reliance upon the pastor's pulpit eloquence.
New Testament: No church should be expositionally dependant upon one man for its instruction, regardless of how eloquent and gifted he might be. There is also a corporate dimension of teaching which every believer is to contribute to (Rom 12:7; 1 Cor 14:26; Col 3:16).
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Traditions of Men: Great importance is attached to a professional and polished "sermon." The "sermon" comes from the same man, week after week, and follows a monologue format with zero feedback.
New Testament: Without denying the need for teaching within the assembly (1 Thes 5:12; 1 Tim 4:13; 5:17), the New Testament knows nothing of a professional "sermon" as we conceive of it. Teaching within the early church was less formal and seemed to follow a dialogue format (Acts 20:7). In contrast to our closed system of communication, they had an open system which allowed teachings or prophecies to be evaluated by all (Acts 17:11; 1 Cor 14:29-32; 1 Thes 5:20-21; 1 John 4:1 Rev 2:2). Discerning Christians recognize the importance of feedback and that genuine learning comes more fully by provoking dialogue, questions, and even differing viewpoints among church members (1 Cor 11:19).
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Traditions of Men: The Lord's supper is an elaborate and mystical ritual. Only the "ordained" minister has the right to "administer the elements." A cracker and a small glass of juice replaces the meal.
New Testament: The Lord's supper is an informal and joyous occasion within the context of a full-on meal (Acts 2:46; 1 Cor 11:18-34). The New Testament never speaks of an elite class which alone has the authority to dispense the bread and cup. Such thinking, in practice, denies the priesthood right of the believer. The Lord's supper is a community meal.
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Traditions of Men: Attaches great importance to a building and all that goes with it (e.g., pulpit, pews, stained-glass windows, etc.) The average local church suffers from an "edifice complex." Buildings are called "churches." Exorbitant amounts of the Lord's money is spent on securing property, building projects, and maintenance.
New Testament: The early church met almost exclusively in homes as opposed to large, religious edifices (Acts 20:20; Rom 16:19; Col 4:15; Philemon 2; 2 John 10). The "church" is God's people, not a pile of bricks (1 Cor 3:9, 16-17; Heb 3:6 1 Pet 2:5). Money is spent on people-oriented ministries (e.g., the poor, missions, needy believers, etc.) instead of purchasing large buildings which might only be used once or twice a week.
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Is it not clear, brothers and sisters, that we have inherited traditions which have no basis in Scripture? Is it not clear that we have departed from the simplicity of the New Testament? Are you willing to rethink and test your own view of the church and pastoral leadership in the light of Scripture? Or, are you content with the traditions of men? Christianity or Churchianity? Spiritual life or spiritual death?
Please send this message to every Christian or church-goer that you know.
If you are intrigued, offended by, or just want to comment upon the above message please send your thoughts to Jesusisallinall@juno.com
Blessings to you!