Written by James Griffin, ESQ, on Wednesday, 26 September 2007

Views 603

Favoured 51

One principle long recognized in the Church is that movements in governments and principalities often reflect what is happening in the spirit-world and vice versa. Also as pointed out in a previous article in this forum sometimes a new phenomenon will give raise to a new vernacular. The term “devolution” is one currently making the rounds among social scientists and economists. It is used to describe a globally impacting trend currently epicentered in Europe but spreading. Devolution is the break down of strong federal government in favor of regional, cultural, and economic units. Examples include the breakup of the USSR into Russia and several satellite countries. This directly resulted in the explosion of Yugoslavia into approximately six (and counting) countries. No industrialized country is immune including such powerhouses as United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, and even Germany. There are currently no less than 18 such hot spots in Europe and new countries are splintering also on the continents of Africa and Asia.

However, how does this apply to the Church? Even as this article is being composed, one of the premier “church” organizations in the world is locked in such debate. The divisive question is not over the plan of salvation, but what means of technology is “holy enough” to be used to disseminate the gospel! Proponents from both sides have publicly stated that no matter what the vote on the resolution they intend on withdrawing from fellowship and go independent.

Such mentality is foreign to Scripture. Has not the fragmentation and infighting among religious bodies and church organizations gone on long enough? Is it not time to concentrate on our commonality instead? How does refusing to fellowship over such matters (by either side) fit into agape? How much more could be done for the kingdom with the blending of our talents and gifts?

No one would deny any denomination has an absolute right to delineate its standards, and seek to uphold them within their organization. However, to deny fellowship with believers over such matters smacks of elitism at best, and is pharisaical legalism at worst.

It is also understandable that those caught in the crossfire of such infighting would desire to be totally independent. But those brethren so wounded might want to recall the history of our own country. When the colonials successfully overcame what they perceived to be a tyrannical government, they immediately formed an alternative. They realized that non-governance equates to anarchy.

The New Testament clearly recognizes strong governance within the church body. This should of course be centered in the five-fold ministry. It is beyond the scope of this article to go into how such a unified governing body should be set up, but we should hope that at the least, men and women everywhere would start the necessary dialogue.

Last update: Wednesday, 26 September 2007

Published in : NCO Blogs, Guest Blogs

Users' Comments (1)

Add a comment