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The Last Word

Discussion in 'Free-For-All Archives' started by Jude, May 27, 2004.

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  1. Jude

    Jude <img src=/scott3.jpg>

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    According to the Bible, who has the 'last word' in a local Church? Is it Biblical to allow a Church board the authority to fire a pastor? Is there Biblical support for a 'Church Board'? Is the Church a democracy?
     
    #1 Jude, May 27, 2004
  2. Paul of Eugene

    Paul of Eugene New Member

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    How could it be biblical to have no way to get rid of a pastor that violates what a pastor should be? There has to be a way somehow!

    On the other hand, the idea of a democracy as such was not fully developed until modern times. I like to think God is in favor of democracies instead of Kings and Tyrants but I'm not sure we're going to find a bible statement to that effect.
     
    #2 Paul of Eugene, May 27, 2004
  3. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    The last word at my church is "EXIT". It's the last word above the door everyone sees upon leaving the building.
     
    #3 Johnv, May 27, 2004
  4. Deacon

    Deacon Well-Known Member
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    As a condition of hire a new pastor usually has to agree and sign the local church's constitution.

    How a situation of pastoral discipline is handled and who has authority during this turbulent time is usually is discussed within that document.

    Any disagreemnt with how things are handled should be done by the pastor before a problem exists.

    Rob
     
    #4 Deacon, May 27, 2004
  5. John Gilmore

    John Gilmore New Member

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    Pastors are not "hired' and they certainly may not be fired. Only Christ calls a man to the office of the ministry, and only Christ may end a man's pastorate. Whether the system for doing this is episcopal or congregational, the principle is that a man may be removed only for scriptural reasons (i.e., false teaching, immoral life, failure to administer the office).
     
    #5 John Gilmore, May 27, 2004
  6. Jude

    Jude <img src=/scott3.jpg>

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    I wonder how many 'church boards' are simply business meetings, run by 'Roberts Rule of Order', where the members simply vote 'up' or 'down' on the Pastor's proposals? How many Church Boards (for which I find no Scriptural warrant, BTW)are truly involved in ministry?
     
    #6 Jude, May 28, 2004
  7. John Gilmore

    John Gilmore New Member

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    In my church, the Pastor administers the Keys (preaching, baptism, communion, etc.). The Board of Elders advise and assist him but do not rule over him. Other church boards exist to support work that is not directly related to the Keys (finance, maintenance, education, stewardship, outreach, etc.). The scriptural warrant for church boards is in Acts 6.
     
    #7 John Gilmore, May 28, 2004
  8. Jude

    Jude <img src=/scott3.jpg>

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    Seems more than a bit of a stretch to me. The 12 were not 'board members', they were Apostles, i.e. Bishops. And the 7 were deacons (not board members)but ordained clergy.


    Acts 6.1ff. In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
     
    #8 Jude, May 28, 2004
  9. John Gilmore

    John Gilmore New Member

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    Jude,

    The seven were selected by the congregation not by the apostles to "wait on tables" not for "the ministry of the word." The laying on of hands does not always mean ordination. You may call them deacons if you wish but Stephen and the others were actually the first church board. The first Christian martyr was a layman.

    I am curious. If your church does not have church boards, how does all the work get done? Do you consider everyone who does work for the church (paid or volunteer) to be in lesser grades of the ministry?
     
    #9 John Gilmore, May 29, 2004
  10. Jude

    Jude <img src=/scott3.jpg>

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    Funny how St Stephen ending up preaching...
     
    #10 Jude, May 30, 2004
  11. Paul of Eugene

    Paul of Eugene New Member

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    And Phillip . . .
     
    #11 Paul of Eugene, May 30, 2004
  12. 7-Kids

    7-Kids New Member

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    The Bible talks about having more than one elder. That one way it could be taken care of.
    But the Bible also tells us that you need two or more people to rebuke and elder.
    That sound like a board to me.
     
    #12 7-Kids, Aug 12, 2004
  13. HisMercy

    HisMercy New Member

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    Of course He who is the Head has the last word.
     
    #13 HisMercy, Aug 12, 2004
  14. John3v36

    John3v36 New Member

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    WHAT?
     
    #14 John3v36, Aug 12, 2004
  15. WallyGator

    WallyGator New Member

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    Not Hard! Who is the head of the church? Therefore, let's pray that the Head has the last word!
     
    #15 WallyGator, Aug 12, 2004
  16. HisMercy

    HisMercy New Member

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    The HEAD is CHRIST! People may think they are in control of things but nothing happens outside the will of God.
     
    #16 HisMercy, Aug 13, 2004
  17. John3v36

    John3v36 New Member

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    My eyes are open.

    I now see your point.

    and agree
    [​IMG]
     
    #17 John3v36, Aug 13, 2004
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