Clergy And Laity question ?
 

What think ye of this ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnAYSQrCtYw

Re: Clergy And Laity question ?
 

amen

a eldership model would be a nice change from benevolent dictatorships

Re: Clergy And Laity question ?
 

I really agree with him.

Re: Clergy And Laity question ?
 

This would play well at Gen conference......it'll never happen in the upc. Way to many men derive a good living out of being the elevated clergy.

Re: Clergy And Laity question ?
 

That hit the nail; on the head. YOu can mess with any doctrine in the world, but NEVER mess with the money.

I was permanently banned from an Apo social networking site because I participated in a few blogs/discussions over tithing and how it is not applicable to the NT church. I even stated clearly that I feel you have to financially support your church, but tithing as we call it is not tithing. Neverthe less...I got my ban.

You can believe any doctrine in the world, but when you mess with the money you are going to get smacked down.

Re: Clergy And Laity question ?
 

He did a great job of presenting his thoughts.

If we are going to see change in the church there are 2 parts to consider.

1. Truth.

You have got to study and be true to the word of God. You have to know your position and be able to demonstrate it well within the context and confines of the Bible.

2. Spirit.

No matter what level of truth one might feel they possess it must be presented in a manner that is in keeping with the spirit & nature of our God. We must keep our spirit in line with His if we expect to bring change in His body.

I think the presentation was done in a good & productive spirit.

Excellent video.

Re: Clergy And Laity question ?
 

Bingo with a capital B!

I have also been on other more conservative boards where they still allowed SOME leeway in discussing various issues of standards..... But bring up tithing, and the thread was quickly locked. If you brought it up again in any context, you were shown the door.

Re: Clergy And Laity question ?
 

Good video Scott. As he said "So many people's gifts are being wasted"...:banghead.......Please, do play it at GC this week.

Great words to remember, Diggin. I feel that many, including myself, have been guilty of coming up a little short here. Sometimes, unfortunately, frustration can hinder always wrapping truth in a spirit of love.

Re: Clergy And Laity question ?
 

I can certainly look back just a few years and remember a time when I didn't put this into practice at all. It is something that God has been kind enough to show in spite of myself and something that I still struggle to put into good practice.

This thought came to me years ago... "Have you ever tried to argue with a perfect man?" That seemed to be an odd thought so I looked up "perfect man" and found this.

Jam 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.

Have you ever tried to argue with a man that refuses to offend in word?

You can't argue with that man. You can only discuss. You can only share ideas. Unless the "other man" is so imperfect that he simply cannot discuss without offending others.

It is my prayer from then until now... in the way I use my words... God make me a perfect man that I might save my own soul and bless my brother as well.

Re: Clergy And Laity question ?
 

These are great thoughts!