Changing God's Family Into A "Class" SystemRock of Offence CommentaryOne of the most damaging philosophies assaulting the church is the clergy/laity mentality. It's not a new practice. The clergy/laity mindset has been around for hundreds of years. Most church organizations consider it a "main-stream" Christian tradition. Jesus made it clear that his church is a family--the family of God (Eph. 3:14-15). Everyone who receives salvation is a member of this family. As with any family unit there are older, more mature and more experienced members. In the context of Christ's Church, these people are referred to as "elders"--or older ones in the faith. God has set up his church so that these "elders" are respected and honored because of their experience--but NOT elevated to a special "class" or "office" that demands obedience. God is the "Father" (The Bible calls Him our heavenly Father)--the head of His family. Just as we treat more mature members of our earthly family with respect--so it is in God's church. Religion, on the other hand, feeds on structure and a "chain of command" system that controls the masses (a system that Jesus taught against). This system has an "elitist" earthly human head, chief leader, leadership "board" or denominational government. Religion distorts the church into a "class" system, which divides God's family into two main parts: Clergy (the upper "ministry" class) and the Laity (the lower spiritually immature masses). This action undermines God's purposes, but is commonly accepted as a "normal" practice by most professing Christians! As with any social class system there is DIVISION and envy. The upper class feels more superior and "better" than the lower class (the common folks). On the other hand, the laity are made to feel like "second class citizens" who have little to offer except their submission. These powerful forces effectively destroy the fabric and spiritual ministry that naturally occurs in God's family unit--and that's one reason Jesus so strongly opposes it. When I consider this subject I marvel at most Christians who blindly accept this practice as normal--not recognizing that the clergy/laity religious system is contrary to God's Kingdom. Many will "fight to the death" to justify and defend it. This attitude is especially troubling when you consider that Jesus made his feelings about it so clear. "But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father, for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers, for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." ( Matthew 23: 8-12 NKJV)Notice Jesus' comment above, "and you are all brethren". This statement is the clue that leads us to see that Jesus is interested in preserving God's family unit (Eph. 3:14-15). One clear theme in Jesus' discourse is that "titled" authority destroys a family structure. Jesus wants all of us to be "brethren" in God's family--not divided by a clergy/laity structure, which sets up a religious class system. The modern "church" is filled with titled authority in direct opposition to Jesus' teaching. Titles like, Bishop, Apostle, Pastor, Father and Reverend...the list goes on. Most Christians honestly believe they're showing respect by using these titles. The intentions are noble. Yet, the practice opposes the teachings of Jesus and undermines God's family.In the Book of Revelation, Jesus makes some strong statements about something called, "the doctrine (deeds) of the Nicolaitans". This doctrine or belief included (among other things) the practice of dividing God's Church into a "class" system headed up by elitist leaders. It's the same religious system that opposed Jesus during his earthly ministry. In the Book of Revelation chapter 2, Jesus is reproving the church at Ephesus for "leaving their first love". However, in verse 6 Jesus commends them by saying... "But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate."In the modern "church" I have noticed that the clergy/laity doctrine takes two forms. First, there are those who openly practice it. Secondly, there are those who will "publicly" teach against the practice--but establish the same kind of religious structure using different terminology (or no terminology). I discovered that the doctrine of the Nicolaitans is a "covert" influence. It commonly operates behind a religious mask--hidden from plain view. Yet, the spiritual effects are devastating. Many church organizations practice this doctrine.Below, I have included articles from two different Christian ministries on this topic. The authors are not affiliated in any way with Rock of Offence. And, the inclusion of their articles does not mean that they agree with the doctrinal position of this ministry. If you want to read more about this subject--click on the links below. Nicolaitans--Bob Sperlazzo--PraiseNet |
