The Business of Administration of the Church (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “The Business of Administration of the Church” - no one man can carry out all the tasks that need to be performed in a church. The work requires more than just a handful of members. Furthermore, the growth of a church (and we are growing rapidly) demands an increase in the level of organization. Although the Pastor is to retain leadership in all things, he/she cannot, by him/herself, provide leadership over every individual auxiliary that is required for the proper functioning of the church. For example, there may be matters that arise concerning grievances between individual members. In Jesus’ great wisdom, He teaches that if this occurs, and the problem cannot be resolved between the individuals directly involved, then one should “take with him one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established” (Matthew 18:15-17). Sometimes, there are differences in opinion concerning how certain tasks should be carried out in the church. That is why, in God’s wisdom, He has provided that a Board of Elders should represent the church. This Board may consist of “two or three”, and a larger church may require several more. It is the same in this nation’s government. We, as United States citizens, have a government of the people, by the people and for the people. It would be impossible for every case to be presented before all of our citizens, so we elect men and women to represent us, and their decisions become the decisions of the people.

Precious Ones, the Apostle Paul puts it another way - “Dare any of you (Christians), having a matter against another, go to the law (court) before the unjust, and not before the saints?” (I Corinthians 6:1). In other words, Christians are not to allow the United States judicial system to handle grievances between them! It is therefore necessary for a church to have “court” to deal with all cases that may arise. Again, the members involved in such cases would be a representative group and not the whole body. In the United States legal system, a case is stated as “the people vs. the defendant”, yet not all of the people are present to try that case. The only ones who are required to be present are those who have been appointed to represent the people. So should this type of “business” be “administered” in the church. Again, let us remember that the Pastor should control and direct this, as well as setting all other church policies and practices. All others must simply be assistants. Beloved, this is why one must select a spiritual leader with all prayerful consideration, because “they watch for your souls” (Hebrews 13:17).

I will write more on this subject next Sunday.

I love you all SO very much!

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy