My beloved family and friends, I desire to continue writing from our theme, “Multiple Rulership.” Beloved, Paul wrote, “Now are ye the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of (the gift of) tongues” (I Corinthians 12:27-28). Anointed Harvest family, please notice that God set them in various positions. I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit should guide pastors concerning the appointment of positions in the church. In this letter, we shall consider one of these positions - the office of “governments”!!! The individuals filling this office are governors or “rulers” in the body. In a joint effort - together - they have “rulership” in the church. As Paul said, “...though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed” (II Corinthians 10:8). Individuals filling this office are not given the authority to tear down a ministry through pride and arrogance, but to build or edify the church through organization and loving supervision. Nevertheless, it is unmistakable that God gave these instructions for the church to follow!
Precious Ones, the Bible instructs us as to who should be selected to have this kind of authority, who the “multiple rulers” should be, and what kind of personality they should display. Paul is led to teach, “If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set THEM TO JUDGE WHO ARE LEAST ESTEEMED IN THE CHURCH” (I Corinthians 6:4). Beloved, had Paul stopped there, we would be at a loss to understand his meaning. However, Paul was simply using sarcasm in order to correct the attitudes of the Corinthian Church, and possibly any attitudes today of a similar nature. In the next verse Paul said, “I speak to your shame (to make you ashamed of your attitudes). Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? . . . not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?” (I Corinthians 6:5). So, we see that the pastor should choose the wisest and humblest of men and women to serve as deacons, trustees, and church officials. When they serve in this capacity, they will use the wisdom that God makes available to them.
I will write more on this subject next week.
I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,
Pastor William L. McCoy
