Tuesday, July 26, 2005
relections on church authority
here is some email listserv discussion about authority and pastoral role:
...if we dont know how to submit to our leaders how do we know how to submit to God?
Bill Easum
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I never met a church leader who said they hadnt submitted to God. that easy to say. But Ive met few mainline christians who are submitted to their pastor or elders. That's the hard part. Its one thing to say you are submitted to God; its another to be in submission to your spiritual leader. One cant be seen or quantified; the other can. that's the only reason I put them in that order
Bill Easum
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...using the contrast between "traditional parish church" and "ancient monastic church". Monastic experience gave obedience to an abbot because of their authenticity as spiritual leaders and ability to mentor other leaders; but the parish experience gave obedience to an office as elected or appointed by others. Parish leadership couldn't really "command" obedience, and might or might not deserve obedience; but monastic leadership demanded and deserved obedience. It was part of the vows of obedience, stability, and courage.
Tom Bandy
...if we dont know how to submit to our leaders how do we know how to submit to God?
Bill Easum
=================
I never met a church leader who said they hadnt submitted to God. that easy to say. But Ive met few mainline christians who are submitted to their pastor or elders. That's the hard part. Its one thing to say you are submitted to God; its another to be in submission to your spiritual leader. One cant be seen or quantified; the other can. that's the only reason I put them in that order
Bill Easum
==========================
...using the contrast between "traditional parish church" and "ancient monastic church". Monastic experience gave obedience to an abbot because of their authenticity as spiritual leaders and ability to mentor other leaders; but the parish experience gave obedience to an office as elected or appointed by others. Parish leadership couldn't really "command" obedience, and might or might not deserve obedience; but monastic leadership demanded and deserved obedience. It was part of the vows of obedience, stability, and courage.
Tom Bandy
