Promoting Healthy Ecclesias Workshop December 2011 Dealing with ecclesial problems Study 4 - The Ecclesia: Many Parts, One Body
An important first principle approach any problem in a spirit of humility bearing in mind our own imperfections Gal 6: 1-3 make sure we are beyond reproach in the matter being addressed Matt 7: 4-5 aim to retrieve the situation and minimise damage Matt:18:15-17
Human pride at the root of most ecclesial troubles 2 Tim 3:1-3 warning for the last days ..men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud.. Prov 6:17,19 things Yahweh hates.. a proud look.. he that sows discord among brethren
Some practical suggestions Keep calm problems have always existed due to human nature Acts 6:1-2 1 Cor 11:19 Follow Bible precedents those who lead the ecclesia are chosen by the ecclesial members Deut 1:13 Acts 6:3 in Acts 15 at the Jerusalem Conference all spoke but the Bible had the determining say v13-19 manna in the wilderness teaches the principle of sharing in common Ex 16:18 2 Cor 8:13-15 drastic action last resort 1 Cor 5:11-13, Act 5:1-11
Apply spiritual commonsense Acts 6 again a model for managing ecclesial problems v 2 gave responsibility to those who complained “look ye out among ye” v 6 responsible brethren oversee the process “they set (them) before the apostles” v 5 need to be of good report and scripturally equipped avoid minority opinions dictating ecclesial policy strive for consensus “it seemeth good unto us” Acts 15:25,28
Establish right ecclesial structure responsibilities may vary with ecclesial size. An ecclesia small in number or in isolation has different needs apostles model works today. Choose people best matched to the task Acts 6, 1 Cor 12 teaching, youth activities, gospel proclamation, Sunday School teaching demand different skills examples of strong leadership seen in Judah’s reforming kings and post exile, Ezra and Nehemiah
Keep spiritual priorities uppermost Acts 6:2 apostles were appointed to teach and preach. Other duties not appropriate 1 Cor 12:27-31 all offices important but abilities must be employed for greatest spiritual good 1 Tim 3:2-12 gives list of spiritual qualities to be seen in serving brethren and sisters they must be of good character and good reputation both within and outside the ecclesia in daily life 1 Tim 3:2,7