Church Comitties

"We" don't. Why do you?

 

Churches form committees or teams to serve in various capacities in order to more effectively and smoothly carry out the functions of the church. Why is this assumed to be anti-Scriptural?

 

Tom,

I am also confused as to why people see committees as anti-scriptural. They are certainly extra-scriptural, but that is not a basis for doing away with them. As far as I'm concerned, committees can be used for the good or the bad.

Daniel

 

Since committees are extra-scriptural, the burden of proof of the correctness of their use falls on those who advocate them. The original question is about the (pastoral) search committee. Is it a good way to supply the need of finding a pastor? Is there a better way based on Biblical command, example, or principle? Does it violate any scriptural command, example, or principle?

 

weren't deacons the first commitee of servants in the first century chuch?

Looks like it to me 1. there was a need. 2. this need was brought before the congegation and its leadership. 3. It was decided that the cangegation should pick out men based on certain criteria. 4. Those selected were then in this case ordained in modern committees we charge them with a specific task.

Committees per se aren't in scripture but thier model sure is.

 

Pastoral search committees can fulfill a great service, much like other committees. Time-consuming, mundane aspects are not levied upon the congregation as a whole. This is not anti-Scriptural. Sound systems, carpet, leather Bibles, and the like are all extra-Scriptural but not necessarily anti-Scriptural. Such is the case with committees. As long as committees do not violate Scriptural principles regarding the congregational nature of the church, nor violate plain Scriptural doctrine, the burden is on their opponents to prove why they are unScriptural.

 

Committees are not anti-Scriptural at all. They are complimenting the wishes of the Congregation. Pastor/Elder run churches shy away from committees as a general rule. Each proponents point the finger on the other group and highlight it's pitfalls. The truth is that no one system is superior to the other. We need a Pastor, we need leaders, we need committees. The clincher is this: The Congregation should ensure that through the influence of the Holy Spirit they may not allow a pastor to become a despot, a ruler, but a gentle undershepherd who feeds the flock and leads them by example. Likewise do not allow any church leader or committee to forget that they are called to serve and not rule. This is my very, very, very humble opinion.

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Thomas Cassidy:
"We" don't. Why do you? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I assume from your answer and your profile that you are a pastor of a committeeless church. How were you selected or appointed? Or is it, like an 'Assembly of God,' really your own enterprise?