Mike

To the average reader (like me who is new to the site), it would appear that what you are pushing is the idea that nobody has any real authority to do anything – calling leaders impotent, while empowering the average Joe – makes no sense to me…

Then why would they be leaders, if they have no real purpose or no authority?  Doesn’t somebody have to have some kind of authority?  Without it, aren’t we all subject to the whims that blow along – like what Israel experienced in the book of Judges – they did that which was right in their own sight..?  Maybe that is where we really are today in the church, and why we have so many problems..?

While I generally agree with a lot of what has been said here, I don’t buy the whole nobody is really in charge, the whole body is in charge bit – that is probably the most impractical thing I have ever read – at the end of the day, there must be a real, no kidding, practical answer to all of this.  If there isn’t, then all the discussion in the world is worthless, because we all have to walk all of this out day by day – and we have a great commission to carry out – and what is all that talk about like good soldiers, and all authority in heaven and earth is given unto me, therefore go ye, and wives submit to your husbands, and submit to those in authority over you, and they are ministers of God to carry out justice – while we can argue over each individual piece, we can’t ignore the general theme…

The world is dying and going to hell, but we are all so caught up in our discussions about whether or not we should obey, or listen to someone; and the obvious flaws in the King James Version; and all the other political stuff – may God help us all!  Because, while all this wrangling is going on, nothing is getting done toward the great commission…

I’m sorry for throwing a wet blanket on things.  I like spending time blogging and reading as much as the next person, but if we don’t come up with something that is practical and workable, and something that contributes toward fulfilling the great commission and its associated responsibilities – then where does that leave us?  I can see the Lord now; well folks, I’m glad you have great teaching, and can claim great success in your ministries, but it seems you might be missing the point of all of this – so get out there and bring the good news to the lost and dying, please…  😉

I admit that leaders have obviously and ruthlessly mis-construed their part in the big game; and I admit that there have been horrible consequences due to folks misusing their perceived power; and I admit to major failings in the way we’ve carried out church – abuse of power, etc. yada, yada, yada – its all true!  But lets not throw the baby out with the bath water.  Our military works well because we understand what true authority is and how it is best applied – aside from the occasional anomaly.  The church would do well to learn some lessons about ‘right authority’ and ‘right submission’ – ‘right leadership’ and ‘right followership’ – I think this would be a good topic to address and start a discussion thread on – maybe I’ll just go back to my blog @ http://churchblogm.blogspot.com/ – its not real popular yet, but I’d like to put my thoughts on the table more succinctly – thanks for your patience with me…  😉   MM