local church — Lamb's Reign Writings

Elders Are Not Rulers

The pastorate/eldership is a non-legislative office. It cannot make laws; only declare Christ’s law which is revealed in his word. Elders do not possess decision-making authority over other people and how they are used by the Holy Spirit in their spiritual gifts they receive from Him. Because Elders have no decision-making authority, they must influence others by teaching the word and by being a godly example to them. The church today is in desperate need of this kind of leader. We need godly examples, not people who are good at barking orders. We need those who can influence and persuade with God’s word, not dictate into existence their own vision. Getting this right is crucial for the health and mission of every local church.

ArticleBen MooreDecember 30, 2020local church, church government, church polity, Ben Moore Comment

The churches’ aversion and our need to fight

One thing the Church is good at is lobbing water balloons over the trenches during battle (thinking that somehow we are doing something helpful), all the while the enemy’s .50 cal is mowing us down. Worse yet, many stand back thinking that they shouldn’t even throw a water balloon, let alone engage in any form of battle. Unfortunately, at this point, I’ve already offended someone with the analogy.

ArticleJason GarwoodFebruary 16, 2020ecclesiology, local church, garwood

The disestablishment of ungodly institutions

Whether we recognize this truth or not, institutions are always at risk of being disestablished by God. Whenever God brings covenant sanctions in history, it is the institutions that must suffer. That is not to say that individuals do not suffer want; rather, it is to say that institutions that are not obedient to King Jesus will find themselves divorced from God and brought to nothing.