Multiplicity

And I'm not talking about the movie with Michael Keaton.

It is possible that our model of ministry is still based on a model presented to us over a thousand years ago. Think about that. At that time one man went to God for us (the priest). Martin Luther rediscovered the importance of the "priesthood of all believers," we can all go to God, we don't need someone to do it for us. Yet, our ministry model looks the same (show a sermon on TV and it's possible for me not to know if it's Roman Catholic or Protestant, except maybe the clothes give it away). We still have a person (pastor) going to God for us each week. She/he does the work beforehand, as the professional, and then prays for us and then presents the Word for us and blesses us at the end. For some reason this particular person is way more important during a community time than the rest (remember, she/he is the professional).

Two main things come to mind. First, the New Testament does not have the word "pastor" in it. God never calls a "pastor" in the New Testament. But God does call "pastors" (Eph 4:11). And actually of that list, pastors is number four in importance. (What happened to the first three is a discussion for another time.) But why take the number four of the list and make that the top of today's Christian hierarchy? Very interesting historical progression...but to keep the blog short, I'll continue. The church has done a much better job and not making today's head pastor have to have all the tools in the toolbag. They are now surrounded by more associate pastors, which is fantastic, but I feel as if the process needs to continue. How? Great question (let's blog about it!). Possibly having the church name more pastors (they don't have to be paid, do they?). Naming someone's gift is not a bad thing, and they don't have to be called Pastor Bob or anything, just a noticing of gifts is awesome enough. Maybe CEO pastors, who have just an once of pastoring or shepharding ability, should not be called pastors. They could have another title, and allow the church to reclaim the meaning of the word pastor. I'll continue to my next thought...

If the church has only one person up front, only one person "speaking for God" typically each week, one who is able to go to God for us (at least communally...when was the last time you were asked to pray for your congregation publically?), then how is the world supposed to believe in our Trinity? Three people in unison, three who are one in purpose and power. If we can't see past presenting one and showing a unity among ourselves, how is it possible that we represent a unified God? We are what we do and what we don't do. We need to recognize the gifts among us and let each know how important they are to the body. Pastoring is only one aspect of what's important. Thoughts?