How Ought the Church Be Seen in Town?

“In-creditable pastor in my life” might be a more accurate way of crediting a monarch who makes a church all about himself.

A holy church is a community of called-out saints, not a monarchical assembly sitting under the a the dictates of a singular leader.  The Church of God is to be ruled by elders!  Those elders are not seeking the glorification of themselves but the edification of the “body” – the corporate people of God who, together, manifest Jesus to the community by the testimony and service it demonstrates.

Let us not seek to exalt pastors but to magnify the church, the community of God, which (properly schooled by its elders) and by its deeds as a holy community assembles itself regularly for its edification unto the glory of the triune God.  And through the week it bears witness to Truth and Justice by its words and deeds. (How, for example, is your local pro-life [i.e. anti-abortion] women’s center doing?)

What is your church doing?  How is your church a light in the community?  Does the community see your love among the brethren?  Does your church stand for justice?  Is it “salt and light”?

7 April, 2023