The Theocracy of God and Open Forums

The Kingdom of God and Open Forums 

The aim of this paper is to encourage open church meetings and decision - making beliefs in the church. We will look at; Open Forums, what are they and why are they necessary? A brief look at the role of elders and leaders. Also how the early church dealt with initiatives and concerns. The basis of all this is to see how God has worked with the church in a theocratic manner as a model for us. 

This is not theory. We practised these principles for years in our church. We learnt along the way how do it better as each opportunity arose. I hope as you read this you will see that this is a Biblical approach, not just a good idea. People matter. The Spirit of God dwells in each one, and so we should be very careful to value one another's contributions.

 

What is the Kingdom of God?

God is not looking for a democracy (majority led) nor a monarchy/aristocracy (minority led), He is looking for a theocracy i.e. God Himself leading His church through various ones and the church who are also hearing His voice through these people. God will definitely speak through leaders but He also can speak through the “unexpected ones” as well (Num 21:21-39, 1 Cor 12:21-23). Submission towards each other (Eph 5:21), and all submitting to the rulership of God.

 

Elders

In Ezek 34:3-4 we have a broad view of an eldership’s sphere of responsibility of “feeding the flock” i.e. supplying teaching (from themselves or others cf 1 Tim 3:2, Matt 16:6-12), strengthening the weak believers, praying for the physically and emotionally sick and going after the people who are frail in their faith. In Lev 4:15, 9:1, Duet 19:12 and Acts 11:30 we see them as representatives for the nation and in Deut 25:7, Ruth 4:1 as counsellors. From 1 Tim 3:1-7 we see they have on their shoulders the overall responsibility before God for the spiritual health and well being of the church as a whole. This is one form of leadership. 

 

Leaders

Paul was not an elder, but he was one of the most influential men of all church history. He specifically names three gifts to himself; a teacher, a preacher and an “apostle” (Greek transliteration meaning; “sent one” i.e. an itinerant worker).  This is another form of leadership. (Note James 3:1-5)

 

The Church 

Tom Marshall used to say that in the church of God; “No saint should be powerless to be able to influence the overall direction of the church”. Open Forums are an avenue to achieve this.  In this way the various leaders can lead by explanation and persuasion, and everyone can contribute. 

The following analogy is from a paper written by Graeme Carlé – “Deacons” which highlights how people can work together effectively. 

“Imagine a troop of Calvary hopelessly lost in the badlands of Navajo country. The troop consists of a lieutenant, a sergeant, two corporals and twenty troopers and has a very precise command structure; the lieutenant is the authority and his right to enforce obedience to his commands extends to the court-martialling and death of any disobedient soldier.

Unfortunately, for all his power and authority, the lieutenant is new to the area and just as lost as the rest of them. Fortunately the troop has riding with them two civilians, Buffalo Bill and Kit Carson, who are scouts by trade. They, being civilians, have no authority over the troop at all but they have the advantage of local knowledge, so the lieutenant sends them out to scout around and find the way home. When they return to say they’ve regained their bearings, they’re told to “lead on” and the whole troop, including the lieutenant happily accepts their leadership.

A simple story, but let’s analyse the outcome for a moment. Bill and Kit were given the leadership of the group, not on the basis of their power or right to enforce obedience, because they had none at any time. They were at all times only civilians. They were followed only because they knew where to go. On the other hand, the lieutenant who held the authority at all times was unable to lead because of his lack of local knowledge. 

So we see then, there is a clear distinction between leadership and authority. Unhappily in the kingdom of God, leaders have often confused the two, so we have the unedifying spectacle of “lieutenants” concerned for their authority and so clinging to all leadership regardless of where the “troops” end up. In the kingdom of God where none of us are to “exercise authority” over others (Luke 22:25-26) none of us can validly be “lieutenants” so we don’t have to worry about holding onto anything. 

All leaders are to function like the scouts and, without using “authority”, can concentrate on knowing the terrain, walking in it and communicating their lead to others.”

 

The Purpose of Forums

• The church is to be governed by God using people. This can be through teaching of Scripture, what God has said in the past, (2 Tim 3:16-17). The prophetic word which is the declaration of the will of God with reference to the past, for the present or future, 1 Cor 14:1, 24-25, 31. It offers, edification, exhortation, consolation (14:3), learning (14:31), foretelling (Acts 11:28). And also wisdom/experience (1 Cor 12:8).

 

• At different times prophecies are brought to the church and Scripture commands all to judge these (1 Cor 14:29). The Forum Meetings give people an opportunity to examine them  (1 John 4:1, Acts 17:11). It is best to examine things early (1 Tim 1:3).

 

• The purpose of these meetings is for the whole church to come with, to discuss convictions, initiatives, direction or doctrine and hear what God is saying to the Fellowship through individuals (Jer 23:22, John 3:19-21) that relates to the functioning of the whole church (Acts 11:1-4,18, Acts 6:1-6).

 

• These meetings guarantee the elders hear accurately from leaders and all the people. (Acts 15:1,4,7,12,22). Elders have the responsibility before God for the spiritual oversight - to take care of the church broadly as a whole (Acts 6:2b & 1 Tim 3:5b).

 

• People who are gifted over and above the rest will be obvious (Matt 25:14-30) as they are given chances to demonstrate their gifts. 

 

• Character and gift make up good leadership (Ps 78:70-72). The demonstration of those within the Forum show those less mature or new converts in a public setting how to speak the truth in love, how to be honest and still accept others as they are, and how to present thoughts and have them judged fairly – this is “walking in the light” John 3:19-21.

 

• There are those amongst us who are established in their ministries and therefore have platforms to bring their beliefs and visions to the church or community. This is a platform for all. We are not to be  “congregational” or “eldership” led, we are to be led of the Holy Spirit through individuals who bring what they have perceived is from God and be ready to have it examined (John 3:20-21). It is in this setting the elder’s and leader’s gifts will be seen anyway. 

 

• All people must be viewed as valuable. In this setting even those who are fairly new to the church, the youth, new converts, and “the members of the body which seem to be less honourable we treat with special honour…” All these can also express convictions on a matter so that ALL people feel that they are an important, contributing member of the church.

 

• Each person recognising their need of all the others and allowing each other to serve causes the growth of the body. When people are free to contribute from the angle that is important to them, then, needs are able to be met and a healthy basis for communication and service is created. Each person must recognise their need of others and their giftings for a healthy functioning church body.

 

• The Forum may not be the first hearing of an idea. One may have been to the person who is already leading in that particular area and discussed the matter with them. Our relationships are of vital importance and many insights (Acts 13:2-3) and/or concerns (1Co 12:25) can be discussed informally. It is an attempt to stop murmuring and gossip by fellow believers. The hearers are able to listen to the various angles of thought on an issue in order that they may learn to discern correctly handling concerns in a righteous way.

 

• The Forum is the place where we can make decisions not by a democratic vote but by inspired consensus from God. Lack of agreement means more dialogue is necessary (Acts 21:10-14, Acts 15:1-7,25).   

 

• The Scriptures show us that all members of the body operated as one group on issues concerning the whole goup. Paul’s personal issue was dealt with on a private basis between himself and those whom he sought counsel from Gal 2:1-2, 7-9 this is also a model for us.

People will work better in a team if they are encouraged to have input into the process of the decision making rather than to be motivated by another’s vision.

 

Before the Public Forum

• The guidelines for problem areas are Galatians 6:1, Luke 17:3 and Matt 18:15-17. “If your brother sins go and reprove him in private, if he listen to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you take one or two more with you so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church…”

It is not for the elders to deal with your problems at step one and two of Matt 18:15-16 – we must all learn. One must decide whether the issue is a sin or not. Therefore sensitivity is required to have all matters dealt with fairly. Forums are not the place to get your own frustrated feelings out or to look for those who can side with you. 

• In regards to new ideas or difficulty that are wishing to be brought, the first port of call is to go to those who are directly involved for example if it has to do with the Sunday School department – the teacher should first be notified (if the idea/problem has to do with the teacher or lesson given) or the Sunday school coordinator (if it is an idea/problem that has to do with the curriculum used, or the overall running of it etc). 

• Where possible, any concern should be turned into an “initiative” to offer ways to improve or resolve the issue.

• When matters concerned the whole body they were dealt openly for understanding of all. How does one confirm whether the person(s) are indeed being hindrances or not (like Diotrephes), unless there is an opportunity for discussion and understanding? Forums are the third step of Matt 18:17, and the fourth step of 2 Cor 2:6. This is a far better place to deal with church discipline (1 Cor 5:2 & Romans 16:17), rather than a Sunday morning meeting where there may be children, visitors or unbelievers (1 Cor 6:4-6). 

 

Guidelines in a Forum

• People with skill should facilitate the evening.

• The Forum is a communication platform for people to gather to discuss the topic and then for those who are particularly interested in the area of discussion to then meet in subgroups later and work towards completing the task working within the agreed parameters or with the elders’ oversight.

• Efforts must be made to communicate matters arising to the co-ordinator 

• A problem can occur when people speak into situations where they have neither the insight nor the passion for the matter raised – We must all learn to contribute with care and love.

The Subgroup Following the Open Forum: 

• Here is an example of how the Subgroup can work. Those who are involved in music for example gather, with the worship leaders, musicians, backup vocals etc also those who have a particular interest in worship e.g. those who love to worship, and perhaps those who have insight into the scriptures that could give direction into points of difference if anything arises. 

• From this group various ones take on different tasks or dialogue with other appropriate people to complete the goal e.g. financial assistance, publicity etc. If it seems necessary, to give a report back at the next Forum.

• • NB: Theocracy (the prophetic word) is still in place in the subgroup.           

 

Forums are for all but… 

Reasons why these church meetings may not be attended:

• No interest. Note the person’s gift. Have they a vocal or a serving gift? (1 Peter 4:10). In this category of serving, are they leaders in their serving gift or the outworker of another’s idea?

• Do some in the church feel that they are not being heard in so far as resolution is achieved?

• Not all are leaders, (Lit: “guides”, Heb 13:7, Acts 8:31) in the sense of wanting to help equip others. 

• Are they focused on a ministry outside the church?  

• Too shy or content to leave things to others etc.

• Their stage in life, (too young/old, with young children…)

 

Examples of Righteous Judging

1 Thess 5:20-21 

“Do not despise prophecies, but examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.”

2 Cor 13:5  

“Keep examining yourselves to see whether you are continuing in the faith. Test yourselves!” 

Acts 17:11 

“...Now these [the Bereans] were more noble minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so.”

John 3:20-21

 “For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come into the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”

1 John 4:1

 “Beloved do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world”.

1 Cor 14:29   

“And let two or three prophets speak and let the others pass judgement.”

Acts 20:16-18, 28-31  

“Paul…called to him the elders of the church…he said to them…Be on your guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God …savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore be on the alert…”

 

How the Early Church Dealt with Discerning God’s Will                                                                                                                        

1.   Stepping into the Unknown - Famine Relief.  Acts 11:27-30

 “Now at this time some prophets from Jerusalem came to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and signified by the Spirit that there would certainly be great famine over the world and this took place in the reign of Claudius…. And the disciples, as any were prospered, determined each of them to send for ministry to those brothers who lived in Judea, which they also did, sending to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.  

The prophetic word came; the church had an inner witness that this was true and made a decision to help by sending funds.

2.   Finding the Will of the Lord - Saul and Barnabas sent out.  Acts 13:1  

“And in Antioch some among the existing church were prophets and teachers, Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen…and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them’. Then having fasted and prayed and laid hands on them, they sent them away”.

Here were these men before the Lord and a prophetic word came through one of them.  They finished praying and fasting and laid hands on them (signifying association/agreement with the call) and sent them on their missionary endeavours, they all agreed that this was the voice of God. 

3.   Examining Teaching  - The Bereans.  Acts 17:11

“…Paul and Silas went to Berea…Now these people were more noble minded than those in Thessalonica. They received the word with great eagerness, and every day they carefully examined the Scriptures to see if those things were so”.

Here these people got together to study the Scriptures so as not to be fooled by a message that just sounded right. Through study and dialogue they heard the voice of God.

4.   Guidance - Warning to Paul.  Acts 21:4

“So we looked up the disciples and stayed there for seven days. Through the Spirit they kept telling Paul not to go to Jerusalem.”

Here we have Paul being warned by God through the giftings in the disciples as to where he should be going at this time. Note the Scripture says; “They kept telling him” Paul may have needed extra confirmation by God.”

5.   Examining Prophecy - Agabus. Acts 21:10-14

“After we had been there for a number of days, a prophet named Agabus arrived from Judea. He came to us, took Paul's belt, and tied his own feet and hands with it. Then he said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'This is how the Jews in Jerusalem will tie up the man who owns this belt. Then they will hand him over to the Gentiles.'" When we heard this, we and the people who lived there begged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul replied, "What do you mean by crying and breaking my heart? I'm ready not only to be tied up in Jerusalem but even to die for the name of the Lord Jesus!" When he could not be persuaded, we remained silent except to say, "May the Lord's will be done." 

Agabus prophesied what would happen to Paul. They must have had a lengthy discussion because some at least were trying to dissuade him. In the end Theocracy prevailed, and the people accepted that this was the will of the Lord.

 How the Early Church Dealt with Problems

It was once said to me: “If you reject my doctrine, you reject me”, That, is nonsense. Truth is objective and where personal convictions do not line up with God’s truth – we have to change. Wherever you have people, you will have differing opinions. The opinions do not go away just because they may not be discussed. It is Biblical to bring views into the open (John 3:19-21). 

You will note in the following there are examples of problems, and how they were either dealt with or commented on in the Scriptures.

1. Partiality -  The Choosing of the Seven   Acts 6:1-6 

“…A complaint arose…the Hellenistic widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food…The twelve summoned the congregation of disciples and said ‘It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables but select from among you brethren seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task...’” 

The apostles were saying that it was not desirable for them to put aside their own work that was a work for others. This work was not just to serve tables; they needed God’s Spirit and wisdom to be able to handle the problem that would inevitably arise amongst the people. Anybody could give a plate to a table, but not everybody had the wisdom to deal with the heart issues that were being felt between the native Jews and those Jews that were of a Greek culture. The apostles left the decision-making to those who were in charge of the task, while they got on with what they were called to do. The whole congregation was to choose whom to put in charge of this task. (Incidentally, all are Greek names, they chose Hellenist Jewish believers).

2. Domineering Personalities - Diotrephes  3 John 9-10 

“I wrote something to the church but Diotrephes who loves to be first among them does not accept what we say. For this reason if I come I will call attention to his deeds, unjustly accusing us with wicked words and not satisfied with this, neither does he himself receive the brethren and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church.”

Diotrephes is not silent regarding his views, but neither is John and says he will confront him if he comes, so the rest of the church will realise the truth regarding his motives.  Both men are very open regarding their beliefs and are willing to stand by them. The truth is ready to be scrutinised (John 3:19-21). 

3. Accountability - Peter’s report back to Jerusalem  Acts 11:1-4,18

“...Judea had heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God and when Peter came up to Jerusalem the apostles and the brethren took issue with him saying ‘you went to the Gentile men and ate with them’ and Peter began speaking and proceeded to explain to them in orderly sequence saying...And when they heard this they quieted down and glorified God saying, ‘well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.”

The mere fact that the Scripture says that the apostles and the brethren “took issue” and the people “quieted down” highlights that there must have been quite a debate, and as a result of persisting in the discussion, they achieved understanding and acceptance as Peter explained both his actions and God’s.

4. Doctrine - The Circumcision Debate  Acts 15:1-35 

“Some men came…and began teaching the brethren, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.’ And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them, should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue. Therefore being sent on their way by the church... And when they arrived at Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders and they reported all that God had done with them...And after there had been much debate Peter stood up and said…And all the multitude kept silent as they were listening to Barnabas and Paul...Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders with the whole church to choose men from among them to send …a letter with leading men among the brethren...”

It seems that it was Peter, James, Paul and Barnabas and elders etc. who it seems discussed the issues, but the whole church was there, both listening and learning how to resolve a contentious issue. The issue was doctrinal therefore would affect everybody; hence it was discussed openly for everyone to the hear the differences of opinions.  Note too that the church listened to the men that came from Judea; they also listened to Paul and Barnabas and in the end felt that they needed the apostles input also, to try to resolve the issue. It is interesting to note that they had at least three separate meetings to try and gain God’s heart in this one matter. 

5. Personal Ministry – Paul’s Work with the Gentiles    Gal 2:1-2, 7-9

“...I went up again to Jerusalem...I submitted to…Peter, John and James, the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation…Seeing that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the Gentiles just as Peter with the gospel to the Jews and recognising the grace that had been given to me James and Cephas and John who were reputed to be pillars gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship”.

This was a personal issue in Paul’s life whereby he requested a private meeting with some of the apostles.  There was not the need yet to go public – it was to do with Paul’s ministry. Since elders (especially the twelve apostles) are to have spiritual oversight for the church and are to guard against wrong teaching, it was appropriate for him to seek their counsel.

6. Leadership Gone Array - Paul confronting Peter   - Galatians 2:11-14

“…When Cephas came to Antioch I opposed him to his face because he stood condemned. For prior to the coming of certain men from James (cf: Gal 2:12), he used to eat with the non-Jews, but when they came he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof fearing the party of the circumcision.  And the rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy; with the result that even Barnabas was carried away...But when I saw that they were not straight forward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all...”

Peter was an elder, leader, and a pillar in the church. He had been given a vision by God of a sheet with the animals on it, when he refused to “kill and eat” he heard the voice saying: “What God has cleansed no longer consider unholy” It was this vision and the Holy Spirit manifesting Himself through Cornelius’s household that he understood that that those unclean animals represented the acceptance of the Gentiles.  Peter had now chosen to keep himself aloof from those very people because of fear of what James and his party would think. Once again, this doctrinal issue concerned everybody.  The Gentiles were just as much a part of the family of God as the Jews (which the Jews had to learn to accept). Peter was behaving hypocritically and for the sake of the believers looking on, learning from and imitating his behaviour; it was imperative that he be stopped. Paul confronted him “in the presence of all” because it had to do with the safety of all, as every doctrinal issue does.

7. Differing Convictions - Finding the Truth 1 Cor 11:18-19

“I hear that divisions exist among you and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, in order that those who are approved may have become evident among you.”

Once again, this is open.  The divisions came about through disagreements, which will always happen when there is a group of people together.  But note Paul says, that those “who are approved” (i.e. ‘When he is tried like metal in a furnace’ - Vines Dict) meaning that what one says is up for investigation and the body is to judge it.As I see it, we mustn’t be afraid to bring our convictions to the people, always remembering that the reason we are to examine everything is because we are looking for the truth. That is why we scrutinise all prophecy and teaching etc.

“If we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship
with one another…for…He who practices the truth comes into the light,
that his deeds may be seen as having been done through God.¹

My prayer is that our fellowship with you as believers will bring about a
deeper understanding of every blessing we have…in Christ”.²

To continue to build peace and unity there must be openness of intent and behaviour. Working in this way we can also be settled in our decisions and say like the Jerusalem church after they had heard the contributions from various ones and then, made their judgement:

 “…It seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church…it seemed good to us,
having become of one mind…for it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…”³

 

 

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Thanks to Graeme Carlé who lived out and taught us these principles.