Hindrance #6 Defective Polity

# 13 May 3, 2010

A rose by any other name is still a Rose!

Just because you call a cat a dog does not mean he will bark!

#1

Many, if not most churches are ordered by a corrupt polity. God's blessing comes to His people when they honor His word. Most churches have men in leadership roles that function as 'directors'. They label them deacons but they function as a Board of Directors. Their actions are almost always best characterized by limiting, preventing, stopping, eliminating, etc. Worse, these individuals rarely meet even the bare minimum of spiritual qualifications required in the text for Leaders (1 Tim. 3; Titus 1; Acts 6). They are disqualified for leadership by these deficiencies. It matters not one whit what the Constitution or By-Laws say. If the personnel are disqualified by the text of Special Revelation, no amount of filibustering or tradition can overcome God's disapproval of such shabby reality. Does this profile sound like home? If so, you need a drastic and biblical overhaul of the Polity of the assembly where you worship.

#2

Every NT church found in the text has a plurality of Elders. Their responsibility is the spiritual oversight of the body. They will be held accountable for the spiritual health and transformation of God's people who serve under their care (Heb. 13:17). Many churches are fearful of what has been stated as 'Elder Rule'. An Elder is an Elder is an Elder. All Elders are to honor Peter's profile for Leadership Protocol (1 Peter 5:1-5). Some basic exegesis and word studies make it profoundly clear that Elders are the norm in the NT church and that their leadership is to provide vision, maintain orthodoxy, and to nurture the growth of God's people. They must teach and preach the Word of God with authority, compassion and unflinching persistence.

The American church is suffering what I label a "precipitous decline'. This is an indisputable reality (www.theamericanchurch.org). Little wonder. The key to intentional disciplemaking is Modeling. When the model is corrupt, so goes the people. This applies in churches as well as families. Correct this polity issue. Place biblically qualified men in leadership and witness God's blessing upon His church. Making this change is filled with risk. It requires compassion, time and tenacity. I will provide a full-fledged process to anyone who inquires. 803 776 5282 or info@igniteus.net.

**This issue is pervasive, crucial and must be modified if the church in America is going to once again flourish. COURAGEOUS and WISE leadership is required to make this transition. The Good News is - - it is possible.**

Resources

Biblical Eldership, Alexander Strauch

The Book on Leadership, by John MacArthur

The Shepherd Leader, by Timothy Witmer