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from all of your comments I would say you have been in some pretty cold churches. and I am sorry for that. I love the list of books you gave. I have read most and you are absolutely correct. May I suggest another and this may be the explantion of many of the problems you cite.

"Biblical Eldership" an urgent call to restore Biblical Church leadership by Alexander Strauch

the problem with most denoms is that pastors are appointed for them. the flock has little say and not until the man is already in place do we begin to see the problems you listed.

But the first century church was not pastored this way. its pastors, shepherds and more accurately Elders were of a plurality and choosen from within the flock. these men could be seen for who they were and what they were worth before the flock choose them.

the Qualification of 1 Timothy, Titus and 1 Peter were strictly adhered to. we could see first how a man ruled his house before he ruled the church oif Christ. we could see his reputation both inside and outside the church community. we knew these men well, we grew up with them.

sadly we do not see this today, we hire pastors right out of seminary (unqualified elders to say the least) unproven, unknown. or worse a hierachy sends us a new pastor with out any of our own input or testing. this is not the biblical pattern set by Paul who in order to bring to order the churches of Christ said to appoint a plurality of elders from within.

its just a matter of getting back to biblical principles. its a good book, you'll like it. its unfortunate that the elders, the only biblically prescribed pastors of the flock have been lowered to nothing more than a business board or a board of advisors for the senior pastor.


Brother John
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)