"Then spake
Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The
scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore
whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not
ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind
heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's
shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of
their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of
men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders
of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and
the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets,
and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called
Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are
brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is
your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters:
for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest
among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt
himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall
be exalted." -- Matthew 23:1-12
Ever wonder why nearly every “church” has an elevated platform
in the front and center of the building? Typically, on the
platform area there are nice cushioned crushed-velvet high-back
seats for the “clergy” to sit in. In the more formal churches,
the clergy will even wear robes, clearly distinguishing them
from the “laity”.
While sincere people have offered up many explanations for an
elevated platform ministry, ranging from visibility
considerations, transmission of sound, to public recognition and
approval of the “ministry”, all of these explanations fall short
of clear Biblical teaching.
The New Testament church did not have the clergy/laity class
distinction and neither did the leaders seek exalted positions
or titles. They were all simply known as “brethren” or “saints”.
There were no big “I”s or little “u”s.The scriptures warn us to
be careful of the deeds and doctrines of the Nicolaitans (Rev
2:6 &15). The Greek word “Nicolaitans” is a compound word
consisting of the words Nikos – which means to conquer or to be
above and the word Laos – which means people. This is the word
from which laity was later derived. Together, the word
Nicolaitans symbolizes a spirit of people being victorious over
other people, or a spirit of seeking or wanting preeminence over
others.
The scriptures do teach us to respect and submit to our leaders.
However, we should never seek to elevate ourselves above or be
elevated one above another. 1 Peter 5:5-6 says, Likewise, ye
younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be
subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God
resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble
yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may
exalt you in due time. Among humble people, submission to one to
another is not a difficult matter.
In our meetings, we seek to implement Biblical principles. No
one sits on the platform of the rented chapel. During the
meetings, we have no reserved designated seats for the
individual who leads in the discussion time, and even this
responsibility is shared among the saints. Throughout the
meetings, all are encouraged to participate and follow the
leading of the Holy Spirit. We have found that by getting away
from a “spectator church” environment, where one person does all
the talking and the audience sits and listens, in the open
church environment we have been blessed and edified by each
member’s gifting and participation.
Psalms 138:6 For though the LORD is high,
yet he looks after the lowly;
but the proud, he knows from afar.
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