Andrew on Nostr: On salaries and positional authority in Jesus Ekklesia. I believe that those in ...
On salaries and positional authority in Jesus Ekklesia.
I believe that those in service to Jesus Ekklesia should have their needs met by those they serve. However, if they are paid a salary or wage, worldly relationship patterns are encouraged that do not belong within the body of Christ. An employee must have a manager who is in authority over them, setting responsibilities and expectations, effectively diminishing the authority of the Holy Spirit. Additionally, those paying the salary or wage (by way of donating to a church business) enter into a consumer driven relationship where they may feel entitled to be served and to dictate what services and programs should be provided. Ultimately discipleship relationships are sabotaged and are unidirectional at best. In the beginning of Jesus Ekklesia those in service were provided food and lodging in the homes of those they served, and many provided for themselves, seeing their work as part of their service. There were no church institutions to hire employees and run churches as businesses.
I believe that within Jesus Ekklesia there will be those who have authority to speak into others lives. However, if those in authority are given the authority by virtue of a position they hold within a hierarchical structure, wordly power is invited in which does not belong within the body of Christ and devolves into relationships where "you must do what I say because I said so (or some higher authority said so)". Instead, authority should come from character and reputation which has been tested. Those who are appointed are appointed to serve and then earn the authority to speak into others lives. Authority is given by the body, not taken by those at the top of a hierarchy. In the beginning of Jesus Ekklesia there were some who had specific authority based on the fact that they had been with Jesus when he lived on the earth. We now all have the same access to Jesus within the body of Christ and can speak with that authority into one another's lives. It is our job to be discerning of the presence of the fruits of the Spirit and know the character of those who are claiming to have authority.
I believe that those in service to Jesus Ekklesia should have their needs met by those they serve. However, if they are paid a salary or wage, worldly relationship patterns are encouraged that do not belong within the body of Christ. An employee must have a manager who is in authority over them, setting responsibilities and expectations, effectively diminishing the authority of the Holy Spirit. Additionally, those paying the salary or wage (by way of donating to a church business) enter into a consumer driven relationship where they may feel entitled to be served and to dictate what services and programs should be provided. Ultimately discipleship relationships are sabotaged and are unidirectional at best. In the beginning of Jesus Ekklesia those in service were provided food and lodging in the homes of those they served, and many provided for themselves, seeing their work as part of their service. There were no church institutions to hire employees and run churches as businesses.
I believe that within Jesus Ekklesia there will be those who have authority to speak into others lives. However, if those in authority are given the authority by virtue of a position they hold within a hierarchical structure, wordly power is invited in which does not belong within the body of Christ and devolves into relationships where "you must do what I say because I said so (or some higher authority said so)". Instead, authority should come from character and reputation which has been tested. Those who are appointed are appointed to serve and then earn the authority to speak into others lives. Authority is given by the body, not taken by those at the top of a hierarchy. In the beginning of Jesus Ekklesia there were some who had specific authority based on the fact that they had been with Jesus when he lived on the earth. We now all have the same access to Jesus within the body of Christ and can speak with that authority into one another's lives. It is our job to be discerning of the presence of the fruits of the Spirit and know the character of those who are claiming to have authority.