The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Another question re pastors

Excellent point! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Although I favor the Congregational ecclesiology I am strongly supportive of the "plurality of Elders". Thus I am sometimes referred to as a "Presbygationalist". <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/giggle.gif" alt="" />

But within the realm of the "plurality of Elders" there is a "power" problem, at least in my experience. The Baptists unfortunately violate the true nature of the "plurality of Elders" (and this is sometimes true in Presbyterian churches as well) by making or allowing one man, aka: "Pastor" to have overriding authority over the other Elders. As I have expressed in other threads here, I am of the mind that although there is a recognizable difference among the Eldership in regard to the gifts of the Spirit, they are nonetheless EQUAL. And when the ideal is practiced as I believe it should be, then there is a far better opportunity for larger churches to be ministered to effectively and personally by those who are given to shepherd them.

In His grace,