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 In
the past ten issues of Plain Talk this page has been devoted to
the historical background of the restoration movement, with
particular emphasis upon congregational independence. We believe
genuine congregational independence is absolutely essential if
we are to avoid denominationalism; and of paramount importance
if we are to avoid sectarianism. But history indicates that
while many efforts have been made to avoid the abuses of
centralized government, little attention has. been given to the
centralizing structure that makes a centralized
government necessary.
Ten
mules, each pulling its own load, need only single harness each.
Ten churches, each doing its own work with its own resources,
need only its elders, serving their own flock. When two mules
are hitched to the same wagon, a double harness is necessary. A
“super-government” is needed, so that their work can be
coordinated. When two or more churches are “hitched” to the
same load — work as a “team” on the same project —
harness is needed that fits the team. This is where we
have our problems. Some say the elders of one church can become
the harness, the means of coordinating and directing the efforts
of all of these churches (in the given project). Others say an
executive board may be selected for this job; while others say a
benevolent or evangelistic organization, with charter and board,
may serve in this capacity.
No
one seems to want to tackle the problem of giving Bible
authority for the combine. If we never put two or more
mules together as a team, we would not need to argue about what
type of harness should be
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used. And if we could be content to let
each church do its own work, with its own resources, under its
own overseers; there would be no argument here —- no
possibility of abuse of power.
Two
men, each with a mule and a “Fresno,” may “co-operate”
in digging a pond, and never need a double harness. Each works
in keeping with his own ability, under his own oversight, but
toward a common goal. Two churches may thus support the same
evangelist; or send alms to the same dependent (in a condition
of ‘want’) church (2 Cor. 11:8 8:1-14). Problems of
super-government (double or larger harness) arise only when the
mules, or churches, are hitched together and made to work as a
“team” on some project. Surely we can understand this.
We
find a pattern for independent congregational government
— and can not seem to realize that we have, at the same time
and in the same place, found the pattern for independent church structure.
We find no N.T. instructions or pattern for multi-church
government for the simple reason that multi-church structure
was never intended. The two (government and structure) are
inseparably related. New Testament congregational
independence rests the twin principles of structure and polity.
“Team
work gets more work done,” we are told. This begs the question
of Bible authority, or questions divine wisdom. Let us do God’s
work in God’s way; or cease our futile claim to be God’s
people.
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