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 Does
the church of Christ have an “hierarchy”?
Most brethren would give you a blank stare at that question; or
say, “Hmmmm, No, we don’t have any thing like that.”
Does
the church of Christ have a system of church government, with a
body of rulers having differing rank? To this question some
might ponder a bit, then say, “Well, the bishops are above the
deacons, if that’s what you mean.” A few hardy souls might
add, “Of course, that is just in the local church.”
Webster’s
says of “hierarchy: A body of rulers. especially of
ecclesiastics, (that means, in the church — rt) disposed
organically in ranks and orders each subordinate to the one
above it; also, such a system of church government or its
authority.”
There
is much discussion today re. the “elders” “rule” etc.,
and some seem ready to ignore God’s plan for qualified
leadership (1 Tim. 3: Ti. 1:) because of abuses they have seen,
or think they have seen, among bishops. On the other hand,
unlearned or careless brethren play right into the hands of
these majority rule advocates (and make no mistake about it —
a “common mind” or decision for action must be reached by
some means in order to have team action by talking about the “office”
of the elders or deacons in exactly the same way others speak of
their “hierarchy.”
In
1 Tim. 3:1 the K.J. translation, “If a man desire the office
of a bishop, he desireth a good work” — is an English version of
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seven (7) Greek words. Literally
they say, “If anyone oversight aspires to, a work he
desires.” (I have underlined to indicate the seven
words translated, as shown by Marshall’s Interlinear.) There
is no Greek for “office” here.
A
man who paints, is a painter, and “If anyone
painting aspires to, a good work he desires.” The “office”
(function, work) of painting, is an honorable work.
In
the same way, in 1 Tim. 3:10,13, “let them use the office of a
deacon” (eight words, KJ) is a translation of one Greek word,
“let them minister” or serve. (Vs. 13, “having
served” or “having ministered.”) There is no
justification for the “official” idea of a rank of capital
Bishop or Deacon in the church, local or otherwise.
A
quarterback is part of the football team, one of the players.
But he is one who has been judged qualified to call signals, and
do the work of a quarterback. He doesn’t make the rules of the
game; he functions, as a player, in keeping with the rules. So
also, the elders in a local church.
Jesus
said, “One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are
brethren” (Matt. 23:8) “All ye are brethren —” that
says. no hierarchy. No differing rank, just different
jobs to be done. No Clergy-laity distinctions — but all saints
are priests, “a holy and a royal priesthood”
(See 1 Pet. 2: 5,9) in keeping with our High Priest who is “after
the order of Melchisedec” both King and Priest. We plan to
have following articles on hierarchy and the sacerdotal system.
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