We talk about servanthood and sacrifice but there is always the temptation to accumulate wealth and prestige.
In order to accumulate wealth and prestige you must make people happy—especially people who already have some wealth and prestige.
These people hold power over the whole Church. They, by virtue of their status, are responsible for the Church’s success—and its failure. Don’t wait for them to admit it.
We are now watching the celebration of power, in its highest Christian form, with the activities in Rome.
But the Roman Catholic Church is not alone. Most church bodies are tempted to organize around power.
It’s funny. All this power doesn’t seem to help the Church grow.
Living within a power structure causes the people of God to look over their shoulders. The smallest idea or initiative, regardless of its potential, is likely to die before it can be tested.
An individual brings an idea to a committee.
The committee has to check with its version of elders.
The elders have to check with the pastor.
The pastor has to check with the bishop.
The bishop doesn’t have time.
Everyone promises to pray.
Nothing happens.
Perhaps one definition of “saint” is a Christian who steps outside this power structure and gets something done.
There is a lot of talk in the church today about power. There is even more posturing.
Constitutions are dusted off. It’s easy to find the denomination’s favorite passage that at first glance gives the bishop and synod council powers over individual congregations. Its pages are well-worn. The sections that support the current desire of leaders are easily quoted from memory. All other sections or even sections that further define the powers are ignored.
The constitutions define very specific powers and they are all to be read in the context of the church’s founding document — The Articles of Incorporation. Very few people in the church ever read these foundational documents. This includes bishops and synod councils. Delegates at Synod Assemblies don’t give them a moment’s thought. Does anyone at a Synod Assembly stand up and ask if they have the power to take votes on some issues?
The Articles of Incorporation define the scope of responsibility. They set the rules for the writing of constitutions and the altering of constitutions over the years. If they are never read, there is a danger of writing new church bylaws that conflict with founding documents. This has created the backdrop for church legal issues, including the ones the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod (SEPA) faces with Redeemer, that little passionate church in East Falls, Philadelphia.
Bishop Claire Burkat reviews the constitution and finds the powers she seeks. She probably cited them to the other churches she closed with less trouble. No one challenged her.
She declared way back in 2008 (or even earlier). “I have the power to close that church and I intend to close it.”
Maybe she does. Maybe she doesn’t. The courts didn’t rule that she does. They deferred to the church to make that decision. In making that decision the church must follow its rules — which most people in the church have never read.
Five powers vested in the church
Let’s not argue any more about it. Putting all constitutions aside, we know very well that the bishop has significant power — should she decide to use it.
Let’s just look at powers the bishop and church leaders have.
Where would we be today if Bishop Burkat had cited the following powers?
“I have the power to help that church and I intend to help them.”
“I have the power to love Redeemer’s people and I intend to love them.”
“I have the power to forgive the people of this synod who disagree and I intend to forgive them.”
“I have the power to reconcile with the member churches of this synod who are unhappy and I intend to reconcile.”
“I have the power to be a peacemaker, if I value peace over acrimony.”
These are the powers given to Bishop Burkat and all the members of SEPA Synod as defined in our founding documents: the Books of the Bible.
Let’s dust them off for a change.
21 Jan 2013
Undercover Bishop: A Parable for Today’s Church
Join Bishop Ruby Kinisa as she visits small churches "under cover" to learn what people would never share if they knew they were talking to their bishop.
Undercover Bishop will always be available in PDF form on 2x2virtualchurch.com for FREE.
Print or Kindle copies are available on Amazon.com.
For bulk copies, please contact 2x2: creation@dca.net.
Contact Info
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at
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or 215 605 8774
Redeemer’s Prayer
We were all once strangers, the weakest, the outcasts, until someone came to our defense, included us, empowered us, reconciled us (1 Cor. 2; Eph. 2).
2×2 Sections
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On Isaiah 30:15b
Be calm. Wait. Wait. Commit your cause to God. He will make it succeed. Look for Him a little at a time. Wait. Wait. But since this waiting seems long to the flesh and appears like death, the flesh always wavers. But keep faith. Patience will overcome wickedness.
—Martin Luther
