A Change In The Administration of the Ekklesia

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God: whose faith follow considering the end of their conversation. [Heb. 13:7]

The concept of ruling and guiding are quite different. God appoints shepherding guides, not dictators. This verse does not point to a rulership over God's flock, but instead points to those who lead or guide the flock of God. How are they to lead or guide God's heritage? These guides have, “spoken unto you the Word of God.” They lead God's Flock by the staff of God's Word. Not only this, they are to lead by example. The Word instructs us that we are to follow their faith, "considering the end of their conversation." We are to keep in mind those who have led the flock, by the Word of God and by example, as they live the Word of God.

This is no blind allegiance to a spiritual ruler, but is considering the result of their manner of life, and following their example. Paul puts it this way, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." [1 Cor. 11:1]

The next verse that exhorts us to obey those who have the rule over us is found in Heb. 13:17. It says,

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you.

Here, obey simply means to listen and follow. The phrase them that have the rule over you, is the same word used back in verse seven. Notice also the idea of the shepherd's accounting of the sheep, is brought out in this verse. Verses seven and seventeen point to the same function, that of guide or leader. We are to listen and follow, yielding ourselves to those who lead us. The reason for this submission is because they watch for our souls, as those who must give an account.

Truly, the function of shepherd can be a rather thankless task, in this life. Many of the sheep do not truly appreciate how those who lead, watch for their souls. The term watch is rather interesting. It means to be sleepless. The leaders of the flock are sleepless on our behalf, that is, those who are truly tending the flock. They are sleepless, due to the fact that there are many adversaries that would take advantage of the sheep, and devour those they can.

It is obvious from these and other Scriptures, that those who have been called to lead the flock of God are to be honored. We are to follow them as they follow the LORD. But this does not mean we are to blindly follow these guides. We are not to accept their authority, based simply upon the man himself, but their authority is based in the Word of God. That is, the Word of God is the final and ultimate authority for every leader and for those who follow.

When the shift occurred from apostolic shepherding to a hierarchy of leaders of the Gentile persuasion, these terms, elder/bishop, were made into different levels of authority in the Church. And in the Western/Roman Church others were added that had no foundation in the Scriptures at all, such as pope, cardinal, etc., but were grounded more in the old mystery religion of Babylon. This Western Church retained some of the names of the previous administration, but gave them totally different applications. To be true to the administration of Jesus, we must reclaim that which he established, and leave off that which He warned against.

However, a dark spirit influenced the rulers of this new class, rather than that which was set forth by the ministry of Jesus and the example lived out by his apostolic shepherds. Even those who say that they have protested (Protestants) against this pattern of shepherding have to varying measures continued its practice. This continued practice is seen where shepherds demand that the sheep recognize their authority and submit. The truth of the matter is, if you have to continually tell people that you have authority, then in reality, you have none.

Gene Edwards, in his book, A Tale of Three Kings, (which is heartily recommended) speaking through the personality of one of David's mighty men, says,

"Men who harp on authority only prove they have none. And kings who make speeches about submission only betray twin fears in their hearts: They are not certain they are really true leaders, sent of God. And they live in mortal fear of a rebellion."

True shepherding authority, comes from leading the sheep after the manner of the Great Shepherd, not after the spirit of the hireling.

Let me clarify a necessary point. Most of today's shepherds are men who are seeking to fulfill their office with honor. If there is any discrepancy in their method or attitude of pastoring, it is usually due to the fact that it has been taught them. A man, who seeks to please the Shepherd of the sheep, does not consciously set out to lord it over God's heritage. They have fallen prey to the influence of this new dynasty. They are a victim of this insidious spirit, as well as being the perpetrator of it. It is necessary for each pastor to understand, that the flock that God has given him oversight of, is not his but God's. The Great Shepherd has entrusted him with the care of His sheep, and he will give an account of how he cared for and watch over them. However, to those who rule the flock of God with a heavy hand, it will be required of you.

One of the greatest needs among our elders today, is for us to regain a vision of the Kingdom of God. Instead of seeking the welfare of His Kingdom, many seek to build their own kingdom, which they call their ministry. They become little pharaohs, using the people of God to build their own dynasties, instead of the Kingdom of God. If we truly had the Kingdom of God in focus, then the Baptist Church on the corner, would glorify God when the Pentecostal Church down the road is blessed with souls and vice versa. We have so fractured the Body, and pitted the members, one against the other, that we are devoured of each other (Gal. 5).

Another evidence of this dark spirit is when we become indignant if “our” people are not at “Church", every time the doors are open. We take it as a personal affront. When will we begin to be mature enough to realize, that a person's spiritual maturity and health is not determined by the number of times they attend our services? There are many who are "in Church" every time there is something going on, and are not better for it, but the worse. Paul saw this in the Corinthian Church, when he said in I Cor. 11, "...ye come together not for the better, but for the worse."

We need to stop with this fleshly standard, and begin to realize that the true measure of spirituality is how much does one reflect the person of Jesus, not how many holes are punched in their religious timecard. The body of Jesus desperately needs men who will "perfect" the saints, or literally, mend them, not divide them further. We must keep focused on the Kingdom of God, for this was the message of Jesus and his followers.