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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1987-01-28, Page 15From the Minister's Study THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 1987. PAGE 15. It's time to share power in churches BY THE REV. BONNIE LAMBLE WALTON-BLUEVALE PASTORAL CHARGE It is the time of year for annual meetings and taking stock of where we are in our church communities. Paul’s letters to the church at Corinth provide some good in­ sights into church life. In the first letter we find that the question of power and authority in the Corinthian church must have been a very important issue, for it is the first thing with which Paul deals after he finishes the custo­ mary greeting and thanksgiving. From reports brought to him, Paul had discovered that the people at Corinth were fighting about lead­ ers. They had divided thmselves into various camps who proclaimed that their own leader was best. “I belong to Paul.” ‘‘I belong to Brussels UCW holds meeting On January 20, the General meeting of the United Church Women met in the Church Parlour. Sixteen ladies were present. Betty Graber opened the meet­ ing with different verses of Psalms. Jean Bridge gave the secretary’s report. The treasurer’s report was read by Josie Carpentier. Jean Bridge read the correspondence. The slate of officers for 1987 was given by Cathy Workman. World Day of Prayer is March 6. Social Committee was appointed to see about lunch for the Old Boys in July. There will be a hot luncheon on Feb. 26. Appolos.” "I belong to Cephas.” Instead of finding their unity in Christ, the people were forming hero cults around their leaders. In some ways the situation in Corinth lent itself readily for this to happen. Although we know little about Apollos, Paul and Cephas were missionaries who travelled from place to place. They were in Corinth to minister in person for only a very short time .During their absence it would be very easy for leadership struggles to take place and for the church to become splintered. Paul realized that this church needed some guidance in how it handled power and author­ ity. Now our situation today is quite different. Normally, we do not have a number of itinerate leaders but rather we have one minister or priest. This person does not visit The program was turned over to Jeanette Boynton and Susan Gow- ing. The hymn, ‘‘Glorious Things of Thee are spoken ’ ’ was sung. The scripture 2 John was given by Jeanette Boynton. The ladies were divided into two groups to discuss ‘‘Whatitistobe United Church Women” and ‘‘What things can we do.” The ladies came together again and gave their thought. Susan Gowing gave a reading, ‘‘Celebration”. The hymn, “Joyful, Joyful” was sung. Jeanette Boynton lead in prayer. Luella Mitchell gave a vote of thanks to the lunch committee, Betty Graber and Cathy Workman. the charge once every few years but lives here among the church community. Is it possible then, for us to have the kind of problems that the church in Corinth faced? I would say yes. The Corinthian church had begun to put too much authority where it didn’t belong. We too, can do that. It is possible for a congregation to place too much authority and power in one person - the minister or priest. It comes rather easily to do so for we live in a culture that relies heavily on “the experts” to guide us. Wecan view our leader as “the expert” in the church. Now it is true that I, as minister, have some special training and educa­ tion in theology. That does give me some legitimate authority. But our community of faith is not '"“rely a group of theologians We ^re a group of people, -- a group of people who are God’s people. There are many experts within our midst. There are those who have lived a long time who by virtue of their own life experiences are experts in the business of living. There are those who have lived all their lives in this community who have very deep insights on what it means to be part of a rural community of faith. They have an understanding of the people which a minister who comes in from the outside, takes years to develop. There are those who have a great deal of experience in serving on committees and other organizations. They have authority by virtue of their administrative skills. There are experts of tender years who can reteach the adults about playfulness and the wonder of our world. There are those who know how to plan and work together to prepare and serve a delicious meal to 100 people at a time. There are those whose lives reflect a deep and abiding faith. What it all boils down to is that each of us in some particular way or another is an expert. That gives us all authority in the church com­ munity. So as we gather for our annual meetings, I make a plea that we share power as we seek to do God’s i Bly th Christian Reformed Church HIGHWAY 4, BLYTH Rev. Roger Gelwicks Worship Services 10:00a.m. and 2:30p.m. SundaySchool 11:00a.m. The Church of the “Back to God Hour”and “Faith 20” BacktoGod Hour 10:30a.m. CKNX, Sunday Faith20 5:00a.m. weekdays, GlobalT.V. ALL VISITORS WELCOME Orthodox Christian Reformed Church PLACE OF WORSHIP “ORANGE HALL” Maitland Avenue North, Listowel, Ont. Timeof worship 10:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Lunch time 12:00-12:40 [basementchurch building] MINISTER REV. CORNELISBRONSVELD Phone 291-2194 Lucknow 395-5868, Atwood 356-2315 will. The ministry of our churches belongs to all of us. There are exciting possibilities ahead for congregations and ministers who seek mutuality in ministry. And as Paul reminded the church in Corinth, the authority of church leaders is a relative thing. Our ultimate authority rests with JesusChristwhoseempty cross proclaims the power of life over death. As people who serve the risen Christ let us share in his power. Let us go forward together. 348-8412 Karcher, C.A. Newell, C.A. Ward & Uptigrove Chartered Accountants Listowel 291 -3040 Mitchell R.B. CD. R E. Uptigrove, C.A. C.W. Brouse, C.A. R.H. Loree, C.A. G.J. Martin. C.A. R. C. Roswell. C.A. Business Directory / Rammeloo Rest Home •Room available •24 hour care [nurse on staff] •Home cooked meals •$22.00 per day WHERECANYOU DO BETTER? 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