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The Congregational Context of Church Leadership
Perspectives in Tension
Dispute
- If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he
listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen
to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or
three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. If he refuses to listen
to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the
church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector (Matt 18:15-18).
- The final court of appeal here is not the local elders, much less
is it a regional synod or national assembly. The last court is the
local congregation. "Tell it to the church."
- Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a
complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native
Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving
of food. So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and
said "It is not desirable that we should neglect the word of God
in order to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, select from among you
seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we may
put in charge of this task…." The statement found approval with
the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen… (Acts 6:1-5).
- The dispute is brought to the Apostles, and the Apostles share their
wisdom as to what course of action should be taken. But it is the
congregation who performs the action of resolving the dispute by appointing
deacons to serve the tables. The Apostles intentionally hand over
the responsibility of resolution to the assembled congregation.
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