Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

CHURCH POLITY AND DEMOCRACY

It is reliably reported that the practice of Baptist churches contributed much to the framing of freedom in this country. It is a blessing to live in a democratic republic; to bask in its freedom, and participate in major decisions through choosing elected officials; to exercise freedom of speech to express disapproval and grievance. I am glad Baptist churches were influential to that degree in the early days.

However, it appears many folks have allowed time to weave a reversal of that process which is not good. Here is what is meant. Many Baptist churches get their religion and politics mixed up. They practice congregational rule in conducting their affairs, but the church is not a democracy. It does NOT have the right to do wrong. Neither is the Lord’s church a republic.

Church members may exercise their God-given privilege to pray, and cast a vote in the selection of a pastor, and other leaders as such needs arise, but that does not extrapolate into being lords of the church for either the congregation or the leaders they choose to guide them. The church of the Lord Jesus Christ is local only, and it is a Theocracy! It is not the people who are the final voice or vote in kingdom affairs, it is God Who alone is sovereign, and Whose Word will be the final judge of men, of churches, and of nations, too. Jesus plainly taught, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5.

Pastors have a heavy responsibility to teach this to the church whom the Holy Spirit has allowed them to serve. They must also make uncomfortable decisions incumbent upon pastoral ministry to stand against any congregational vote or expressed desire to do or to be what the Bible teaches against. It may mean the end of pastoral service to that church, but if this is not done, it may well signal the end of that church’s relationship with the Lord, including its pastoral ministry.

When the statement is made that “The Bible is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice,” it should be made with deep conviction and knowledge upon which one can stand through all the spiritual storms that Satan may create. This is called leadership. The truth is that men are sinners. The only good thing they may be or do is that which is in complete accord with God’s Word.

FOR THOUGHT: Does the above article seem to lean very heavily on the Bible for answers in faith and practice? If so, that is intended! How do you make decisions about life, and spiritual things particularly? Do you seek to

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