I would like to respond to the article in the July 8 edition concerning church control (“Church control is top reason for forced pastor terminations in S.C.”). I realize that my comments may not be well received by most preachers, but, after prayer and thought, I feel led to respond.
While serving on the Executive Board of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, I often heard comments among preachers about controlling deacons, finance committees and nominating committees. If this could be done, the church could be controlled.
It seems that we all should consider what the church is, who it belongs to, and, therefore, who “controls” it.
I refer to John 21:17: “He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things, You know that I love You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’?”
The primary responsibility of the preacher is to teach the word of God, not as a tyrant or a dictator, but in love for his flock. Acts 1-10 gives evidence of Peter’s obedience.
According to Ephesians 1:22, Christ is clearly the head because all things have been placed under his feet. I would also refer to Ephesians 4:15 and 5:24a, as well as Colossians 1:18, which states: “And He is the head of the body, the church: Who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He may have the preeminence.”
Based on these verses, I believe it is clear who has control.
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