Chapter 42: Priests (ministers, pastors) today

I hope readers will forgive me for shooting from the proverbial hip and for a lack of in-depth Bible exposition. Almost 2-thousand years ago, the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed and that marked the end of the Aaronic priesthood. Yet many today carry the title of priest, even in Christian circles, and this despite, strictly speaking, there being no biblical sanction to call such people priests, other than in the context of the Priesthood of all Believers, which we considered in the previous chapter.

Church government and in particular who should be in leadership in churches and what their roles and responsibilities are / should be is a contentious subject. It is one where there is a wide range of views. Historically, it has caused major falling out among churches and pertinently denominations. I would like to start with a caveat that I have a view concerning some of the finer points of this debate and to an extent will be sharing my perspectives, but it is not my intention to push my views other than relate to what is taught in the Bible and the subject of this part of my book: “A Priestly People”.

Before I reflect on the subject of priests today, including under that umbrella not just those given the title priest in Catholic, Orthodox and High Anglican set-ups, but also ministers, pastors and even evangelists in non-conformity, with certain groups such as among the Christian Brethren that do not push any of these offices when it comes to church leadership. I would like first to refer to what Paul taught. While other New Testament writers expressed views, it is Paul who said most on the subject.

Regarding the offices to be in the church in New Testament times, Paul identified five when he wrote: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” Ephesians 5:11-13. Often when it comes to priests and ministers, they were expected to combine the roles of pastor and teacher, and sometimes evangelist, although many churches recognised that to be a specialist role.

Most churches today do not operate the office of apostle, although many do include senior ministers that ordain other ministers and those who plant churches, two functions that were specifically undertaken by apostles in New Testament times. Most do not recognise the office of prophet although some attach significance to the prophetic gift, especially when into exercising the sign gifts of the Spirit. One of the weaknesses in church life, in my view, and a reason for writing “Prophets of the Bible”, is while the priest role may be elevated, the opposite is often true of the prophet role. One lesson from the Old Testament was Israel enjoyed more of Gods blessings when priests and prophets operated in tandem. Sadly, some churches do not operate the office of Evangelist, given the preaching of the Gospel to all nations was what the church was especially commissioned to do.     

When we read of Paul’s missionary journeys, we find he appointed elders (referred to as bishops in the KJV) in some of the churches he established. As for qualifications: “This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil” 1Timothy 3:1-7

The office of deacon came about in Acts 6, when it became evident as the churches grew there was a need to appoint deacons to assist in some of the practical matters. As for the qualifications expected of a deacon, Paul makes it clear spiritual are needed besides practical ones when writing: “Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus” 1Timothy 3:8-13

An insight into Paul’s expectations when it comes to eldership is seen in one of his missionary journeys, summoning elders to meet him, sharing his story and what he deemed to be important: “And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church … Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them … I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive … “Acts 20:17,28-30,35

Some church groups, especially at the high end of the ecclesiological spectrum, teach apostolic succession whereby the successors to the Apostles in the New Testament appoint clergy. Others, particularly in Non-Conformist groups, appoint their ministers through democratic vote by church members, often linked to the one who is appointed having had the “right” theological training. Within Brethren circles (which I am particularly familiar), some groups, notably among the Exclusives do not appoint ministers, following the lead of J.N.Darby who taught that, since the church was in ruins, there can be no apostolic succession and as for democracy that is worldly concept anyway and one that the “saints” (members) would do well to steer clear off. While it was expected in Exclusive set-ups for members to come to a consensus as to how to proceed, often one person came to the fore and then dominated assembly life, and those who dissented were excommunicated. Often in Open assemblies, elders were appointed by the existing elders. Heavy shepherding though is not only to be found among the Exclusives but can often be seen in Pentecostal / Charismatic set-ups.

I mention this not to make a case on how I think elders / pastor-teachers should be appointed but rather to write what takes place and put forward a view this should not determine whether or not we associate with a particular church, based on how they practice church government. I also do so with a sense of pain as I have found too many believers giving up on church and one of the reasons is down to how churches are led (personality conflicts have ever been a recurring theme), for splits are often more about personality rather than process. Before I give my response to such folk (who I can often sympathise with), I would like to consider the roles and responsibilities of our post New Testament priest equivalent and return to the qualities I would like to see. Given this part of my book is about a priestly people, such considerations are relevant if we are going to enjoy God’s best.

One of the strengths of the Brethren movement (arguably there were weaknesses too) was their belief in the plurality of elders, a practice we see being increasingly taken on board by other denominations, as different members of the leadership team take on complementary roles in the running of the church, according to gifting etc. Too often, much that was done of significance in church life was initiated through the priest / minister. He (and these days she also) not only took on those functions of the Aaronic priesthood that are still applicable: such as leading worship, pastoral oversight and teaching / preaching. In addition, he / she would often be responsible for finance, fabric, administration, home and overseas mission and finding ways to reach out to a wide and diverse community, and even taking on the role as “chief cook and bottle washer”. While this may work after a manner for small congregations, clearly for larger ones something needs to give.

Then there is the teaching of the Body of Christ (1Corinthians 12) where each member is part of the Body (with Christ as the Head) with each having a part they could and should play, which if ignored would be to the detriment of the church as whole. Using the Old Testament example of the Priests and Levites, these were dedicated to the service of YHWH but the onus was on members of the not Levi tribes to support those who were. Too often priests / ministers are put on pedestals and expected to cope alone, with “the flock” ignoring their responsibilities when it comes to support. Sadly, cases of priest / minister burn out are many and, while it may be argued some of these were not truly called, I wonder how many fruitful ministries have been nipped in the bud as a result.    

I return to the subject of “priest” qualities that matter in the church context. It is true that our faith is in God rather than any priest, however gifted, but with reference to the subtitle of this book (bridging the gap between God and man) while Christ has bridged that gap through His atoning death on the Cross, any priest worth his / her salt will do no better service than that of empower members of the congregation to draw closer to God. Sadly, some enter the ministry for the wrong reasons and fail to do this. Sadly, many churches look no further than theological qualification by a denomination approved institution when making appointments. Sadly, many theological training colleges fail to equip those they are meant to train in this regard. Going back to the dedication of this book, I have named names of those who, while far from perfect (and some are in churches I would be unlikely to join), have gone some way in fulfilling this bridging the gap role. My prayer is God will raise up priests who truly have His anointing and do what Paul urged the elders of Ephesus do: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood”.

I would like to offer some words to those who are disillusioned with or have given up on church. For one thing, God has not given up on the Church (with a Big ‘C’ – His ekkelisa, the remnant of true believers) and neither should we. Christian fellowship is very important for a priestly people regardless of who is or appears to be “in charge” (although it should be Christ). I am not saying go to a church where Christ is dishonoured or important truths are denied, but my reading of the New Testament is Christians did meet regularly and worked together to extend the Kingdom and, while there is a time to speak and not to speak, I support anyone resisting calling evil good or lies truth. There is no such thing as a perfect church and all churches have strengths and weaknesses. We do well to remember we are called to love, forgive and forbear with one another.  

The Church is a mystery: “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God” Ephesians 3:9,10 and is God’s instrument to reach the world with the Gospel and oppose the powers of darkness. She is Christ’s holy bride who He will be wedded to when He returns: “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church” Ephesians 5:12. Finally, and significantly since a lot of this book is about the Tabernacle / Temple where the Aaronic priests operated, we are reminded “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” 1 Peter 2:5 and without being irreverent, while God no longer dwells in the Holy of holies, He does dwell in the Church, His spiritual home.  Despite using the word “sad” a number of times in this chapter, I am optimistic both for the Church and look to God to raise up priests / ministers to lead His Church.