Well, thanks for this thread, my sisterscribe!
The first thing that comes to mind is this scripture:
And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were ALL filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them ALL . For there was not a needy person among them, for ALLwho were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles' feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.
hey, while I'm at it, let's look at the other one..... (the former from Acts 4 and the latter from Acts 2):
They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and MANY WONDERS AND SIGNS were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
I think the governmental structure the Lord set up would be good - apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evanglists - with everyone free to manifest the anointing of the Holy Spirit as He sees fit. I believe apostles and pastors are given by God as leaders for the congregations, and when they are not allowed for whatever reason to function in their full authority, the results are not good.
I believe it would be good for some people (apostles, etc, see above, also musicians and intercessors) to be set aside for the work of ministry, and that the others in the church should support them. The Lord recently had me studying the Levites and their portion; this concept seems good to me.
I believe that the main function of the pastors is to feed the flock in terms of preaching / teaching the Word, to teach them to feed themselves, and to guide them to function to their greatest capacity as a group and as individuals. Tall order. I think it's fine for them to delegate this responsibility from time to time, especially in the interest of training up new pastors out of the pool of newer believers and also when the Lord gives a message of teaching or prophecy or exhortation to another member of the congregation.
I think it's most important for someone to direct the spiritual traffic, so to speak, especially when there are many who desire to move in the spiritual gifts (as we should), and this falls often to either the pastor or the worship leader, or to both of them as a team.
WORSHIP of our Lord and King is something that I find very important, not only in gatherings of the congregation but also on an individual basis, and we can learn new songs and new ways of worshiping by attending larger meetings where worship is lead by several skilled people with a heart to magnify Christ.
I think it's important to gather not only with people of our own age and socioeconomic status and race etc, but also to gather in a more diverse group. When people "don't attend church", they often avoid true Christian fellowship and iron-sharpening-iron relationships with people who are not like themselves.
I think I'll shut up before I make this too long, let someone who's not like me talk, haha.....
blessings
tal
