OPERATING A CHURCH WITHOUT A PASTOR (2)

0. Introduction

a) Can a church start WITHOUT an "ordained" person, be they a Pastor, Priest or Minister, present to lead the group? Are there certain functions and ceremonies within the church that should only be performed by those who receive a salary to serve? Below are several common practices and services that Christian churches commonly perform and how they can be handled by small groups and fellowships.

1. Handling disagreements God's way

a) Hopefully, all Christians would like to resolve all disagreements in the way that God would resolve them. Indeed, many times Christians will pray together and when they feel that they have received an answer from God, they abide by it. But when God does not give an answer (sometimes He lets us decide), then we need a godly method to solve the issue. How can a "method" produce a right decision? Do not one or both people have to make the right decision? The answer to that is "yes", but a right method can increase the chances of making a "right decision" and provide peace to the individuals involved - even when a wrong decision is made. This method works for personal problems, other's misbehaved children, doctrinal problems, church organization issues and even some serious crimes. Below is a fictional example of what might happen if Paul went to Peter about a sin.

Matthew 18
Result if
Paul is Right
Result if
Peter is Right
"So then, if your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault between you and him alone. If he is willing to hear you, you have gained your brother." (verse 15)
Paul must take he first step and go to Peter if he expects any kind of resolution. If Peter listens and agrees to change, the problem is solved. Otherwise, they will proceed to the next step.
A great many problems are solved by communication. If Peter listens to Paul, but then shows Paul how his complaint was wrong, then the problem is over. Otherwise, they will go on to the next step
The prospect of other people becoming involved in a disagreement
often causes people to think again about whether they are right or not.
"But if he will not listen, take with you one or two others, so that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." (verse 16)
Hopefully, the "others" will see the truth of the issue and be able to convince Peter to change. If Peter does not listen, or if the "others" cannot see that Paul is right, even though they should, then they will go to the next step.
Since Paul chose the "others", it is more likely that they will agree with him. But if they are believers, they should hear both sides and try to be just. If Peter can show the "others" that he is right, the disagreement will be ended.
The possibility of an entire congregation becoming involved and the
embarrassment of many seeing one's mistakes makes everyone think.
"And if he fails to listen to them, tell it to the church. But if he also fails to listen to the church, let him be to you as the heathen and the tax collector."  (verse 17)
This is the third time that Peter has been shown his fault. If he finally understands it, he can confess it to the congregation, be forgiven and continue in peace. If he still disagrees, he will have to leave the congregation and will hopefully not cause trouble any more. If necessary, Paul can treat him like an unbeliever and take him to a civil court.
Hopefully, the congregation will be able to see that Peter is right. They might also decide that the issue is not worth dividing over and advise both Paul and Peter to let it rest. If they erroneously decide that Peter must either give in to Paul's demands or leave, then, even though it is unjust, it may be best that Peter does leave this group that so poorly judged him.

A Christian who goes through the above process can feel
confident that he has done what God has commanded. 

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