A van day in the Vegas Valley turned into a couple weeks, full of … people. That’s wonderful! Peeps are the touch-point of living. Don’t miss that nugget, like I have.
So, I drove from Lake Mead to the Middle Grandson’s soccer tournament where I meet up with Jen, Sarah, and Frank (all fam). That turned into encouraging young River onward, scheduling a fellowship lunch (with Frank), a holy haircut (Jen), and Sarah wants me to walk her through Campfire Wisdom. Excellent!
Okay then, I’m up for a bit more time personally engaging and edifying some of Father’s woolly flock. What could be better? And the smog is mostly gone!
Added to this mix of activities was prayer and long-distance encouragement for my first born as she sees to the re-launching of her first born. Yikes! Also, I checked up on Victoria who attempted of all things … a 40 day fast?? Also, Taylor was confronting some nagging social trauma, and I was at least a soundboard. Mac phoned in for his regular howdy and we discussed his shock about some local “theologians” placing unfounded limits on The Almighty One. He was incensed, but I told him he had the truth on his side. Eric (beloved brother in Christ) called to explain a practical revelation he received concerning The Keys (2 Peter 1:5-11), I heard him out with enthusiasm. So, I had Jonathan (my most recent brother) set up a Zoom call where us three discussed it at some length – like brothers in Christ ought do as we try to apply His Word.
I might as well plant a church and become a paid pastor for all these people, right? Perish the thought.
The preaching and teaching of the gospel of His kingdom is meant to be free, per Christ – freely ye have received, freely give. Matthew 10:8. This principle was meant to discourage grifters but encourage practical participation from every common believer. Paul, the Apostle, knew that it was a central frame from Christ set for the protection of the flock, so Paul resisted the heavy pressure to become a paid preacher, 1 Corinthians 9. But leader types (burdening wolves) knew better and here we are 2,000 years later with 33,089 so-called Christian denominations per Google. What a mess – even the best of them! Nests in the branches of His Kingdom. Foul fowls. Invaders. Mark 4:30-32.
At most, Christ’s flock should have grown naturally into a worldwide network of small group fellowships – people living normal life, but for Christ, with hearts set on The Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), The Principles (Hebrews 6:1-3), The Keys (2 Peter 1:5-11), and some Heavenly Hope (like maybe Draw Me Away!).
The governance of this body of believers should come from Christ alone as head, with local godly elders facilitating each home group. Bishops (regional overseers) yes, but only to guide elders to remain planted in Christ, since “the faith … was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 1:3. No need for new doctrines, or buildings, or pews, or man-made programs, and no paid pastor incessantly casting a personal vision like a net on God’s flock.
Just imagine The Spirit set free in The Body. Not the crazy antics we see in modern so-called Spirit-led churches, but honest hearts hungering for fruit, relationship, truth.
But yeah, I’m a shepherd too … without the foolish thoughts of hierarchy, titles, money, or any other strings. And I plan to keep it that way (should be easy). Because, once a salary then a hireling, and a pew makes mostly for a dulled spectator. No church-hurt here either, because I never put my faith into any brand or visionary. But with 50 years of flawed experience in Christ, and at 66 years young, I see the modern “church” as basically anti-Christ. Yet, a cross or such on a street corner may still draw out a soul, like Paul also said.
“What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, – Philippians 1:18
Full disclosure: my stellar son in law is a paid pastor, a good one, I think. So, the topic is somewhat complicated for me. But anyway, I hope all this puts a bow on the promise from my last blog to address “church”. And I hope He draws you into a honest, Christ centered, home fellowship.
You may be thinking, who then will steer the big ship? Christ. The flock doesn’t need leaders who aim to replace The Shepherd. The flock needs to get busy edifying every other woolly relative. And warn them about the wolves.
Circling back to van-life, I’ll be here loving on peeps for another week at least as I am now waiting for auto parts – of all things, steering parts – Rack and Pinion – under warranty.
Photo Credit: The Church Trap. Rebekah Waites, 2013 Burning Man Festival, Black Rock Desert, Nevada.