r and ask myself the same question. The answer is always no. Over the course of the next week or so I’m going to share five short stories from the past two weeks.
Our first 3 days were spent in the meetings for the leaders (Pastors, Teachers, Prophets, Evangelists, and Apostolic leaders). All of which are caring for churches all over the world. Andrew along 10 or so close friends, many of which he’s known for 20+ years, flew in from all over the world for one purpose, to do church together. Andrew is like a father to many of these men. They do this periodically throughout the year.
We met in a small room in the downstairs of the church building. In total there was probably only 20 of us in the room. No congregation if that makes sense, we were the congregation; the leaders themselves were the congregation. We the students just happened to be there. They lead worship, they preached, but they preached to themselves. They gave 15-20 minute sermons. They gave prophetic words in turn. The sermons were potent and challenging but full of love and wisdom. Everything was done in perfect order! The greatest component of order that I saw take place was the flexibility to let God have his way. They sacrificed their agenda and flowed with whatever God was doing that day! We were done when we were done, no timetable really. I have never seen the 5 offices (pastor, evangelist, prophet, teacher, and Apostle) of the church so clearly represented, and in such order.
It seems that many people believe that the Pastor of a Church is the leader or main figure. Why is that, and how is that Biblical? After doing church with these men/women it was so clear of what so many people are missing out on. Catch my heart! A Pastor who Pastors a church is not wrong. But, I will say there’s more than just that! A pastor is one piece of the body. To make a body we need all pieces!
My Joy in Portugal came from hanging with friends old and young and doing Church together, whether that was in a building or at the kitchen table.
I‘ve learned something interesting during my studies in Spain. Did you know that the original translation for the Greek and Hebrew term for church in the Bible is “The called out ones.” It’s interesting that we call buildings churches- when they are nothing more than stone and wood.
