Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter Debelak
What I do see is that God commissions individuals with particular ministries, which are related to but definitely distinct from assembly. Sure, others might join that ministry – in which case they do need to submit to the one to whom the ministry was commissioned. That’s not the same as the assembly.
So, before I get any deeper, are you at least following my argument about agency (whether or not you agree with it)?
Thanks for your patience,
Peter
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I don't believe the group is an entity, but there are dynamics in groups which make them seem like they are entities. That's just a fact of group dynamics. Regardless, God created corporateness and expects us to participate in it in some fashion. And if that means dealing with these confusing ideas then that's just what we are going to have to deal with.
I disagree that dealing with an assembly as opposed to a ministry is that different. I think the principles are the same. You are dealing with God's people. That means if you join in you should be a team player. By that I mean you shouldn't join any group of Christians, church or ministry, thinking "What's in this for me?" You should be thinking, "How can I fulfill God's commission while I'm associated with this group?" This doesn't mean that we don't put God's call on our lives first. Just that I think the way God works is that his call on any of us usually meshes easily with cooperating with groups of Christians.
As to "joining" a church in order to sign onto its mission, I don't think that is necessary. I just think wherever you find yourself with other Christians you find a way to contribute. When we are associated long-term with a group we tend to become identified with that group. But I don't there's anything wrong with that. It's just human nature. So long-term it seems like we've "joined" and "signed-on." Whether we have or haven't really doesn't matter in the sense of defining it as such.
At the same time, I think holding back in order to preserve your independence is artificial, and a little sad. It seems to spring from fear. Though for many it's understandable. There's nothing wrong with participating in some local team spirit. It's normal to want to feel a part of things. Again, it's human nature. If that means "joining" in the mind of someone, what wrong with that?