So, here's my
monologue to attempt to explain my thoughts (perhaps its best to read my explanation of "
entailment" here, before reading this):
I’ve done much of my posting by asking provocative (or, alternatively, naïve) questions. So, my arguments have been more
responding to things rather than
arguing for something (that is, an attempt to be a bit more "practical", as
Igzy would emphasize). Here’s an attempt at explaining a “working theory” of mine. Emphasis on “working” not on "theory" (since I think it is not altogether impractical). Open to correction, etc…
The “assembly” is simply an occasion where Christians get together. At a coffee shop, in a Bible study, in a meeting of praise and worship and/or teaching. It is the venue for fellowship and mutual edification.
That’s it.
Within that venue all sorts of talents and temporary roles will rise up: teachers, comforters, wise sages, practical-minded ones. With each role and as needs arise, “submit to one another” will be a governing principle. The gathering is then an outgrowth of individuals following the Lord. Each one needs teaching, needs leading, needs comfort, need encouragement, as well as will be prompted to employ their God-given talents – but often in different ways at different times.
This approach, which doesn’t “box in” the notion of “assembly” allows these needs to be met as the Lord leads. This may most often simply take the form of individuals “joining” a “formal group,” but by framing and emphasizing it differently, is leaves open the room from God’s alternative moving, planning, will.
Now, some will ask: what about the great commission? What about the “work” of God’s kingdom?
Of course there will be “work” and “missions” and “agendas.” But here’s the question:
from where do they originate?
I submit that “agendas” or particular “missions” originate from God to individual believers. God prompts someone to pursue a particular work. He may prompt others to do the same, and may even do so through others. But it still comes as a “commission” that is personal and has individual accountability to God. God doesn’t commission a group to do anything (a bold claim, I know, but I think the Scripture supports this). Yes, many joined the work Hudson Taylor or George Mueller were commissioned to do, but they themselves were accountable for their work, not "the group."
When individual believers receive such a “leading” or “commission,” they may share this in fellowship with others or with a larger “assembly.” That may prompt others to join in that work. But that is not the same, nor should it be confused with, “work of the assembly.” The assembly and its “purpose” is entirely different – that is, simply mutual edification, praise and worship. The “work” is given by God to individual believers, who may or may not be joined by others. You may have “group work” – but only because each individual has been so lead – NOT because they are involved simply by their “membership” in a group which "collectively
chose" to take on some work (if this seems odd to you, think about the "accountability" for the work and who is responsible. Try to tease that out and it might be clearer).
To me, this aligns with the New Testament record and teaching. It also cabins in the historically common occurrence of group members “just going along with the group agenda” consciously or not.
It is an attempt to focus the assembly on what it is for – mutual edification – and focus “work” in a way that has clearer accountability to the Spirit within each believer.
On the surface, this may not appear different than current practice in mainstream Christianity – but I think it is radically different
spiritually.
In this way, it is NOT the same as the LC which IS a PARTICULAR GROUP which lays claim to the “ideal.” In fact, this approach is an explicit rejection to the notion that a PARTICULAR GROUP can monopolize the “ideal.” It gives room to the individual believer who feels lead to remain in the group of his youth – such as Lutheranism – who, while recognizing its shortcomings, nevertheless says “This is where God wants and needs me.” And it ALSO gives freedom to the individual who, at a particular point in life, doesn’t have a PARTICULAR group with whom he meets – but who NEVERTHELESS has robust fellowship and accountability in numerous ad hoc ways.
Thoughts?
Peter