Premise

[Cal]

Originally Posted by Peter Debelak

What if the new "project" was not about the "direction of the group" or the "purpose of the congregation," but rather the nurturing of each member to know the Lord's voice in their lives, even when that is inconsistent with the "vision" of the group??? Is it even possible that the Lord would lead individuals to do a work outside the work of the congregation? If so, should "leaders" encourage it? If so, how? Shouldn't it be encouraged, if at all, before its the case - rather than "ratifying" it after the fact? If so, what sort of teaching or method should "leaders" take up to encourage the individaul pursuit of the Lord? And again, if we believe in His operation, simply encouraging believers to follow His leading does not mean we aren't encouraging a "group purpose" - except that it will be one out from the Head, rather than one the leaders decided upon.

I want to address these questions of Peter's.

I think it is absolutely reasonble to expect that a Christian within a group might get a calling from the Lord that takes him in a direction which the group might not be emphasizing. How else is the Lord going to get things started?

The idea that the elders of a church can veto any burden a believer has is something that is not even considered in most typical churches. It only has any meaning in the LC churches because they've gotten it into their heads that their elders have jurisdiction over the whole city. In more typical churches the leaders generally don't think that highly of themselves. So, for example, if you felt called to begin a particular ministry, most would probably give you some advice, but wouldn't presume to tell you "no." How could they when their jurisdiction stops at the edge of their property line?

Of course, if you want to do something that is going to directly change the way their congregation does things, then they can veto that, and should if they think it's a bad idea. Leaders cannot stop you from serving the Lord the way you feel to outside the congregation, but neither are they obligated to give you a platform within the congregation.

The leaders at the church I meet with are always encouraging us to find new ways to serve the Lord and minister. But this doesn't mean they have to endorse every idea that comes along, just that they don't presume to veto anything. They trust the Lord to lead and to bless what is of Him.