I want nothing to do with organized religion!

Listen along here:  https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/1c836ae2/i-want-nothing...

Having said my favorite conversations with strangers revolve around faith, there are several 'objections to faith' I often hear, but chief among them is, "I want nothing to do with organized religion." In conversations of substance, words must be parsed - so, we ought stumble on the word 'organized'. Does that mean the person would consider a religion that was disorganized? hmmm... No, it is not that religion is organized that is objectionable, so we must ask a clarifying question, then listen.

Once again, Scripture is a way pointer.

Come with me back to first century Jerusalem, where God has added to the young church's numbers and then multiplied them! He actually subtracted with Ananias and Sapphira, but in Acts 6, we see division--only not by God--as God never divides, but from within. 

To say the burgeoning number of believers has created a stir would be an understatement! The backs of the 12 apostles are breaking, doing all of the teaching and pastoral care--including administering food and funds amongst them. [Bear in mind that these people are being persecuted, losing their jobs, with no way to feed themselves--so food distribution would be critical] Unfortunately, congregational murmuring has grown to grumbling, and from grumbling to loud complaining. Because that is helpful.

The apostles' response is both remarkable and significant. First they get a grasp of where the problem lies... Instead of letting things fester, they call a meeting to address the problem - just. like. that. They do not rush to judgment without observing, asking and listening to both sides; this is key where dissension or problems in community arise. And then, I love how the apostolic leaders employ what they learned about leadership from the Lord! After all, Jesus chose the 12, poured into them and mentored them for three and a half years. These men are the product of team leadership, servant leadership in practice. 

They know what their God-given priority is: teaching the Word of God and leading in prayer. Great life principles emerge from this passage as we learn from these men to keep the main thing, 'the main thing.' 

Notice that the apostles involve the community in the selection of seven men to serve them, but they do not allow the community to decide on the criteria for the selection of the seven. In order to be chosen, the men would have to be "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit." That alone is interesting--remember the seven were primarily chosen to distribute food, act like administrators . . . why would they need to be full of faith and the Holy Spirit for that? Let's break it down a little further. 

The seven leaders need be:

1) Known from their sphere of influence­, 2) Men who could serve on a team,

3) Trusted among the people , 4) Empowered for the task - "full of the Holy Spirit"

5) Competent and intelligent - "full of wisdom"

6) Responsible - "whom we may account over this business" Acts 6.1-7

So, seven are chosen and the people are pleased. The apostles "commission" them before the church, laying their hands on them and praying for them--the model for church leadership today who 'set apart' those called to serve in various ministerial roles, whether on the mission field, deacon boards (like this first seven), the priesthood, or leading another church ministry.

What happens as a result? The Gospel message flourishes.

The good news of Jesus Christ spreads out even further, and rapidly!

The Church is meant to be orderly . . . it thrives when well organized. When those who have the spiritual gift of administration serve the folks in the body, when those with the gift of hospitality use their gift to welcome and serve people, etc., it frees the ministers to do the work of teaching and leading, and it is a beautiful thing.

So when someone tells you they have had it with "organized religion",

ask the next question: 'what do you mean by that?' Likely, their issue is with the hypocrisy they have seen in Christians or 'the Church' or something else entirely. How to respond--ask the next question, show your concern, but then tell them your experience, why faith in Jesus has changed your life. Remember, Jesus called us to be his witnesses - that is, to tell others what we have seen and experienced.

Organized religion? That is not the point. Jesus Christ, relationship with him - now we're talking. After that? Yes, of course, finding a place of worship that has strong leadership, ready to lead people into greater knowledge of God and the Scripture, which informs us of him and all of his ways.

Organized religion? No, I don't want much to do with 'religion' unless it is in an organized community of believers--okay, call it the church--that worships God, seeking to know Him and walk with him each day.

So, maybe I do want organization, and in the church - just not so interested in religion.

"What if?" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hALN_U_Vcow&list=RDhALN_U_Vcow&a...

Love to you,

Christine - PastorWoman.net

Acts, no.21