Simple Church Minute 14--size prevents heresy (not!)

14—size prevents heresy

My name is Tom; this is Simple Church Minute

            Do large churches and denominations prevent heresy?

            I would say no, and maybe, to a slight degree, promote it.  First, let us clarify what heresy is.  Heresy is incorrect doctrine, especially on the most basic doctrines, to the degree that people that hold such ideas are rejected from being considered part of true faith.  In our extremely inclusive society, the word is considered out-of-date, primitive, distasteful to even use.  In Western society, in conjures images of the Spanish Inquisition.

            There are a number of categories of heresies, I wish to mention two rarely mentioned as such.  The first is people who have come through the seminaries, do not believe the historic Christian faith, expect their salaries to come from the offerings of believers. They wish to not be in local church authority, but be in the academic and headquarters positions.  Right now we are beginning to see these institutions crumble, as the weight of their salaries and maintainence of their property is too much to be maintained as both believers and persons who don’t believe and no longer feel social pressure to stay both leave and stop financially contributing.

            A second group is headed by obvious, famous leaders.  Just maybe they have their theology right, but they teach in a little different or interesting way, and maintain an organization such that they are isolated from the everyday believer.  When this person appears in public, it is only when they control the agenda.  If any personal or theological problems occur, the solution is either a marketing blitz or going into hiding.  The Word says, when you see a brother in sin, go to him privately.  Getting to talk to this person is as difficult as getting to talk to the president, maybe even harder. 

            With every member ministry, no person is bigger than life, the agenda is in the hands of the Holy Spirit, any person can ask the question on their heart, and people are equipped to be the leaders God wants. 

            You can email me at simplechurchminute@gmail.com.  For more info on organic church*, visit http://www.simplechurch.com/ or locally at www.hrscn.org .

On the recording, at this time, it says, “house churches.”  While that phrasing is OK, to say “organic church” is better.  I comment on that in blip 94.