Pictured on top is a clear hierarchical application of "church" where there is one clearly defined "leader", followed by --in this case-- two layers of his (or her) elected close followers (those who will not challenge set doctrine or practices). At the bottom are the willful "believers."
These believers must believe as much in the "church" handed down to them as they do in Christ Himself. Perhaps even more. This application is NOT just a Catholic one. Everywhere a church is set up like an institution this structure dominates and the followers are left to "access" God mostly or only through the church leadership. For a detailed understanding of how this came to be read Pagan Christianity. This structure can be disastrous to one's personal relationship with God, identity in Christ, and freedom as a Disciple. Recognizing this problem, many in history set out to change things, thus leading to the pendulum - which swung to the other side.The middle picture is quite nearly the theological opposite of the one above it. Seeing the "problem" the protests began and although the resulting structure may look the same (Pastor, Deacons, etc.) the teaching is that each believer is basically on their own. Combined with America's rugged individualism this sort of "religion" is almost completely personal. "It's just me and my God" (and the church I go to on Sundays which helps me with my personal relationship with Jesus). Flood this model with a 1000 books a year on the topic, mix in some political conservatism, televise the socks off of it and you've got a deeply entrenched view of "church" which is entirely self-focused. Unfortunately, it can be just as lonely as the way above it and believers are still left wondering if there might just be "more" to this Christian life. Thus the new revolution in thinking has begun.
It's not a new idea by any stretch. But it is new to the Western mindset. Some call it the "house church" movement but it's really not the "house" that makes it. It's the new way of thinking. Together we ALL find, access, and grow in God. To each one is given the SAME Spirit, and to each one is given gifts to edify the Body. Those with natural and supernatural leadership abilities are not "over" but along side. The "gift" of leadership is not amplified to an "office" and no title takes hold to make the people honor one person over the other. We are all equals, for the Holy Spirit shows no favorites. We all strive to have a deep personal relationship with our Abba Father, but we do not do it alone. We recognize the vital importance of "one another" and that our intimacy with God is contingent on our intimacy with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Friendship is key!! No one gets to claim superiority just because she or he has a degree or ordination or anything else. Nor does length of time as Christian, number of churches you've planted, or people you've baptized make you more important than the newest of disciples. The Holy Spirit has NO favorites; He uses all those whom are willing to say, "Here I am Lord, send me." To the extent one is willing to honestly say this, the local Body will be a new family-- one with amazing power to heal wounds, resolve conflict, patch marriages, and proclaim the true Gospel -- that Christ is indeed alive and in our midst. Jesus is in both our hearts and in our church, equally, making Himself known to the world; individually and corporately. Much more on this later.
The only thing I would change about this bottom picture is to take away the word "house," leaving just "church." Why? Because the Holy Spirit also has no favorite dwelling places, made by human hands. He can work where ever and whenever we become willing. The home may provide a great atmosphere for deep friendship, and I do think we really get to know one another in each others homes, where we learn of likes, dislikes, see pictures on the walls, see the children in their bedrooms, etc. But the home is not the magic that makes an intimate church. The institutional model can also exists in a living-room, or on any landscape. It's belief that drives practice.
Finally, I want to make it clear that I do NOT think that either one of the first types are hopeless or hell-bound. I spent a few years being way to judgmental and I've since repented. My take on all this now is to apply the same grace which God provides me, to other people and to their churches. We do NOT sit around condemning other church bodies, but instead pray for all the Saints everywhere and consider all those who call on the name of the Lord to be brothers and sisters in Christ. And this is not just theory or lip-service; we visit churches, fellowship with all denominations, and cooperate with all areas where God is at work in Jackson and throughout America, for He truly IS doing amazing things through so many churches.
For more on the topic of church structure see
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