Governing of a Congregation

[Mark]

Does outline the governing structure of our religious assembly? Do the baptists who vote on everything have it right? The Presbyterians or the elderships? How does the local congregation govern itself, if it is not laid out for us in Scripture?

[Prodigal Girl]

If you are comparing denominations, I would say that Mennonites are the closest I have seen. With a strong family structure in place, and everyone following Yeshua, it really cuts down on the need for "governing". I am very much against the ecclesiastical structure set up by many churches, where you have one person or one inner group that Lords it over everyone else.

[Mark]

I made a Mennonite fellow really mad at me one time when I asked if women had equal vote in the business of the congregation as the men. He said that they absolutely do. I responded that that this means if there are more women than men in the congregation, them women rule the Church.

[nasah]

LOL Mark, and what would be wrong with that?

Unfortunately there seems to be more women than men to really take spiritual responsibilities, at least from what i have seen in my personal experience. This is similar to the Gentiles coming to probably in larger numbers than the Jews...... at this point anyways. It will all balance out eventually.

Ruling something and being a good steward/governor is not synonymous IMO. Regardless of how many women were in a congregation there could still be a male head.

Also, if God appointed me i would never rule, but govern, based on what He would want me to do. I would only be a tool in His ruling. I think that's a subtle difference. I would only be the conduit to His will.

Shalom,
nasah