An idiot's guide to denominational hierarchy

I have taken it upon myself to present 'An idiot's guide to denominational hierarchy.' For those who have not already guessed, I'm the idiot.

Particularly of interest to me are the three most popular reformed denominations in Australia. They also happen to be the ones I have had the most experience with. As I see it, there are three possible groups that exist within churches where the balance of power can lay. These are:

1. The minister (dictatorship)

2. A small group of elders (aristocracy)

3. The congregation (democracy)

I think each of the 'Big 3' tend in their congregational structure to be heavily weighted towards one of these.

1. Anglican

2. Presbyterian

3. Baptist

Each one is equally problematic. Each one's strength is also it's weakness. For the Anglican rector is almost impossible to get rid of - which gives him the freedom to make tough but gospel-minded decisions free from fear of being kicked out. Yet the rector who is doing nothing or preaching heresy is equally secure in his job. The Pressie minister has to work hard at corporately making decisions with the Session, yet a man of action can be swallowed up in committee meeting after committee meeting. A Baptist minister is least secure in his job, and can be booted with relative ease. This means should preaching repentance that leads to salvation be not to the liking of the mob, they can get rid of him. Though a heretic can be booted with ease.

Yet these distinctions are also artificial. Churches I have been a part of that are on about reaching out with the saving gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, have pretty much equal support from each of these groups of influence. Partly this is because if there's an imbalance churches tend to either split or people leave. But mainly this is due to the strength of humility of all present. I see Anglican ministers who seek the guidance and support of a select group of elders and Presbyterian Session's who in fellowship give a generous amount of leash. The Baptists are again more problematic. It only really works well if the congregation is mature and gospel minded and so is the minister.

Why is this important? Tomorrow I'll be posting on new wave church-planting strategy. We're far too Anglican in how we talk about it, and should be more Presbyterian. Though strangely I've seen the Anglicans church-planting like Presbyterians, and Presbyterians church-planting like Anglicans. Confused? All will be explained tomorrow.