Addressing the Threat of Heresy in House Churches and Small Groups
What are we actually afraid of, and what can be done about it?
Neil Cole | posted 4/19/2010
| Topics: | Doctrine, Heresy, House churches, Organic, Theology |
| Filters: | Director, Group Leader, House churches, Pastor, Teacher, Train |
| Purpose: | Discipleship |
| References: |  |
| Date Added: | April 19, 2010 |
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When teaching about the organic church, a question I am asked more than any other is how we handle the threat of heresy. The common understanding is something like this: if we rely upon uneducated leaders and teachers, won't we allow heresy to run rampant in our churches? Of course this is a risk, but I believe there are simple ways to lower the risk of such an infection.
A healthy body with a strong immune system fights off infection better than a sick one. It is a natural function of the body inherent in its very makeup. And I suggest there is a better immune system for the body of Christ than the one we have been comfortable with for so long.
What Is the True Threat?
In reality there is not a way to eliminate heresy 100 percent from the church. Jesus told us that there would always be false teachers (Matthew 24:4-5, 11). The enemy is a liar (John 8:44) and he works in clandestine ways to infiltrate our ranks (Jude 4, 10-13). If the liar can input something other than truth into our minds, then he can keep us from being all that the resurrected Christ intended for us. Ironically, I fear he has succeeded to do just that—under the banner of avoiding false doctrine.
The best solution to heresy in the church is not to have better-trained leaders in the pulpits, but better-trained people in the pews. While many will say that the key to better-trained people are leaders who equip them, this unfortunately is most often not the reality. It is true that we need better leaders who empower and equip common Christians to know the truth, spread the Word, and do the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11), but that is very different than the sort of leaders who screen all beliefs and are the gatekeepers of God's Word. As long as our leaders are considered the gatekeepers of truth, we leave the majority of God's people in the dark—which makes them susceptible to leaders who do the thinking for them, because that is what they have been trained to do. It is ironic that the very thing we think will prevent heresy actually feeds the problem.
There is no gatekeeper for God's Word. While the apostle Paul was behind bars, held in place by a keeper of the gate, he said these words: "the Word of God is not imprisoned" (2 Timothy 2:9). I do not need to protect God's Word, it protects me! People have been attacking God's Word in every generation. Entire empires have launched full-scale war against God's Word and fallen, yet the truth of God's Word stands. The thought that God's Word needs my help is truly foolish. Men have not kept God's Word pure; it is God's Word that has kept men pure. We are sadly lost if we ever lose sight of this fact. We need God's Word more than it needs us.
The Word of God in the hands of his people is not a dangerous thing! Such an idea just reeks of Satan, does it not? Why are we afraid of such a thing? Keeping the Word out of "regular" people's hands is a very dangerous practice, which is something we need to repent of immediately! Good men and women throughout history have lost their lives for the right of others to have God's Word freely. Let us not cheapen their sacrifice.
Are men capable of twisting the Word of God to suit their own purposes? Of course they are, and of course they will. Satan has done that from the very beginning and he will not stop until he is doing laps in the lake of fire. However, I do not put my trust in men; I put my trust in God and his Word. Do we actually think that the way to protect the church from human frailties is to make sure that they rely on other frail men to think for them? That is like trying to solve a problem with more of a problem. It is like trying to put out a fire with a bucket of kerosene.
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PhilImm
These following passages seem to be badly formed, and can be misused: "I do not need to protect God's Word, it protects me! People have been attacking God's Word in every generation. Entire empires have launched full-scale war against God's Word and fallen, yet the truth of God's Word stands. The thought that God's Word needs my help is truly foolish." If the word of God means the Bible and if it is PREVENTED to be read and taught by evil people, there is no chance of next generation reading the Bible - is there? We need to remember there was a whole generation of muslims who couldnt read the Bible because of their governments. The Bible does say to treasure God's Word. "The Word of God in the hands of his people is not a dangerous thing! Such an idea just reeks of Satan, does it not? " Reeks of satan or TO satan ?
Renee
Hear, hear. I agree with Neil. See my comment posted in the blog: http://blog.smallgroups.com/2010/04/just_a_few_thoughts_on_heresy. html
Derek Iannelli-Smith
One of the things about Neil I have noticed is that he is concerned about true disciples being obedient. Many of us give lip service to an article like this, but yet we don't share our faith or have anyone we are discipling. It is amazing to me those who get fired up to get rid of the leadership are the very ones that need a babysitting leader to remind them to read their bible, disciple, evangelisze, to take a breath, etc.... I agree with Neil, we need obedient disciples first before all the rest... I am still looking for some of those...
JB
Aaron's comment is right on target.
Aaron
I agree that the Bible must be read by everyone in the church to combat heresy. I agree that pastors are not the gatekeepers of God’s truth. Nevertheless, history’s most notorious heretics (such as David Koresh, Charles Russell, Joseph Smith, Jim Jones, Mary Baker Eddy and many others) were not trained clergy but laity who despised authority of organized churches. Seminary may be a relatively new thing, but trained clergy is not new. The church was first led by the apostles, personally trained by Christ himself. The Reformation was led by those who were well-educated in the original languages and church history. Historically, the organized church has had authority so members and leaders would have accountability. An organized church can depose someone who does not correctly handle the word of truth, but an organic church is in no such position and has to rely solely on peer pressure. God may be doing great things with organic churches, but that is no reason to criticize the rest.
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