Set these persons over the people as officers of groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Let them sit as judges for the people at all times. They should bring every major dispute to you, but they should decide all of the minor cases themselves.” — Exodus 18:21b-22
Moses, on the advice of his father-in-law, built an authority structure like a large pyramid — leaders of tens, fifties, hundreds, thousands with Moses on top. If someone had a need they would go to their local leader, working tougher issues up the pyramid as needed to Moses.
But the Church is NOT intended to be like that, though many are. Jesus had a different model.
But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice …. they know not the voice of strangers. — John 10:2-5
A cursory reading leads one to think Jesus is referring to himself as the shepherd but he is not!
Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. — John 10:7
If Jesus is the door who, then, are the shepherds? Our pastor’s, of course. And how should they lead? By example and by knowing their sheep by name. You can’t do that with a pyramid!
The New Testament model for Church is not a pyramid but a relationship with individual members. If your pastor doesn’t know your name find a real pastor. If you think God called you to pastor get to know your sheep not just your leaders. Eat with them, visit them, live with them, love them. You’ll be surprised at what you discover.
— fritz@langgang.com
Patrikin - Kinship through The Father 