Today, we have preachers filling the pulpit of local churches for hire. It is their profession. The alternative to this arrangement is the on-going studies of saints from house to house. I suppose no harm would be done if someone wanted to prepare a presentation, but it is altogether unnecessary. Even if living in the first century, you would not expect such arrangements at their gatherings. Why would we expect it, today? Colossians 4:15-17 reads,
“Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the “called-out” which is in his house. And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the called-out of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.”
One of the most practical, empowering, and productive activity is the public reading of the inspired writings. It is not necessary to conclude that this reading of Paul’s epistle had to be read in a mass gathering of all saints in that town. Passing it from home to home is ensuring that it be read among them, also. Yet, I would expect that sharing his letter with other saints and working out the difficulties in personal applications would have comprised some of their time, together. Their time together was, in part, designed to remind, admonish, and aid individual fulfillment of their tasks. For example, the same text has Paul reminding Archippus from Colossae to fulfill the ministry he had received in the Lord.
As we contemplate the activities of a home where Christians commonly share their lives, what might we expect to see? Whatever it is will comprise a part of their individual responsibilities toward each other. One of the grandest childhood memories is when brethren came to our house to sing. We so thoroughly enjoyed the time together that we didn’t want it to end. I can remember my father asking to sing “one more” as someone placed their hand on the front doorknob. We would expect family ties to bring us together to pray, especially in times of distress, pain, or loss. What joy and comfort are the words spoken in love and affection! What blessed consolation received from the prayers of saints on behalf of the broken-hearted. Coming together during any crisis of our lives is anticipated among fellow saints. There is nothing in this world that compares to the glories shared with fellow saints in the heavenly places. We share a common faith, love, savior, and loving Father who invites us to come to Him and talk. We are not left to struggle alone, wane in faith, and forget to pray. Instead, we are encouraged to lift up our heads and embrace one another as family members should and do. When I am weak and fail to say, “Abba, Father,” my brother in Christ can come alongside me and say, “Abba, Father” and entreat the Lord on my behalf.
Consequently, friends, we don’t need pulpiteers who tend to create more potential problems for themselves and others. Their work places an unnecessary financial burden on brethren. Their role is not the same as those of the first century. They neither have the same gifts nor the same roles. They weaken our effectiveness and productivity because we accept their work as our work because we contributed to their support. We can proudly point to all that the church is doing, yet we are doing very little if any at all. This the effect of church work. Ironically, the very preachers who preach about individual accountability are in a system that measures those responsibilities within the church setting and release any accountability to one who has little ability to present Christ in a public format.