With the results of Wycliffe’s translation of “ekklesia” being “congregation,” the Protestant influence did nothing to change the flawed concept of the “ekklesia.” The idea of “congregation” formed an additional relationship with a membership that included the common man and the professional clergymen who were more educated and knowledgeable than the common man. This is a natural result given the opportunities for education and training. It is doubtful that Protestant faiths believed they were separating the church from the people. Yet, even while teaching the priesthood of all believers, both Luther and Zwingli supported two distinct classes of people, the church member, and the professional clergyman. This produced people who are team players in name only. It would be like trying to convince fans of a professional football team that they are actual members of the team. As fans, the so-called members of the team, are necessary for the game to continue, but only as a people who love the game and will financially support it. Today, with the division of labor and professionalism in the business world, we continue to hire the professional who is expected to study, to do good, visit the sick, and be the “go-to” guy for ready answers to biblical questions. They are not only expected to do these things, they will be held accountable to do them because that is “their” work. It is sometimes preached that all are accountable to be faithful stewards, visit the sick, prepare for class, etc., but the expectation and accountability are not the same as with the preacher/pastor. In this way, a religious organization, whether Catholic or Protestant, can control dissension or heretics and have a set of doctrines and practices that can be maintained and altered only after a painstaking study by qualified personnel. Others are not expected to be as diligent just as long as they are supportive and keep “coming to church”.
This leading class of specialized teachers makes up a ruling class who are hired to be our “preachers,” “pastors”, and “teachers.” Even among them, there is a distinguished body of learned men who teach in “our schools” and publish “our literature.” This is the highest level of influence. The effects are the same as Catholicism, who encourage people to be less than diligent in independent Bible study, personal accountability (2 Tim. 2:15), and the responsibility to teach (Hebrews 5:12). The exception, of course, is when they are going to assume that job and get paid for it. At which time, they will study and prepare because that is what is expected of them. The thinking is that preachers preach, plumbers plumb, and mechanics do mechanic work.
We do not need to listen long to conversations before picking up on “church attendees” referring to the church where they attend with words like “them” or “they.” This may be the result of years of Catholic influence or it may be that when you have players and non-players, workers and non-workers, the non-players and non-workers must recognize that they are only members as a supporting cast. They become the spectators who critique the preacher like a quarterback. They will either sing his praises as we do professional athletes or they will criticize his performance. It is not abnormal for spectators to respond to performances in this manner. Local church organizations are influenced by this knowledge and seek a good pulpit performer as it will determine the number of supporters that fill the audience. They will either be the supporting cast or cheering squad for the preacher, or they will work at booting him out.
Ironically, some preachers address these similar concerns from the pulpit. Yet, nothing short of restoring the pattern will affect any change. This is a departure from God’s will and it has a snowball effect that opens up the way for so many other departures. Institutionalism is the unfortunate creation of man’s choice. They have created their own system from which membership may feel safe and secure and for which we will fight to maintain. Our leading men can arise to the occasion to put down any investigation of questions just like the church fathers did when someone causes discomfort and alarm. It is the coward’s way to squelch personal Bible study that may produce something outside our little box of identity. God’s way is to silence false teachers by skillful use of the Word, not by craftily killing discussion by demanding the last word. When someone who is “reputed to be somewhat” (Gal. 2:6) arises to put down the “uncertain sounds,” it is often a campaign to protect their establishment and their position rather than in the interest of truth. Out of fear, each must maintain its distinctiveness and protect its unique identity.