Ephesians 4:11  And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers.

John 20:21 Jesus said to them, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you."

"Who's in charge here?" The principal may ask that question on entering an overly noisy classroom. The teacher appears to be teaching, but the students do not appear to be learning. They talk and giggle and disrupt. Who's in charge?

The question may come up in Lutheran congregations as well. Who's in charge? Is it the pastor? He is a highly trained theologian. He received a certificate of ordination. He knows the biblical languages. He preaches, teaches, baptizes, consecrates, marries, and buries.

Or is it the congregation? They called the pastor. They pay his salary and provide him housing and health insurance. They make important decisions in voters' meetings. They elect leaders and establish boards and committees.

Who's in charge, the pastor or the congregation? Neither!!! Christ is in charge! It is His church. However, He works through people to accomplish His will for His church. He calls men into the Office of Public Ministry, yet He does so through the congregation. He gives His pastors authority to forgive and retain sins, but He gives it through His people in a local congregation.

Think of the harmony that would prevail in congregations when we all acknowledge who is actually in charge! Members would respect their pastor as the undershepherd of the Good Shepherd, sent to minister to them. Pastors would respect their members as the sheep of Christ's pasture to love and nurture as Christ Himself does.

So, pastors, relax. Laypeople, relax. Christ is in charge! Joyfully serve Him together.
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Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,