Many representatives of the Christian ministerial fraternity seem to promote a mindset that because worship is a fundamental of faith, getting liturgy just right is one of the highest clerical priorities. Thus, running the service is a job for only seminary-trained or (at the very least) ordained men.
This is akin to the attitude practiced by members of the American Medical Association, who looked down their allopathic noses at natural or organic medical protocols, not sanctioned and promoted by big Pharma and the FDA. IMO, this is a prime example of backward-looking.
As such, the weekly assembly has come to resemble professional football, a spectator sport where only paid professionals are allowed to carry the ball.
Perhaps this is why so many have adopted a ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ attitude toward Sunday attendance…spectators aren’t allowed on the field.
In many congregations, ecclesiastical leaders micro-manage every detail of the fellowship, sapping enthusiasm, eliminating meaningful participation, and reducing attendees to passive spectators or mere ‘consumers’!
To have any other opinion on the matter is considered grounds for excommunication.
Article posted with permission from Bill Evans
