Church & Ministry - Lesson 22

CHURCH AND MINISTRY

2003

LESSON TWENTY-TWO

I. Thesis IX B.

A. The minister must not tyrannize the church. He has no authority to introduce new laws or arbitrarily establish adiaphora or ceremonies. (Church and Ministry, p. 311)

B. Scripture Proof

1. Mt 20:25,26

2. Mt 23:8

3. Jn 18:36

4. Walther:

“From these passages we learn that the church of Jesus Christ is not a kingdom of rulers and subjects but one large, holy brotherhood, in which no one may rule and exercise authority. This required equality among Christians is not abrogated by the obedience that the hearers render to their ministers who teach them the Word of Jesus Christ; for in that case they obey not the ministers but Christ Himself. However, this equality of believers is abrogated and the church is changed into a secular organization if a minister demands obedience not only to the Word of Christ, his own Lord and Head and that of all Christians, but also to what his own insight and experience regards as good and suitable. As soon, therefore, as adiaphora or things indifferent, that is, things that are neither commanded not forbidden in God’s Word, come in question in the church, a minister may never demand absolute obedience to what merely appears to him to be best.

On the contrary, it is rather the concern of the whole congregation, of the minister as well as the hearers, to decide on what should be accepted or rejected. It of course behooves the minister, according to his office as teacher, supervisor, and watchman, to direct the deliberations that are held on the matter. He must instruct the congregation and see to it that also in the determination of adiaphora and the establishment of ecclesiastical regulations and ceremonies the congregation does not act frivolously or establish something that is hurtful.” (Church and Ministry, p. 312)

5. 1Pe 5:1-3

C. Confessions and Creeds

1. Augsburg: See Art XXVIII, par. 8 ((Tappert, p. 82; Kolb and Wengert, pp. 92,93)

2. Apology

“‘It is also certain that this statement of the Lord Christ, ‘He who hears you hears Me’ (Luke 10:16), does not speak of traditions but is altogether contrary to them; for here the apostles do not receive mandatum cum libera, that is, an altogether free and unlimited command and authority, but a limited command, namely, to preach not their own word but that of God and the Gospel.”’ Ap. XXVIII, par. 18 (Tappert, p. 284; Kolb and Wengert, p. 291)

3 Smalcald Articles; Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope p. 11 (Tappert, p. 321; Kolb and Wengert, pp. 331,332)

D. Witnesses in Private Writings

1. Luther (See Lesson Two)

a. “‘Therefore, he admonishes them not to conduct themselves as though the people were subject to them and they could be the lords and do as they please. We indeed have one Lord, who is Christ, and He rules our souls. The pastors [Bischöfe] should do nothing but feed the flock….’ (Exposition of 1Pe 5:3, 1523, St. Louis edition, 9:1102-03).” (quoted Church and Ministry, pp. 315,316)

b. “‘What then are priests and bishops? I reply: Their rule is neither a government nor a power but a service and office, for they are neither higher nor better than are other Christians. Hence, they also should not put any law or command on others unless these consent and permit. Their office is nothing else than to teach God’s Word….’ (On Secular Government, 1523, St. Louis edition, 10:405-06).” (quoted Church and Ministry, pp. 316, 317)

c. “‘A bishop as bishop has no right to impose on his church any law or ceremony unless the church consents either expressly or silently. Because the church is free and the ruler, the bishops must not rule over the faith of the church or burden and trouble it against its will. They are only servants and stewards, not lords of the church….’ (“Luther’s Reply to Questions Concerning Human Laws Submitted by Melanchthon,” 1530, St. Louis edition, 16:1014).” (quoted Church and Ministry, p. 317)

2. Balduin, Frederick

a. (1575-1627). Member of philosophy faculty, Wittenberg 1601; preacher at Freiberg, 1602; professor, theology, Wittenberg, 1604; supt.; Wittenberg, 1607. (Luth. Cyclo., p. 70)

b. “‘It is useful and almost necessary that when customs are to be changed, it should not be done merely by the ministers or by the government, but the matter should be considered in an assembly of the congregation….’ (“Tractatus de casibus conscientiae, 1139).” (quoted Church and Ministry, pp. 318,319)