Part two

 

If anyone is more mature among us - their heart should be to see everyone else become as mature as they are - "till WE ALL come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man" - "from whom THE WHOLE BODY fitly joined together  - and compacted by that which EVERY JOINT supplies" - "How is it then, brethren? When you come together EVERYONE OF YOU HAS". Leadership is meant to equip the saints  - to teach them and anoint them to do their ministry  - not do it themselves all the time. Those anointed to teach should offer to, and be perfectly free to, do it from their homes, or someone's home, then, anyone who wishes to hear them may go and do so - led by the Spirit, hopefully  - keep in mind - anyone God anoints and equips to do a five-fold headship ministry will make it abundantly clear to all that God has chosen them by their character, by their fruit, and by their gifting (anointing). The elders will recognize this too and bear witness.  They will hear the Holy Spirit say "seperate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them". 

Saints should be free to minister to one another in any way they are led by God to do so - as long as they remain humble and teachable, and are open to direction and correction from the elders they are in relationship with.  Elders should attend home meetings - not to minister or take over or any such thing - but to provide analysis and helpful pointers to those doing the ministering (of course they may minister if God leads them to, just not with the heart to put the focus on themselves  but rather to keep it on God). Large gatherings should be reserved for visiting Apostles or Prophets, or perhaps Teachers (anyone God sends) but never for one man to be heard all the time - except Jesus! Large gatherings should be for corporate prayer and worship and for the Body to edify itself in love - saints laying hands on each other for healing, deliverance and prophecy- individually or to the entire assembled body at once. No one is to tell everyone else what they should be doing - and the direction everyone should be going - that's up to God, and that's what He uses Apostles and Prophets for. We need "Thus saith The Lord" not "Thus saith the Pastor" or any man.

Part three coming 

- Apostle Christopher