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Again, not to be contentious, just curious here...what are the qualifications of these 6 people who teach? How can you be sure you are having scripture properly interpreted? Have they been to divinity school or have theological backgrounds? Bible study is all well and good for the sake of building community, but when it comes to the actual biblical interpretation I worry about the lay individual's ability to comprehend the complexities involved.
It's a valid question. We believe that it is the responsibility of every Christian to read and study the Bible, and the Holy Spirit will bring understanding to each Christian. When the teachers are not Pastors, with a title and a degree, the people are more likely to evaluate what they say and compare it to their own study of the scripture. With a highly educated pastor, people are more likely to accept whatever he says - and education is certainly not a guarantee against error.
I studied Greek in college - 11 units, 3 semesters. On the other hand, none of my pastors (all educated and ordained) at the churches knew Greek. I took Greek because I thought it would give me a deeper understanding of the Bible, but I have not found that to be the case. I also had 24 units in Bible and Theology by the time I graduated. So. speaking as one with some education, I don't agree with you on its importance. The Holy Spirit is much better at helping us understand scripture than an education is. I am not such a trusting person that I will believe what someone says just because he has a certain degree.
Many teachers rather than one? Most cults are begun by one strong leader whose teaching is undisputed. So it seems that having several teachers would help keep us on track, rather than getting us off.
Oops! I haven't answered the question: What are their qualifications?
They are Christians who have the Holy Spirit; their lives are consistent with Christian teachings, and they and their beliefs are known well by the assembly.
It's a valid question. We believe that it is the responsibility of every Christian to read and study the Bible, and the Holy Spirit will bring understanding to each Christian. When the teachers are not Pastors, with a title and a degree, the people are more likely to evaluate what they say and compare it to their own study of the scripture. With a highly educated pastor, people are more likely to accept whatever he says - and education is certainly not a guarantee against error.
I studied Greek in college - 11 units, 3 semesters. On the other hand, none of my pastors (all educated and ordained) at the churches knew Greek. I took Greek because I thought it would give me a deeper understanding of the Bible, but I have not found that to be the case. I also had 24 units in Bible and Theology by the time I graduated. So. speaking as one with some education, I don't agree with you on its importance. The Holy Spirit is much better at helping us understand scripture than an education is. I am not such a trusting person that I will believe what someone says just because he has a certain degree.
Many teachers rather than one? Most cults are begun by one strong leader whose teaching is undisputed. So it seems that having several teachers would help keep us on track, rather than getting us off.
Oops! I haven't answered the question: What are their qualifications?
They are Christians who have the Holy Spirit; their lives are consistent with Christian teachings, and they and their beliefs are known well by the assembly.
In the bigger cities, there is a wide range of groups for Christians to worship in. You may have a hard time finding non traditional churches in the more rural areas. Best Wishes
Sounds a little like a "Friends" or some kind of "Brethren" group. I know that some of them are structured like this. Not sure about the Moravian's up near Winston Salem.
No, I grew up Moravian, what Sarah is talking about is nothing like Moravian. Moravian is simply a moderate protestant denomination (slightly to the left of Methodist), just with a historical/cultural/communal colony style from their eastern European roots, that sometimes reminded people of Quakers, in the old days. But today, is just like any other moderate protestant church.
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Salvation
