In a class I am taking on Ecclesiology (study of the church) and the Sacraments I heard my professor, Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, say the following:
“Appointing someone to a leadership position, whether officially or unofficially, in the church based on heritage, pedigree, education level, etc is not simply a Roman way of looking at things, but a Fallen way of looking at things.”
We began with a discussion on the idea of succession in the Roman Catholic Church. The belief is held that the Apostles held additional secrets not revealed in Scripture, and those secrets have been passed down from generation to generation. This is at least part of the reason why the Pope is believed to be a direct descendant of Peter. As the quote states, however, it is not only a problem that is seen within the Catholic church. Dr. Ferguson went on to share how, throughout history and today, a majority of Protestant leaders are appointed based on family lines, degree titles and charisma.
In other arenas of life we recognize that this way of appointing leaders is wrong. In government we have, at least on paper, moved past the idea of a family line ruling a country just because of their family line. In business or education it is very clear and often protested when someone who is not qualified for a position is promoted. We don’t accept this as a legitimate way of choosing who to follow.
So in the church who should we follow?
From my time in class and studying Timothy and Titus, I will follow, and encourage others to follow a leader who:
1. Holds Right Doctrine
2. Is able to effectively teach that Right Doctrine
3. Lives a life that shows they believe that Right Doctrine
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