WHISPER
DIVINE
EVANGELICAL - THE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
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or .Close
In the Evangelical Church:
The Pastor is Master.
Ordination is the only key to leadership and effective decision making.
Democracy may be given lip service, but has no final say, for the clergy
are certain of their role as servants of God, rather than of the people.
Services aim at Compliance.
The sermon, songs and liturgy are designed to enhance compliance
of the congregation, to the fixed boundaries of Evangelical theology.
There is little consideration of reality or relevance to the events of the day;
The teaching of Jesus is subservient to the repeated teaching of his atoning sacrifice..
The Bible is inerrant
The Bible is quoted as the final word in every discussion.
An extract must be read at every meeting.
There is no consideration of scholarly opinion on its content.
All rely on the Power of Prayer
Every setback or sickness is greeted with Prayer,
begging or demanding divine action to rectify the situation.
Every meeting or discussion is begun with prayers of worship.
There is no realisation that such prayers very seldom seem effective,
or that rectification lies in human hands.
Jesus is central
The worship of Jesus is central along with reliance on the power of his name.
Much is made of his atoning grace and, often, of his return in glory as judge.
The teaching of Jesus and the example of his life are irrellevant to this purpose.
and perhaps might undermine the authority of the present priesthood.