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2 Corinthians – A Template for Preacher-Church Relationships
All preachers and assemblies should use 2 Corinthians as a template for unity and treatment of one another. Paul continually addresses the congregation (in chapters 1-9 then his tone changes as he addresses the trouble makers in 10-12) with humility and confidence. He desire is not prove himself superior but to open his heart to them, to be part of them. The congregation is pleaded with to respond to Paul’s correcting and encouragement, again from a purview of humility. They do not disappoint. Much of this can be seen in chapter 7. When Christians are sitting in the pews, too many get too personally agitated; and when preachers are standing in the pulpit, too many get too personally agitated. This is not an employer-employee relationship, but a fellowship. This is not a hierarchy. Neither take seriously enough that it is God who is supposed to be speaking. So speak and listen with God’s heart. Too many preachers are fired from control-freak individuals within congregations. Too many congregations are controlled by egotistical preachers. Paul wrote to “God’s church” (2 Cor.1:1). Let’s all act like it.
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