The Caribbean Pioneer - September 2003

We observe two new features in our Brotherhood which are closely related. One of these we believe to be a cause for rejoicing and great thankfulness. The other we deplore as not being in keeping with our best Bible–based traditions, and this gives us very grave concern.

The worldwide expansion of the Christadelphian Brotherhood in the last few years is nothing short of amazing. Many of us would say that it is a miracle in the Scriptural sense of that word. In the twenty years from 1973 to 1993, the number of countries and nationalities in which there was Christadelphian ecclesial activity and local literature doubled from 34 to 68. In the next ten years, from 1993 to 2003, the number doubled again, from 68 to 136. Networks of small ‘native’ ecclesias confessing Christ as the Way in their own national and regional languages now cover the earth. Even in the older Christadelphian centres where the membership tends to be aging, there are nevertheless significant areas where the truth has been revived and is flourishing. Who could have foreseen such a thing in these days like the days of Noah? Perhaps we should be looking for a second fulfilment of Matthew 24:14 and Colossians 1:6?

Yet there are danger signs to beware of. In letters and magazines received in the Caribbean, and no doubt elsewhere, there are increasing references to such and such brothers and sisters being members of “CBM ecclesias”. But surely, and fundamentally, there are no “CBM ecclesias”. There are only Christadelphian ecclesias, worldwide. There are ecclesias, indeed, which are fraternally linked with, and assisted by, various supportive committees bearing the name “Christadelphian Bible Mission” or something similar. But this does not, and cannot, make any of them “CBM ecclesias”. All lightstands are founded by Jesus Christ and are his ecclesias, and his alone (Revelation 2 and 3). To treat certain ecclesias, and their members, as in some way “CBM ecclesias” is to defiantly usurp the authority of the Son of God who is the only Head of the Body. (Colossians 1:18).

No committee or magazine chairman has the authority to over-rule any ecclesia in determining the standing of a brother or sister before Christ. More and more attempts are being made by committees or their officers to dictate to ecclesias on the “genuineness” or otherwise of their members. Some of these ecclesias are far older and more mature than the committees! This procedure is utterly wrong, and will not be blessed by God. It is bound to cause discord among brethren, which is a thing which the Lord hates (Proverbs 6:19).

At this critical time, every brother and sister in the Caribbean should possess a copy of, and carefully read, The Ecclesial Guide – Caribbean Edition (1965). We are asking: are copies still available, and from where can they be obtained?

This editorial appeared in “The Caribbean Pioneer” ten years ago. Slightly updated, it is even more relevant and significant in 2003.

“In all communities, large and small, there must be order and mutual submission, in order to attain the objects of their existence. Much can be done by the loving co-operation of brethren and sisters who follow the Lord. In fact, little or no ecclesial government would be necessary if all who profess the name of Christ were always controlled by the mind of Christ – a mind swayed by the love of God and the love of man. The simplest rules would be easy to carry out in a community so made up. The only practicable basis of order in the circumstances existing in our age is that of mutual consent. The principle of government by consent can only be practically applied by listening to the counsel and advice of brethren of maturity and spiritual experience, and when their counsel has been carefully weighed, accepting the decisions of the majority. What other principle can be acted upon? Shall many submit to the few? Is it not more reasonable that in matters of general convenience the lesser number should submit to the greater? There is no other practicable alternative in the absence of our Master. [Mutual consent] is a principle that may give excellent results if the commandments of Christ are followed by his true disciples”.

These words are from The Ecclesial Guide, Caribbean edition, page 7. They reflect the mind of God revealed in the scriptures of truth. They “give excellent results if followed”. And failure to follow them results in disaster. If they remain mere words they will testify against us and simply highlight our failure. To give excellent results, they must be followed through actions. The Ecclesial Guide urges brethren and sisters, and ecclesias, to “listen to the counsel and advice of brethren (and that does include sisters, scripturally! Romans 16:1, I Corinthians 1:11, etc.) of maturity and spiritual experience”. This may mean that we have to listen to advice we do not like, or prefer not to hear. But the folly of ignoring their counsel is quickly manifested in discord, bad judgments, and unwise decisions that we later regret. Remember Rehoboam!

“Mutual consent” is a far better way of running the house of God than imitating worldly politics. Brethren, what would ordinary family life be like if its smooth, happy running of affairs, in kitchen, dining room and bedroom depended upon proposing, nominating, seconding, and counting of ballots?

To the elders among you, I appeal: be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care…not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. So wrote the apostle Peter. He could not have said it better. After the Holy Scripture, The Ecclesial Guide, in either the original 1893 or the 1965 Caribbean edition, is still the best help we have to run the affairs of the Brotherhood, the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the Truth.

When the apostolic church broke the bread and shared the cup, they “were one in heart and mind”. That is the spirit of mutual consent. In consequence they had “great power” (Acts 4:32-33). So shall we have, if we follow their example.

	The Caribbean Pioneer (September 2003 Edition)
	The following is a list of this month's articles. Editorial - Jesus Christ is the Head of the Body At the Lord's Table - Mutual Consent
	Editorial Jesus Christ is the Head of the Body We observe two new features in our Brotherhood which are closely related. One of these we believe to be a cause for rejoicing and great thankfulness. The other we deplore as not being in keeping with our best Bible–based traditions, and this gives us very grave concern. The worldwide expansion of the Christadelphian Brotherhood in the last few years is nothing short of amazing. Many of us would say that it is a miracle in the Scriptural sense of that word. In the twenty years from 1973 to 1993, the number of countries and nationalities in which there was Christadelphian ecclesial activity and local literature doubled from 34 to 68. In the next ten years, from 1993 to 2003, the number doubled again, from 68 to 136. Networks of small ‘native’ ecclesias confessing Christ as the Way in their own national and regional languages now cover the earth. Even in the older Christadelphian centres where the membership tends to be aging, there are nevertheless significant areas where the truth has been revived and is flourishing. Who could have foreseen such a thing in these days like the days of Noah? Perhaps we should be looking for a second fulfilment of Matthew 24:14 and Colossians 1:6? Yet there are danger signs to beware of. In letters and magazines received in the Caribbean, and no doubt elsewhere, there are increasing references to such and such brothers and sisters being members of “CBM ecclesias”. But surely, and fundamentally, there are no “CBM ecclesias”. There are only Christadelphian ecclesias, worldwide. There are ecclesias, indeed, which are fraternally linked with, and assisted by, various supportive committees bearing the name “Christadelphian Bible Mission” or something similar. But this does not, and cannot, make any of them “CBM ecclesias”. All lightstands are founded by Jesus Christ and are his ecclesias, and his alone (Revelation 2 and 3). To treat certain ecclesias, and their members, as in some way “CBM ecclesias” is to defiantly usurp the authority of the Son of God who is the only Head of the Body. (Colossians 1:18). No committee or magazine chairman has the authority to over-rule any ecclesia in determining the standing of a brother or sister before Christ. More and more attempts are being made by committees or their officers to dictate to ecclesias on the “genuineness” or otherwise of their members. Some of these ecclesias are far older and more mature than the committees! This procedure is utterly wrong, and will not be blessed by God. It is bound to cause discord among brethren, which is a thing which the Lord hates (Proverbs 6:19). At this critical time, every brother and sister in the Caribbean should possess a copy of, and carefully read, The Ecclesial Guide – Caribbean Edition (1965). We are asking: are copies still available, and from where can they be obtained? The Editors This editorial appeared in “The Caribbean Pioneer” ten years ago. Slightly updated, it is even more relevant and significant in 2003. Return to Top At the Lord's Table Mutual Consent “In all communities, large and small, there must be order and mutual submission, in order to attain the objects of their existence. Much can be done by the loving co-operation of brethren and sisters who follow the Lord. In fact, little or no ecclesial government would be necessary if all who profess the name of Christ were always controlled by the mind of Christ – a mind swayed by the love of God and the love of man. The simplest rules would be easy to carry out in a community so made up. The only practicable basis of order in the circumstances existing in our age is that of mutual consent. The principle of government by consent can only be practically applied by listening to the counsel and advice of brethren of maturity and spiritual experience, and when their counsel has been carefully weighed, accepting the decisions of the majority. What other principle can be acted upon? Shall many submit to the few? Is it not more reasonable that in matters of general convenience the lesser number should submit to the greater? There is no other practicable alternative in the absence of our Master. [Mutual consent] is a principle that may give excellent results if the commandments of Christ are followed by his true disciples”. These words are from The Ecclesial Guide, Caribbean edition, page 7. They reflect the mind of God revealed in the scriptures of truth. They “give excellent results if followed”. And failure to follow them results in disaster. If they remain mere words they will testify against us and simply highlight our failure. To give excellent results, they must be followed through actions. The Ecclesial Guide urges brethren and sisters, and ecclesias, to “listen to the counsel and advice of brethren (and that does include sisters, scripturally! Romans 16:1, I Corinthians 1:11, etc.) of maturity and spiritual experience”. This may mean that we have to listen to advice we do not like, or prefer not to hear. But the folly of ignoring their counsel is quickly manifested in discord, bad judgments, and unwise decisions that we later regret. Remember Rehoboam! “Mutual consent” is a far better way of running the house of God than imitating worldly politics. Brethren, what would ordinary family life be like if its smooth, happy running of affairs, in kitchen, dining room and bedroom depended upon proposing, nominating, seconding, and counting of ballots? To the elders among you, I appeal: be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care…not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. So wrote the apostle Peter. He could not have said it better. After the Holy Scripture, The Ecclesial Guide, in either the original 1893 or the 1965 Caribbean edition, is still the best help we have to run the affairs of the Brotherhood, the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the Truth. When the apostolic church broke the bread and shared the cup, they “were one in heart and mind”. That is the spirit of mutual consent. In consequence they had “great power” (Acts 4:32-33). So shall we have, if we follow their example. Patrick Rodney (George Town, Cayman Islands)
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