The Relationship of Church Members to Church Organization

Abstract

L ocal churches present a double characteristic. They represent both a social phenomenon and a sacred system.' They are marked by an external, outwardly institutional dimension and by an internal, inwardly communal dimension.2 They are permeated by dilemma of relating external institutional requirements with internal communal demands.3 The New Testament reflects double character of local church. While there are more than 100 cognate expressions of idea of church, English word itself derives from Greek kyriakon, meaning which belongs to Lord. Kyriakon, however, appears only twice in New Testament. Among diverse terms for church, ekklesia appears 112 times, although mostly in Paul's letters, Acts, and Revelation. As a relatively neutral word, ekklesia designates primarily a particular communal reality, a gathering or meeting of people for purposes that may be secular or religious. Ekklesia came to connote the people who belong to Lord. The church, then, is portrayed as localized, temporal, and empirical, yet it points beyond to a transcendent and ultimate reality. Within its life a continual warfare is being waged between God and Satan so that every choice reveals a divided loyalty between transcendent and temporal.4 * The author wishes to express appreciation to Drs. Harold B. Pepinsky, Edwin N. Barker, Ralph M. Stogdill, Prentiss L. Pemberton, and Winthrop S. Hudson for assistance in theoretical discussion of nature of problem, and to Dr. Robert J. Wherry, Mr. Omar S. Goode, and Miss Patricia Haggerty for assistance with statistical analysis. The Ministry Studies Board provided a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc., for data collection and processing, and American Association of Theological Schools provided a faculty fellowship for study during which muc of work was done. Colgate Rochester Divinity School provided time in midst of regular responsibilities, as well as secretarial assistance. Not least was gracious cooperation of ministers and church members surveyed. Dr. Samuel Z. Klausner made helpful editorial suggestions. 1 Lenski, G. The Religious Factor: a sociological study of religion's impact on politics, economics, and family life. (Rev. ed.) Garden City: Anchor, 1963, p. 330. 2 Gustafson, J. M. Treasure in Earthen Vessels: church as a human community. New York: Harper, 1961, p. 12. 3 O'Dea, T. F. Five dilemmas in institutionalization of religion. J. Sci. St. Rel. 1961, I, i, pp. 30-39. 4 '1he Interpreter's Dictionary of Bible. Nashville: Abingdon, 1962. Vol. 1, pp. 607-617.