Gifting vs. Office 5…
So far, I have attempted to explain Harold Hoehner’s view as he presented it in this paper given at ETS: “Can a Woman be a Pastor-Teacher?” I discussed his argument in part 1, part 2, and part 3 of this series, and I summarized his argument and discussed by understanding of spiritual gifts in part 4.
In this part, I am going to begin discussing the idea of church “offices.” I have mentioned several times that I do not like the term “office.” Here are some of the reasons that I do not like this term:
1. “Office” signifies leadership and authority. However, Jesus consistently taught us not to seek leadership. Instead, we should seek to serve others.
2. “Office” signifies different requirements. Scripture does not require anything of those holding “offices” than of those who do not hold “offices.”
3. “Office” signifies different functions. Again, Scripture does not limit certain functions to those who hold “offices.”
4. “Office” lends credence to the idea of a clergy/laity distinction that is not found in Scripture.
Are these valid concerns? Do you have other concerns about using the term “office”?