We know that the early church was an unleashed, Spirit-led movement that was eventually tamed and organized into the type of institution that we see today. I find that many people really begin to “get it” when they see the following timeline of when the different parts of the institution were added:
• special class of clergy separate from laity, 2nd century
• special clothing for clergy, 3rd century
• one-bishop-rule, which we know today as “the pastor”, 3rd century
• the sermon as the centerpiece of worship, 4th century
• special buildings for worship, 4th century
• choirs, 4th century
• the pulpit as a raised place to speak from, 5th century
• the basic order of worship as we know it today, 5th century
• pews, 13th century
• congregational song leader, 14th century
• dressing up for church, 18th century
• youth pastors, 20th century
• worship team, 20th century
“Wait a minute! You mean there was not always a worship team with guitars, bass, and drums?”
Actually, it is quite challenging for most of us to really envision the church as Jesus defined it: followers, living radically for Him, gathering simply for prayer, worship, and mutual encouragement, going wherever the Spirit sent them to reach and minister to others. None of the extras that we associate with church (buildings, pews, preachers, worship leaders) were needed. Just people, lit up with the fire of God in their hearts, caring for and supporting each other (simply like families), living into a broken world with God’s light.
