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In this previously unpublished paper, Lutheran writer Dr Gene Veith, identifies the source of confusion in the contemporary church over the roles of pastors and laypeople. In many modern churches, the pastor acts more like a CEO of a company, supervising and managing the church, while the lay people fulfil all or most of the ministry activities. This disordering of roles within such churches stems from an ‘anti-church’ movement, which espouses ideas such as ‘everyone a minister’, and which ultimately leads to the belief that there is no need for pastors. This is evident in both the activities of ‘mega churches’ and in the increase in house or home churches.

Veith argues that at its heart, this mistaken belief stems at least in part from an improper understanding of the ‘priesthood of all believers’, and that the church could benefit from a better understanding of the doctrine of vocation, which rightly identifies and values the office of the holy ministry and the vocations of all believers.

This extract is taken from a longer paper. Readers are encouraged to download and read the full paper via the link at the end of this article.