Feedback on the Priesthood of all Believers
In thinking about Baptist distinctives, one of the most important, yet simultaneously troubling, is the priesthood of all believers.
As Baptists, we all believe that we each have direct access to God without the need for a mediator (aside from Christ). I firmly believe the priesthood of all believers to be the single most important theological contribution Baptists have made. This belief, coupled with soul competency (the belief that I am freely responsible to interact with God of my own accord), emphasizes the individual’s personal responsibility in salvation and (hopefully) personal responsibility in discipleship.
I use the term “troubling” in the opening paragraph, however, because this priesthood opens up a Pandora’s Box of sorts within local, autonomous congregations. I’d like to list some of the difficulties with the priesthood of all believers and get some feedback from other young Baptists on how these can be engaged effectively within the church:
* The possibility of disunity. Baptists are notorious for their squabbles, and the belief that each person has heard directly from God contributes to this notion. This “ain’t nobody but Jesus gonna tell me what to do” attitude cuts both ways.
* The idea of the priesthood of all believers is supported by two mentions in the New Testament (1 Peter 2 and Revelation 5). In both mentions, it is a collective/plural mention. However, in contemporary Baptist practice it can easily tend toward individualization. How to balance this without being coercive?
* From a pastoral perspective, there is the issue of teaching. Is the pastor simply “one among many priests”? Is there any difference between the pastor and the other priests in the congregation? If so, what? If not, then why a pastor at all?
* How to emphasize the priestly duties that are not simply about myself? Priests have always been charged with helping others connect with God. How does that materialize in Baptist life? Looking forward to any thoughts…
Tags: Baptist Distinctives, Bible, Scripture
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December 3, 2007 at 11:24 pm
To me, these ideas–Priesthood of All Believers and Soul Competency–are essentials. Not even just that, I’d say they’re necessary realities. They mirror humanity’s relationship with God, with Soul Competency/Priesthood reflecting Free Will.
As I read each of the potential problems you list, I can tell you that I’m 100% okay living with all of them. When we enter into any relationship, there are risks. If there wasn’t some tension around those things, I think we’d be in real trouble. Besides, what are the alternatives?
December 3, 2007 at 11:31 pm
Lex, as usual, I have some thoughts, but they’re not too far from yours. I think that the first step in addressing risks is recognizing them, which I’ve tried to do. But I do think that, at least when it comes to the pastorate, there might be some concrete steps. But I’d like to hear other thoughts first…