Re: Order of Service

Wow, Trapper, how do you give a short answer response to a question like that? :-)

Short answer #1: church authority- when you are in a denomination, you've got a governing council that sets denominational policy, district or regional leaders, pastors of local churches, elders within those churches, sometimes overseers of cell groups, the husbands/fathers/regular guys, the wives/mothers, and the children. You've got to go up the chain of command in order for any changes to be made within the church. If you don't go up the chain of command, you are out from under their authority and umbrella of their protection, which opens you up to spiritual attack.

Short answer #2: You have to check out your feelings/thoughts before you run off and do something. You check by a)searching the Scriptures for confirmation. Look for balancing scriptures. If it's in there three times, then you're probably good to go; b) are my authorities in agreement? see above for the structure of church government; c) seek the counsel of two or three wise friends/fellow believers; d) has God given you the financial resources?; e) check your motives- are they pure, or do you have some hidden agenda?; f) do you have an investment in the answer, or do you feel OK with the outcome being either way? g) have you given a lot of prayer to this?

If I get a green light after all these potential obstacles, I know it's God.

That's why I'm asking folks here. For their wise counsel.

Blessings,
-Donna