Organic DNA of New Testament Church
It is not a simple dream. But it’s a dream that is worth reimagining- organic church. The communal life of the New Testament churches expressed the organic DNA of the church of Jesus Christ. Members of the believing community freely discharged their priestly duty that would build up the body. There was no sole authority other than headship and lordship of Jesus Christ, the kind of structure that defines the church founded during the apostolic tradition.
According to Viola, today’s church terminologies such as clergy, laity, denominations, and senior pastor, which elevate the person from others, are foreign to the first century Christians and seemingly strange in the Scriptures. There was a greater emphasis on the priesthood of every believer, and the apparent plurality of oversight by seasoned Christians (elders) protected the headship of Jesus Christ over the church. There was no board to decide on behalf of the church or a sole person to persuade the entire congregation. The passive role of superintending by the elders facilitated the church to achieving a consensus agreement on certain matters.
More importantly, the Holy Spirit gave life to the New Testament churches, not events or programs. The communal life of the New Testament Christians was practiced at homes; the place where every believer could be themselves, and be subject to the entire body (mutual subjection), not to the human higher authority. Authentic fellowship took place in the house of Christians, a reflection of the authentic community of Persons in the Godhead.
Towards Organic Expression
Frank Viola presents a radical approach to restoring the organic nature of the church- to disassemble the institutional church and start anew. Simple renovation may give us a new appearance on the outside but it won’t restore the original nature of the church. Contrary to the analogy of destroying an old building (which starts at the bottom by weakening the foundation) radical restoration of the church’s organic expression moves top down, without necessarily destroying the bottom (which is the church). This entails removing all human forms of authority and hierarchical/positional leadership.
The quest as seminary student has put me to a realm of questions- to formulate, validate, ask, or answer questions. And the difficult part is to get an answer in the form of question. Considering the fact that I belong to a denominational church, I find this book quite offensive. But then I had to ask myself why I am offended. Isn’t offensive to hear a blunt reproach? I must admit that my knowledge of church history is partial, and that my understanding of the Scripture is imperfect. However, I submit to idea that the church of Jesus Christ must express its organic DNA. As living organism, she can only live and find ways to grow in her own natural surroundings. And if the only resort is to abolish denominations, then the church is facing another painful formation. But I don’t know if that’s still necessary. I am not as radical as the way the author thinks, perhaps part of my immaturity, but that remains part of my journey as student, believer, and minister of Jesus Christ. It is my prayer to attain such understanding in my lifetime.
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