“Ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues”

"Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." -- Matthew 23:1-12

Ever wonder why nearly every “church” has an elevated platform in the front and center of the building? Typically, on the platform area there are nice cushioned crushed-velvet high-back seats for the “clergy” to sit in. In the more formal churches, the clergy will even wear robes, clearly distinguishing them from the “laity”.

While sincere people have offered up many explanations for an elevated platform ministry, ranging from visibility considerations, transmission of sound, to public recognition and approval of the “ministry”, all of these explanations fall short of clear Biblical teaching.

The New Testament church did not have the clergy/laity class distinction and neither did the leaders seek exalted positions or titles. They were all simply known as “brethren” or “saints”. There were no big “I”s or little “u”s.The scriptures warn us to be careful of the deeds and doctrines of the Nicolaitans (Rev 2:6 &15). The Greek word “Nicolaitans” is a compound word consisting of the words Nikos – which means to conquer or to be above and the word Laos – which means people. This is the word from which laity was later derived. Together, the word Nicolaitans symbolizes a spirit of people being victorious over other people, or a spirit of seeking or wanting preeminence over others.

The scriptures do teach us to respect and submit to our leaders. However, we should never seek to elevate ourselves above or be elevated one above another. 1 Peter 5:5-6 says, Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Among humble people, submission to one to another is not a difficult matter.

In our meetings, we seek to implement Biblical principles. No one sits on the platform of the rented chapel. During the meetings, we have no reserved designated seats for the individual who leads in the discussion time, and even this responsibility is shared among the saints. Throughout the meetings, all are encouraged to participate and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. We have found that by getting away from a “spectator church” environment, where one person does all the talking and the audience sits and listens, in the open church environment we have been blessed and edified by each member’s gifting and participation.

Psalms 138:6 For though the LORD is high,
yet he looks after the lowly;
but the proud, he knows from afar.