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A starting-point is that the church in
its entirety has the ultimate
responsibility to hear from God. “He who
has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit
says to the churches” (Rev 2:29).
God has always spoken to his church, and
we have perceived it to be vital in the
eyes of God to have “access” to his
church, who is also his bride, without
intermediary links.
Ad Fontes has a spiritual leadership,
but no employed pastor. The church has a
plural leadership, consisting of elders
and deacons. The elders have the main
responsibility the teaching and pastoral
guidance. The deacons and elders answer
together for the practical aspects of
church life. The elders and deacons form
the board of the church. Elders and
deacons are appointed for indefinite
terms on the basis of their perceived
calling, proven ministry and the
confirmation of the congregation.
One reason for the structure of
leadership in Ad Fontes is that we have
neither seen the need for, nor any
scriptural foundation for, the
traditional role of priest or pastor. In
the new covenant, we are all brothers
and sisters. As a worshiping
congregation, we form a holy priesthood
to our God. The Father is one and we are
all brothers and sisters. Among these
brothers and sisters in faith, there are
to be found different gifts and
functions, among them gifts of
leadership. These function during
periods of time in the midst of the
congregation, where they become an
integrated part of the life of the
church.
Leadership is important and has its role
to play but may never come between God
and the individual. We believe that
there is a space in the life of the
Christian and in the congregation, where
no one else but God himself may step in.
All forms of leadership must therefore
be exercised in a very careful way with
respect for what is holy, that is Christ
in us, our hope for glory. |
