I have said that I see Congregational polity as being critical to the survival and sustainability of the Church in urban areas in particular. There are two parts to this: giving members authority, and giving members ministry. This must be done equally, without respect for persons. Further, one cannot do it by appealing for it, announcing it, promising it, and so on. One just does it. One gives members authority, and not mere token authority, and one gives them ministry, which is original, personal spiritual input. OBSERVATION: Put it this way: it will be plain to see that members are running the Church, and that they are ministering in the Church, on a continual basis. That keeps a Church going in tough environments.
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