Christianity by Proxy

One online dictionary provides the following as the first definition of the word “proxy:”

The agency, function, or power of a person authorized to act as the deputy or substitute for another.

(Dictionary.com)

Some information I read not long ago caused me to wonder whether or not some of us are practicing what could be called “Christianity by proxy.” The information I read described the type of preacher a particular group of people were hoping to have working for them. The key word in that last sentence may be “for.” I intentionally used that word instead of “with.”

This church was/is looking for a man “…to preach, teach, evangelize, do home Bible studies as well as to minister to the congregation in all aspects.” I wonder (I hope) that what was meant was something more akin to working with us as we preach, teach, evangelize, do home Bible studies, and minister to one another in all aspects.  

I’m thinking of three ways that congregations of the Lord’s people might use to try to accomplish what He wants us to do. First, there is the method that seems to be employed by some. Maybe the key word to this one is “employed.” It is closely connected to that earlier key word: “for.”

Those who would utilize this system would attempt to find the “right person” as their preacher. He would be expected to fill the job description mentioned earlier. The bulk of the “involvement” of the rest of the congregation would be to see that he is adequately supported. Of course, that support would be largely dependent upon his performance. If and when his performance failed to meet the expectations of a significant segment of the church, he might be encouraged to “seek employment” elsewhere. At that point, the search would begin for another person who might more adequately meet the expectations of the congregation.

The second method I’m thinking about is kind of a variation on the first one. Somebody may begin to see that the expectations and needs of the congregation are more than one man can handle. At that point, the decision may be made to employ more than one person in order to “minister to the congregation in all aspects.” Job descriptions will be created and assignments will be made in order to ensure that the work will be accomplished in the most efficient manner possible.

Before I mention the third method I have on my mind, I might need to make some things clear. First, I am not totally opposed to multiple ministers in a local congregation. There are situations and conditions that make that feasible. I have, in fact, worked in those situations and conditions.  

Second, these are not the thoughts of a disgruntled preacher who has been repeatedly “let go” so that somebody more desirable could be found. One of the blessings of my full-time preaching career is that this was never the case.

Third, I am in no way suggesting that it is wrong for congregations to support preachers financially. I would not oppose what the New Testament endorses.

I am typing these words merely in order to challenge our thinking a little. It could be that, if our thinking is challenged, our actions may also be challenged a little.

The third method I’m thinking about relates closely to the difference between “for” and “with” that I briefly alluded to earlier. It may help me to decide whether or not I am practicing “Christianity by proxy.” 

That third method is based on a description of the Lord’s church found in both Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12. The picture of the church painted in both of these chapters is one of a body. Universally and locally the church is to be a body in which each member has a function.  

In connection with this, please also consider: 

from whom (Christ, v. 15) the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

Ephesians 4:16, NASB

I once heard somebody express the opinion that the easiest thing for a Christian to do is to write a check. I wonder if there may not be something to that.

If writing a check to support somebody else to carry on the work of the Lord is the sum total of my involvement, I wonder if I may not be practicing…

Christianity by proxy.

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AUTHOR: Jim Faughn