In Contrast...

All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do  miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of  leadership, those who speak in unknown languages. [1 Corinthians 12.27-28]

In contrast, Jesus said this:

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” [Mark 16.15-18]

Paul is saying the gifts of the Spirit are assigned at God's will, different gifts to different people, thus necessitating unity among the "body" of Christ (the Church). In other words, in the Body of Christ, "no man is an island."

And yet, Jesus indicated that these gifts were assigned to "anyone who believes." Is there a disconnect?

Let' go back to Acts 6.

But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” [Acts 6.1-4]

As pointed out in the article Discontent Is A Bad Sign, I am not sure where the apostles got the idea that their job was above what Jesus taught them (We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program.). After His last meal before His crucifixion, Jesus said this:

After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. [John 13.12-17]

See the problem? Organization in the Body of Christ does not appear to have been our Lord's intention! 

I am going out on a limb here (as far as conventional Christian understanding goes) to suggest that we  should at least consider the possibility that the book of Acts (and many of the letters written during the spread of the early Church), may in fact chronicle the digression of the early Church more so than the progression of the early Church.

What we see started in Acts 6, that continues on through many of Paul's letters, are maintenance issues that naturally arise when any group grows and the leader cannot effectively give the one-on-one servant leadership Jesus modeled. In fact, Paul scolded people in his letters for factions that innocently gelled based on the leadership models that became necessary to deal with upward growth. Upward growth is that which progressively elevates a leader upward while the group grows, compared to outward growth that is one-on-one discipleship that Jesus commanded in the fullness of the Holy Spirit (as He was sent) - not in individual giftings.

Any pastor or church leader today who has ever led a church to significant growth will agree that church growth is accompanied by pains and problems! Organization (including delegation) is the only solution if the corporate structure is to survive. But regardless the necessity, Jesus did not teach such!

Let's hear that again, "Jesus never taught His followers to delegate menial tasks to others." John 13.12-17 blows any argument otherwise out the window. However, even as He "led the way" Jesus indeed tasked His men to prepare the upper room, pay taxes, and the likes, but when it came to "establishing hierarchy," Jesus donned a towel and washed His disciples' feet.

I am not suggesting the New Testament is not the inspired Word of God. However, I am suggesting that perhaps we should consider that the inspired Word of God may be teaching us a different lesson than what we originally thought! The problem is not the Word, but (as always) our understanding of it!

The history of the world is evident: time as we know it slowly built up to Jesus Christ on earth and then slowly digressed afterwards. Jesus Himself indicated this digression would happen thus leading to "end times." This history creates a graph whose peak is Jesus Christ (as it should be!). The upward progression to Christ and the downward digression after Christ all point to Him "on top." In that position, everything else we understand about the Bible and life should be measured and understood BY HIM! Jesus, God's Word, is the final authority. The Bible teaches this quite clearly if only we will see it. (When He returns, He will still be on top!)

As a side note: the growth of the Church today mush be scrutinized for intent: whether that intent is to truly elevate Jesus (in cross-bearing, foot-washing resemblance to Him), or, to elevate itself (complete with leaders and all the organization necessary to support it). For the record, the latter sounds a lot like James and John jockeying for position in an earthly kingdom (Mark 10.35-37)!

Father, help us to sort out what appear to be discrepancies between what Jesus taught and what the early Church did. Above all, help us to keep Jesus FIRST, understanding everyone and everything else in light of Him (and NOT the other way around). Help us learn Your Word and, therefore, learn Jesus! So be it.