The Normal Christian Church Life (#8) - Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven: "Among the Workers"

In this chapter Watchman Nee speaks of how the early church organized itself. (When he makes reference to "workers" he is speaking of those with an apostolic calling to establish and build up local churches.)

A strong emphasis of Nee's is the independence of the local churches: "We never find any federation of churches there (in Scripture); they are all independent units." However, regarding "the workers", there was a certain amount of association, loose organization: "Paul refers to those who are with him (Acts 20:34), which indicates that while there was no organization of the workers into different missions, still they had their own special associates in the work...Such grouping of workers was ordained and ordered by the Lord. These apostolic companies were not formed along partisan or doctrinal lines...it was not because of natural affinity that they associated specially with some, nor was it because of difference in doctrine or practice that they did not associate with others. The deciding factor was always the ordering of the Lord."

Nee goes on to emphasize that although the Lord appointed certain associates to work together, they had no special name, system, or organization. Their only interest was to either establish a local church or strengthen a local church that was already in the area..."The Lord is the Head of the Body and not the Head of any organization." The worker's passion must be the Body of the Lord, not his own ministry or organization. "All carnal strife among the workers of God will be at an end once the Body is clearly seen as the principle of the work...(this) necessitates a deep knowledge of the cross of Christ."

In the New Testament "we see no trace of organizational missions on the one hand, nor do we see any workers going out on individual lines on the other hand...They are formed into companies, but such companies are on a spiritual basis, not on the basis of organization...The Lord united them; therefore they became fellow workers...In such groups none held special positions or offices. Whatever ministry the Lord had given them, that constituted their position. They received no appointments from the association..."

Nee then speaks of authority saying that in an organization it's possible for a man to have authority by virtue of his position in the organization without having any inherent authority in himself as a person..."in divinely constituted companies of workers...authority is exercised among them, but such authority is spiritual, not official. It is an authority...which is the outcome of a deep knowledge of the Lord and intimate fellowship with Him...In an organization its workers are obliged to obey, but in a spiritual association they are not...there is no compulsion; direction and submission alike are on the ground of spirituality."

There must be a working together but that isn't by means of an organization but rather by means of each worker hearing from the Head Who directs His work: "God's servants must work together in companies, but there is a kind of co-working which is to be avoided, that is, co-working in a man-made organization which restricts its members so that they cannot really respond to the leading of the Spirit..."

In the Scriptures "there is no universal organization or central control..." This is because "God does not wish the power of organization to take the place of the power of the Holy Spirit ...Whenever people cease to obey the Spirit and labor in the power of the flesh, then it is best if the work is simply allowed to fall to pieces. A good organization often serves as a bad substitute for the power of the Holy Spirit by holding a work together even after all its vitality is gone..."

Nee finishes this chapter by reiterating the importance of the worker's responsibility which is two-fold:

• First, when he comes to a place where there is no church, then he is to establish one in that locality.
• Second, if there is a local church in existence there, then "all his teaching and experience must be contributed to that church that it may be strengthened and edified, and no attempt should be made to attach that church to himself or to the society he represents." (None of the apostles went into regions to establish another church "brand" from where they had come.)

Holy Spirit, we continue to pray for workers/apostles who have had a deep encounter with Jesus and who seek Him above all else and whose hearts are ablaze with desire to establish His name across the earth in preparation for His return. Would You raise up leaders who understand what You are doing in the earth today, for Your sake, Lord. Thank You that You want this more than we do! Amen...