“The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.”

Matthew 10:24-26 KJV

Greetings in Jesus’ name! Let me first say that the Bishop and I are thankful to God for the progress, educational growth and class participation that we have witnessed in many of you. There is, however, a serious matter that needs to be addressed. Let me preface it by saying that when you attend training sessions with the diocesan and myself, nothing that we teach, explain or express is intended to countermand, challenge or undermine the instruction that your pastor sets forth each week at your home churches.

As we study together, you will find yourself growing in the knowledge of the Bible as well as in theology. As you grow as students of the word of God, you may find that many of our (apostolic) pastors have never been exposed to some of the subject matters that you are learning; therefore, while growing in the knowledge of the word, I ask that you make sure that you are also growing in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This can best be demonstrated by NOT using your newfound knowledge to contradict the teachings or even dogma that your pastor sets forth. Regardless of our teaching prowess or how much knowledge we might have, we absolutely must remain respectful to our pastors and leaders. They may not always use proper hermeneutical principles; they may not always explain every passage in its proper context, but they are anointed of God and have been placed in the position of leadership.

Your apostolic pastor is most likely doing the best he/she can, according to how they were raised in the faith. As long as you are under their tutelage and leadership, you are accountable to them. Also, as an associate minister of the gospel, you are responsible for helping them to advance the word of God as they understand it.

Neither Bishop Merritt nor I possess the spiritual desire or authority to contradict your pastor, and if we don’t, you certainly don’t either. Please assist your pastor in keeping order in your home church by humbly obeying his or her policies and making sure other saints do the same.

Regardless of your opinion on how they interpret a biblical text, your pastor is the earthly head of your assembly; and as long as you are a member of that assembly, you must accept their teachings as they are delivered to you.

Finally, with respect the contextual setting of Matthew 10:24, a secondary meaning for the church is that if “they” will speak negatively about your leader today, they will also speak negatively tomorrow about you when your turn comes to serve as the leader. To be blunt, your learning does not make you greater than your pastor in any way, and the way you treat him or her will be the way you are treated one day.

On behalf of our diocesan, I insist that all F.A.C. ministers work harmoniously with (not against) your pastors. If you do this, perhaps, one day the “learned” ministers under your leadership will work harmoniously with you.

Like always, as students of the word of God, you may contact me with any questions that you might have concerning this letter.

Dr. Mac