“The problem is that, regardless of what our theologies tell us about the purpose of the clergy, the actual effect of the clergy profession is to make the body of Christ lame. This happens not because clergy intend it (they usually intend the opposite) but because the objective nature of the profession inevitably turns the laity into passive receivers.” ProblemBodyHappensPurposeTurnsChristEffectsOppositesProfessionTheologyObjectivesPassiveLameClergyReceiverBody Of Christ Author:Christian Smith
“The clergy profession is fundamentally self-defeating. Its stated purpose is to nurture spiritual maturity in the church - a valuable goal. In actuality, however; it accomplishes the opposite by nurturing a permanent dependence of the laity on the clergy. Clergy become to their congregations like parents whose children never grow up, like therapists whose clients never become healed, like teachers whose students never graduate.” ChildrenSelfSpiritualPurposeGrowsParentGoalChurchGrowing UpTeacherStudentsOppositesValuableAccomplishProfessionPermanentMaturityGraduatesClientsNurtureDependenceHealedNurturingTherapistsCongregationClergyActualitySpiritual Maturity Author:Christian Smith
