In churches such as RC and EO (and more), their priests are sent to pastor churches without the congregations input. Am I correct in stating that first off?
My question for the thread concerns WHEN did it happen that congregations began to select their own pastors? Was it during Luther's time or did it began in churches before that?
[MENTION=11]Lämmchen[/MENTION]
I strongly suspect this was the norm for the vast majority of churches for at least the first 3 or 4 centuries of Chrsitianity. In fact, in my Doctrine class, the teacher even mentioned that for many centuries, there were no seminaries and really no appointments; pastors rose up within the congregation they served. Some young man was noted as having the gifts and heart for this and would be mentored by the current pastor and slowly phased into service, at some point being ordained; most pastors serving in the congregation they were borned into and served only there until their death. There were bishops of course (and even in the 4th Century, supervised pastors and congregations) but they typically played little role in who became pastor where.
In EUROPE, it is still the norm for pastors to be placed by the denomination (albeit certainly with the congregation taking a role). Catholic, Lutheran and Anglican churches in Europe are all episcopal in government, and many are still State Churches, literally a agency of the government, pastors often civil servants. A century or so ago, this was true of all European nations but some (such as Sweden) "spun off" the church. So it was not JUST the bishop who placed pastors, but the secular government often had a role, too. Exception would be Scotland, Holland, some parts of Swizerland where Reformed churches once were common, they aren't episcopal.
Luther accepted episcopal governance in the church, and while IMO it violates his "two kingdoms" theology, he accepted secular government's role. He talks about the local prince at least having a veto over pastoral appointments. And in the Reformation, he often appealed to princes.
Lamm, the very congregational (and rather democratic) concept that WE have is very American. The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod was born out of a rejection of the secular states' intervention in the church, it forcing certain theologies to be taught, mandating what Confirmation materials, etc., could be used and at times firing Confessional pastors. In the 1830's, the USA was known internationally as a nation of freedom of religion and separation of church and state, and that's why those pastors and laity LEFT Germany and homesteaded together in Perry County, MO. The whole thing was to evade government. And, especially here in the USA, these Lutherans became GREAT admirers of democracy. Walther himself spoke glowingly of the New England Town Meeting. By the time the LCMS is officially founded, the goverance is very UNEuropean and very American. The LCMS is built from the bottom - up, a lot of autonomy given to the local parish. Pastors were seen a bit like a mayor in that the PEOPLE choose their own. Walther even took this so far as to say that the PEOPLE of the church could dismiss their pastor, even against the advise of the denomination. The LCMS understood the authority to be with the LAITY and they, freely, gave the public exercise of such to THEIR called pastor. So, in the LCMS, it's the congregation that CALLS the pastor, the denomination doesn't place them.
This is called CONGREGATIONAL government. And it was perfected in America largely by former Reformed churches. This began in earnest in New England USA. Each congregation was autonomous and self-governing, choosing their own pastor and supervising him directly. Denominations were simply agencies to aid in mutual way, for example to do mission work or support colleges but not to "rule" over the member congregations. The United Church of Christ traces it's history to this very AMERICAN movement and is a prime example of this type of governance. While the LCMS is not extreme here, we are definately congregational in government. And this is soley because of the founders being HUGE admirers of American democracy and passionate about separation of church and state.
BTW, I can't speak for the EOC, but in Catholicism, I don't think it's common for the Bishop to place someone "without congregational input." There wasn't a vacancy in my Catholic parish during my time there, but as I understand it, Bishops go to some lengths to know the needs and desires of a parish.... it would be foolish to place a man not welcomed into a parish. The ELCA has a somewhat episcopal government but there too, the Bishop would never just send someone to a congregation.... the congregation is involved.
Blessings on your Epiphany celebration...
- Josiah
