The church is not a democracy, it is a divine calling

The Church is not a democracy—it’s a divine calling. Let God lead
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” – Romans 11:29 (NKJV)

Pastor Soney Chacko, Guildford 

From Genesis to Revelation, God’s pattern has remained consistent—He chooses His leaders. He does not delegate His authority to human systems, denominations, or popular votes. He calls, anoints, and empowers individuals by His Spirit to accomplish His divine purposes. The church, God’s holy assembly, was never meant to be run like a corporation, but led by those who are divinely appointed.

Old Testament: God’s Chosen Vessel – Moses

When Israel was in bondage in Egypt, God didn’t consult a committee. He called Moses personally (Exodus 3:10). He said, “Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” Moses was not chosen by merit, popularity, or lineage—he was chosen because God willed it. Later, at God’s command, Moses appointed other leaders (Exodus 18:21) to assist in leading the people, showing a clear model: leadership flows from divine calling, not human convenience.

New Testament: Jesus, the Great Shepherd

When Jesus came, He continued this divine pattern. He personally called the disciples, mentored them, corrected them when needed (Luke 9:46–48), and ultimately commissioned them (Matthew 28:19–20). Jesus did not ask the crowd to choose leaders; He prayed and appointed (Luke 6:12–13). Even Paul, who came later, emphasized that his apostleship was “not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father” (Galatians 1:1).

The apostles, in turn, led under the direction of the Holy Spirit, not human tradition. In Acts 6, when the need arose to appoint deacons, the apostles said, “Select from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.” (Acts 6:3). Even though people helped identify candidates, the appointment came through spiritual oversight and discernment.

The Modern Church Must Return to the Divine Order

Today, many churches are governed more by constitutions than by the Holy Spirit. Denominations and boards often take the lead in appointing pastors and leaders, at times bypassing God’s voice. This is not the pattern we see in Scripture. No one was ever appointed by democratic vote or family inheritance to lead God’s people in the Bible.

Jesus never permitted people to rule over pastors or shepherds He had called. God alone is the supreme authority in the church (Colossians 1:18), and He alone gives roles to whom He wills (1 Corinthians 12:18, Ephesians 4:11).

As believers, our time on this earth is short. We are called to serve faithfully, to be led by the Spirit, and to honor the divine structure God has laid out. We must ask ourselves: Are we following God’s plan, or our own?

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