Why Don’t Gospel Halls Have a Pastor Like Other Churches?

Those who share or instruct on the Word during our gatherings are just ordinary members like you and me. Some dedicate themselves entirely to the Lord’s work in response to His calling, while others balance this role with secular employment. We are all servants of the Lord as each of us has a talent to offer for Him (1 Cor.9:7-14; Gal.6:6; Eph.4:11-16; Acts 18:1-3; 20:33-35; Rev.1:1). Being a servant is not about class differences; it is a wonderful privilege that we can all experience, regardless of being called to serve full-time or not.

The concept of a clergy/laity structure is not endorsed anywhere in the Bible. Every believer in Christ is considered a brother and sister and carries equal responsibility before God for engaging with His Word in their own lives. In fact, Jesus instructed not to refer to anyone as “master,” “teacher,” or “father” (Matt. 23:1-12). Typically, a congregation votes to select preachers and ministers to serve a local church, and they receive a salary. They hold a position of spiritual leadership and authority as long as they are recognized as “our pastor.” In other organizations, a governing board appoints the preacher to oversee a congregation. We believe that this practice is not grounded in Scripture.

It is important to recognize that our perspectives on Scripture can differ. We are of the opinion that an “open” platform, where multiple individuals can share the Word, is more beneficial than a “one-man ministry,” as it enables the Spirit of God to work through the diverse gifts and personalities bestowed upon the Church. Nevertheless, we do not advocate for an “every man” ministry; we hold that while every believer has a ministry, not every believer is meant to be a preacher, but rather, only those who are specifically gifted should take on that role. Gospel Hall Assemblies do have elders and those elders hold certain responsibilities within the local assembly. Teaching and preaching is not a role that is exclusive held by an elder. Men who have a calling from the Lord to serve the assembly ought to be able to speak at meetings if they meet the requirements of the New Testament.