Ask most members of the churches of Christ whether the Bible speaks of a "clergy" and most will emphatically tell you NO! And, based on denominational usage and English dictionary definitions, they are right.
But...
The Bible does speak of a "clergy" in 1 Peter 5:3. Before you scramble for your Bible, let it be noted that few translations use the actual word "clergy" which appears to be a transliteration of the Latin form of the Greek words in cleris. The Latin Vulgate manuscript does use the word "clergy."
The King James Version translates the Greek word "God's heritage." The New King James Version says "those entrusted to you." The Revised Standard Version renders it "the charge allotted to you" and the New Revised Standard has "those in your charge." A literal rendering would be something like "not lording it over the lots."
The context of the opening verses of 1 Peter 5 is instruction from the Apostle Peter to the elders of the church. In the third verse they are instructed not to become lords (i.e. take secular-type power) over this CLERGY.
What does this mean and who are those who compose this clergy?
As always, it is important to look at context to reach a fair understanding. Peter addresses "the elders who are among you" in verse 1. In the next verse he tells the elders "to shepherd the flock that is among you." Then, in the third verse he exhorts them not to be lords over this CLERGY or HERITAGE, but be examples to THE FLOCK.
The "clergy" is, according to the context, synonymous with "those among you" and "the flock." We can readily conclude that it is a reference to the CHURCH, specifically local congregations.
But where did this concept come from and in what sense is the church a clergy? Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon (dictionary) says the original use of the Greek word concerned an object used in casting or drawing lots. Bible students will recall that the children of Israel drew lots for land in Canaan and received their portions (Joshua 18-19). The Levites were God's special possession or heritage or lot under the Old Law system. In Deuteronomy 10:9 it says: "Therefore Levi has no portion nor inheritance with his brethren; the Lord is his inheritance, just as the Lord your God promised him."
The King James Version translates the word in question as "heritage" which refers to people with an inheritance by birthright. When the children of Israel cast lots to receive their land, that land was their inheritance from God. But the Levites were particularly chosen for consecration to God's work and therefore received no land in Canaan. God was their inheritance and this was their heritage.
Now, based on this peculiar or special relationship of the Old Testament priesthood to God, there developed in denominational circles the idea of equating preachers with the Levitical priesthood. Thus, Catholics, Episcopalians and others have a separate priesthood and most denominations distinguish their preachers as "clergymen."
But let's look carefully at what the New Testament teaches us about priests, preachers and clergy.
First, about priests. Hebrews 7:11 and following declares that God has created a new priesthood. Then, in 1 Peter 2:5 we are told that the church is "a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
Then, in verse 9 and 10 Peter declares: "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God... ."
So, every member of the church is a priest, capable of offering spiritual sacrifices.
Secondly, let's look at preachers. In Matthew 23:5-9 Jesus sternly denounced the elevation of teachers to high positions and the wearing of honorary titles. He could be speaking today when he said: "But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. They love the best places at the feasts, the best seats in the synagogue, greetings in the market places, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.' But you, do not be called Rabbi, for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father, for One is your Father, He who is in heaven."
So, every member of the church is on an equal footing. There is no distinguishing of Christians. Our work may vary but as in any body, all parts are necessary (Romans 12:3-8).
Finally, as to New Testament clergy, the church is the group "chosen" or "called out" by God in a manner similar to the calling of the Levites. But it is the whole group that is this "heritage" or people of inheritance by birthright, not preachers or pastors alone.
In writing to the saints and faithful in Christ who lived in Ephesus, the Apostle Paul said that in Christ Jesus "we have obtained an inheritance." Peter said it is "an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4).
So, dear Christian, you are God's clergy because you have an inheritance awaiting you in heaven by birthright. You obtained that heritage when you were born again as you buried your old life and sins in the water of baptism.
Brother Blackaby has correctly shown us the reasons that the Great Commission, given by Christ to the disciples prior to His ascension, applies to all of us who wear the name CHRISTIAN! The teaching and training in the gospel is not just a job reserved for elders and preachers while the rest can "sit on the sidelines" and watch the parade go by!
Today the world is just as much in need for a remedy for sin as in the first century. The message of the "good news of Jesus Christ" needs to be spread in all the places where lost souls are found. Maybe if we truly loved the lost more, understood more clearly the terrible place called Hell, and our duty to help them come to the cross, the Lord's church would grow.
One other point all of us would do well to consider. When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ we will be asked about our love for the lost. What will your answer be on that day? What would it be if the question was faced today? Think soberly about the answer! (KMG)