Br. ________,

sorry I am extremely busy in Church work as well as taking care of my family among other things.  When I have time, I will always try to answer.  I will answer your most recent question, from what I know, briefly.  I am asking God to give me wisdom based upon His Holy Word.
 
The Bible says in Ephesians 5:18 it says, "And be not drunk with wine, in which is excess, but be filled with the Spirit".  It is my understanding that at the point of salvation (justification by faith) the Holy Spirit comes in and "seals" us.  This is a finished transaction in which the Holy Spirit is permanently within our soul until the day of Redemption.  Positionally in Christ we are saved for eternity, but in our daily experiencial walk we either walk according to the flesh or walk according to the Spirit.  Paul wrote to the saints in I Corinthians.  Many of them walked in the flesh and as a result there was confusion and disunity in that Church.  In Galatians 5 we see a list of those who are filled with the Spirit; by their fruits we will know them certainly, but it says in verse 22, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law".  An evidence of being filled or controlled by the Spirit is love, joy, and self-control.  Certainly in the life of Church if things are being done by the Spirit, especially in public worship, there will be decency and order; the Holy Spirit is always a gentlemen.
 
I know that you addressed the issue of some people not being respectful of pastors or spiritual leaders.  Oftentimes this manifests itself when the Holy Spirit moves in a powerful way upon a community of faith.  Those who are not grounded in the Word of God will begin to show criticism rather than love for their leaders and others.  Scripturely, the most spiritually gifted, charismatic Christians, who exhibit the spiritual gifts will not be proud; instead they will be full of humility and full of the fruits listed above.  They will not judge others who may not have the gifts; its God's business to do that (Matthew 7:1).  If Chrisitan people disrespect their spiritual leaders and instead practice unforgiveness and hate, they are spiritual babies, living a carnal life.  Carnality is fleshly and this is not of God.
 
I think each church has gatekeepers!  Gatekeepers are the local Church elders, pastors and bishops that can meet to deal with the rebellious ones.  Church discipline is scriptural and will help to maintain the unity and love of the flock.  When a Board can support a pastor in what he or she does, the rebellious ones will disappear. 
 
My prayers are with you as you shepherd your flock.
 
According to your most recently email today, you have a ministry of meeting the needs of the whole man and women, by not only feeding the Word, but feed the body too.  Thank you so much for the pictures.  Those picture are very beautiful, especially of the children.  They are so precious and loved by our Savior.
 
Our Moravian Church in Anchorage, Alaska is not a rich Church materially.  Many of our Eskimo people barely make it and must also look for food and clothing.  Somehow as the religious community works together, we are better able to meet the spiritual, soul and physical needs of our people.  One of our ministries is to help the street people in Anchorage during the new year 2009.
 
May our Lord Jesus enrich your ministry and bless what you do in His Precious Name.
 
May the signs follow them that believe in your church.  We do not follow after signs, but signs do follow them which believe.
 
Grace and Peace,
Bishop Nicholson

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