Kingdom of Priests

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9

What does it mean that we are a kingdom of priests?

David Ooi talked about this question in one of the bible studies. People from the western Christian world have sometimes questioned David about the leadership: Is it ok that Rathana is pastoring Pillars even though he hasn't been to seminary or had any formal training? How about Rithy (more new to this type of role than Rathana)? How about the students going out to plant the upcoming (5) house churches?

At the last question, I could feel some tension and uncertainty inside of me. Certainly, I agree that seminary isn't a necessary qualification as it is just a man-made institution. Rathana and Rithy have already been leaders in Crossroads in small groups and led mission teams; it seems to me that they have the qualities important for leading Pillars and Cana.

But the students? The groups leading the churches are: 1) Phearum and Singapore, 2) Chantha, Somal, and Sothea, 3) Chetra, Nora, and Pheaktra, 4) girls group, 5) girls group. The students range from upcoming sophomores to seniors. A couple only have been Christians for a couple of months. I thought: Is that really wise? The bible does talk about the choosing of leaders in the church with a degree of strictness and caution (Timothy and James).

But more and more I'm thinking that any genuine Christian -- someone who has a sincere and childlike faith and a desire to change their life according to God's principles -- can have confidence to proclaim what they believe, testify of God's goodness in their lives, and disciple others in growing in God's word. I think judgmental people like me especially need to realize this. Rather than treating new believers only as people to take care of, I need to support them in taking hold of the mantle of priesthood that God has bestowed onto them.