Jumpstarter 3 of 10

Direct Answer Based on Bercot’s reading of the Didache, early Christians assumed ordinary congregations could discern doctrine and character in visiting ministers, show open-handed hospitality without being manipulated, and still recognize stable local authority by appointing proven bishops and deacons. Many churches today assume discernment is mainly a professional task and hospitality is mediated through institutions rather than face-to-face testing of ministers.

Support from Transcript:

• Didache 11: “Whoever…comes and teaches…receive him,” but if he teaches “another doctrine…do not listen to him”—the congregation must judge doctrine.
• It limits dependence: a visiting apostle “shall not remain more than one day, or two days if there’s a need,” guarding against freeloading and control.
• It warns against manipulation: if someone says “Give me money…you shall not listen to him,” but need-based giving is allowed (“if he tells you to give for other’s sake”).
• Bercot explains these “traveling prophets, teachers, and apostles” served churches that “apparently did not have permanent leaders.”
• Didache 15: “Appoint for yourselves bishops and deacons…truthful and proved,” assuming the congregation knows men well enough to assess “proved” character.
• It also assumes bishops/deacons can “render… the service of prophets and teachers,” meaning local leaders must be spiritually capable, not merely administrators.