I found this article very enlightening by examining the various roles of leadership designated throughout scripture. I also found it very helpful in looking at the types of leaders that Christ wants in His church. “We can see that the New Testament had various leaders, who served members through the word and through physical services. Often times, we can neglect to look at these roles and how their duties as church leadership impact the church. First, I think that we must not forget that God puts people in the body as he wishes, all for the common good. And that God has given the church leadership roles to help the church function in its upward, outward and inward responsibilities. As we look at the many leadership roles within the church, it is important to remember that all the while, we should becoming more like Christ. As discussed in the article: Church pastors are told to imitate Jesus' gentle style: Serve willingly, Peter admonishes, "not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock" (1 Pet. 5:2-3). It is so important to always keep this in mind and recognize the need for church leadership and the attitude of servant hood to be had. No matter what aspect of ministry/church leadership one is called to do, all church leaders must remember that "The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11) and "Whoever wants to be first must be slave of all" (Matt. 20:27; Mark 10:44).
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ReplyDeleteYour two most powerful statements were found in the last two passages about servant leadership. I look forward to implementing them into my ministry over the course of my time on earth. They are heady and hard to implement on a grand scale but I find it is easier to implement them on a daily basis. I was at a conference in Atlanta last week and Andy Stanley was talking about leading your congregation. He said that you have to figure out what you are trying to accomplish with your leadership and see if you are leading toward that end or not. Andy’s church wants to be the church that people go to if they are getting back into church. I want to position people to receive a revelation from God. I want to remove all of the obstacles to the Holy Spirit stepping into people’s lives and bring true lasting life change. Everything I do as a leader must be to “put people in the body as he wishes…to help the church function in its inward, outward, and upward responsibilities.” This will not come without finding out what my role is as equipper. I am the servant of the people for the growth of the body of Christ. -Nathan McWherter-
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