Church Leadership

The three objectives of our church leaders, especially those called to be ministers of Jesus Christ, are outlined clearly in Ephesians 4: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-12). In addition to these three objectives, the Lord outlines performance criteria to enable these ministers of Jesus Christ to gauge if they are on the right track: "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13).

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. (Acts 20:28-30)

Notice the plurality of the criteria: "till we all come." "For the body is not one member, but many ... But now are they many members, yet but one body ... That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another ... Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular" (1 Corinthians 12:14, 20, 25, 27). Thus, privatization of faith—individualized spirituality—is damaging in the community of faith (see "Personal Savior"). Our manner of life—conversation—must be in concord with "the gospel of Christ ... that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27). "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing" (1 Peter 3:8-9). This corporate focus means ministers of Jesus Christ must not only "preach the gospel" (1 Corinthians 1:17), but live the gospel. "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till [Jesus] come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine" (1 Timothy 4:12-13). Given that "faith without works is dead" (James 2:26), ministers must practice what they preach else "they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch" (Matthew 15:14).

For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed. Therefore the LORD shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his [the Lord's] anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. (Isaiah 9:16-17)

Therefore, all we do in the church should be aimed at unifying the body of Christ and increasing our knowledge of the Son of God (John 17:3). For it is "Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established" (Proverbs 24:3). Anything that creates division or decreases or distracts our knowledge of Jesus Christ should be immediately eradicated. "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them" (Romans 16:17). "For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men" (1 Corinthians 3:3)?

DRAFT V2010-06-28T4:47:26 PM