I. As to LEADERSHIP - The Bible recognizes
the New Testament to teach two positions of leadership
and service in every church :
(A) Bishops (Elders)
(B) Deacons
(Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-13)
(1) The Bible teaches
that the function of bishops (elders) is to give general
oversight to the work of the church and to make administrative
decisions
(1 Timothy 3:4-5; 5:17)
(2) The Bible also teaches
the strategic importance of "pastors" as leaders.
Their main task is to equip the believers by faithfully
teaching God’s Word
(Ephesians 4:11-16; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
(3) The Bible teaches
that their responsibilities as "elders" and
"bishops" are to be equated with "shepherding
the flock."
(Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2)
II. The Application: Although the titles describe
church officers, the principles can and do apply to us
as believer’s. Therefore, we believe that at least
the following should be emphasized:
(1) All positions of leadership
should manifest as a habit of life, the qualifications
of at least deacons.
(1 Timothy 3:1-13 and
Titus 1:5-9)
(2) There should be a
distinction between administrative leadership and service
leadership (bishops/elders and deacons)
(1 Timothy 3:1-13)
III.The following are several laws of Christian
Leadership. At a later date we will provide scripture
references but for now these are the principals.
(1) A good leader leads
by example, and is recognized by others as a spiritual
leader and can be trusted
(2) A good leader communicates
clearly
(3) A good leader possesses
the capability of leading others
(4) A good leader does
things for the right reasons
(5) People are responsive
to the authority of a good leader
(6) A good leader has
vision
(7) Good leaders care
for the people around them
