Church leadership 1

LEADERSHIP AND MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH

Key question

What is the nature of leadership and ministry in the church and how is it to be
different from the world?

Key text

Ephesians 4:11-12
“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists,
and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of
service to the building up of the body of Christ;”

Key Definition

The Church
The church is that spiritual organism of which Christ is the Head, composed of
all regenerate people from Pentecost to Rapture.

Introduction
1. Three basic questions
a. What is the nature and purpose of the local church?
b. What does a healthy church look like?
c. What is my responsibility in my local church?
2. We can divide this study into three parts
a. The nature of ministry.
b. The nature of spiritual authority.
c. Decision making in the church.
A. The Nature Of Ministry
1. Slaves, sons, and bond-slaves
a. The drama of redemption must be understood (Rom.8:15).
b. The motives for ministry are critical (Rom.10:1-4).
c. When we were under the law we were slaves motivated by fear. We have been set
free in Christ as sons (I Cor.6:12, Rom.8:15). We are called to freely submit
ourselves to Christ as bond-slaves (Rom.12:1-2).
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2. Sodality, modality, and integrity

a. Both sodality (task-oriented) and modality (people-oriented) approaches to
ministry are needed in the church. See Matt.28:18-20 and I Pet.5:1-5.
b. The church can be identified as a soft sodality or a modality with direction.
c. We must respect the pattern of the N.T. writers in their emphasis upon modality
with direction.
3. Motivations, ministries, and manifestations (I Cor.12:4-6)
a. Motivations — that which constitutes our basic drive or aptitude in
ministry. See Rom.12:6-8
1. Prophecy — to reveal unrighteous motives or actions by presenting God’s
truth.
2. Service — to demonstrate love by meeting practical needs.
3. Teaching — to clarify truth.
4. Exhortation — to stimulate others to faith and action.
5. Giving — to entrust personal assets to others for the furtherance of the
ministry.
6. Leading— to coordinate the activity of others for the achievement of common
goals.
7. Mercy — to identify with and comfort those who are in distress.
b. Ministries — that which constitutes our recognized role or function in the
church family. See I Tim.4:14
c. Manifestations — that which constitutes the effect of our ministry in
others. See I Cor.12:7-11

Motivations Ministries Manifestations

Aptitude Ordination Word Effected (result)
Creative powers Administrations Operations
Distribution Recognition Contribution
By the Holy Spirit When ordained by elders To the body of Christ
(church)
To the world
When? When? When?
At the moment of salvation At the time of ordination the When “gift”, “ministryʼ, and
body recognizes the gifted “the Holy Spirit” work together.
one.
How many? How many? How many?
Basic motives, gifts, aptitudes Infinite number Infinite number
Gifts of the first order Gifts of the second order Gifts of the third order (I
(Rom.12) (Eph.4) Cor.12:7)

B. The Nature Of Spiritual Authority

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1. Biblical Wisdom — the mark of authority

a. Insight
1. Into God’s general revelation (common sense).
2. Into God’s special revelation: Scripture and Holy Spirit.
b. Example
1. Of how to apply insights into one’s personal walk.
2. Of how to “walk in the light” of the reality of human weakness and God’s
grace.
3. Of how to relate to others successfully.
4. Of how to give and receive ministry.
c. Responsibility
1. For guarding the Gospel message.
2. For shepherding God’s people.
2. The Structure of Authority in the Local Church
a. Elders, bishops, pastors — I Tim.3:1-7, Titus 1:7-9, I Pet.5:1-5
1. Spiritual oversight (Acts 20:28).
2. Official and informal authority (I Tim.5:17, I Thess.5:13).
3. Plurality (Acts 14:23).
b. Deacons — I Tim.3:8-13, Acts 6:1-6
1. Serving the elders.
2. Serving the congregation.
3. The responsibility of shepherds (Ezek.34:1-16, Acts 20:28)
a. Feed the sheep not themselves.
b. Serve with humility, not severity or a dominating spirit.
c. Seek the lost, heal the wounded, bring back the scattered.
4. The moral virtues associated with leadership.

Overseer Deacons Elder

Opponents
I Tim.3:1-7 I Tim.3:8-13 Titus 1:5-9
“worthless for any
good deed”
“good works”
Titus 1:16
Bring reproach on
“above reproach”, “above reproach” the church
“above reproach”
“good reputation”
Titus 1:11-14
Seduce women
“one-woman man” “one-woman man” “one-woman man”
II Tim.3:6
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“self-controlled” Uncontrolled
“self-controlled”
II Tim.3:6

“hospitable” Upset house

“hospitable” churches
II Tim3:6

“skilled teacher” “able to exhort with Teaching a different

sound teaching gospel
and rebuke” I Tim1:3
“so not fall into the Taken captive by
devilʼs snare” the devil
I Tim1:20
Teaching results in
“gracious” “not arrogant” “quarrels”
II Tim.2:23
Think godliness is a
“not a lover of “not greedy” “not greedy for “means of profit”
money” gain”
I Tim.6:5
“managing his own “managing their “having faithful
household well, children and their children, not . . “disobedient to
having submissive own household rebellious” parents”
children” well” II Tim3:2
5. The characteristics of all “good leaders.”
a. HOPE - They see clearly how things SHOULD be. They have a clearly
communicated and socially compelling vision. They are not managers posing as
visionaries. We see Jesus model this in his many parables of the Kingdom.
b. FAITH – They see how things CAN be. They motivate with their expectations
and faith in others. They are not cynics posing as cheerleaders. We see Jesus
model this in his prayer that his followers would be united in love, in the world
but not of it, and experiencing the love of the Father.
c. LOVE – They see how things ARE. They graciously accept reality. They are not
perfectionists posing as pastors. We see Jesus model this when he loves his
disciples to the end, in spite of their failure to love and trust him.
d. FEAR – They know how to MANAGE fear. They respect the fear in followers
and help them manage it with courage. They are not worriers posing as
courageous. We see Jesus model this in the many times that he tells his disciples
to “fear not” and “don’t be anxious for your life.”
C. The pastoral responsibility of pastoral leaders. (Acts20:17-35). Leaders in the
church should be:
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1. Vulnerable not infallible – “28 Be on guard for yourselves” Leaders do not

have a free pass on temptation and failure. As a matter of fact they face some
unique and especially devastating challenges to holy living. With power and
position come temptations to pride, privilege, and profit that can destroy
ministries and lives.
2. Protectors not abusers – “28 … and for all the flock” Leaders are to guard the
flock as they do their own souls. This means that they must understand human
nature and the MO of the devil, the world, and the flesh.
3. In-touch not aloof – “28 … among which” Human leaders are also sheep and
they minister among those who are like them in many ways. They should
make sure that others sense this. Leaders should not be aloof or living apart
from the flock even though it is tempting to do so in attempts to impress so as
to have authority over.
4. Ordained by the Spirit not by self – “28 … the Holy Spirit has made you”
Spiritual leaders are not to be self appointed but ordained by the Spirit. This
means that while a personal passion for service is not enough. It must be
notarized by the Christian community and especially by existing leaders.
5. Protective of not careless with the flock – “28 … overseers” The Greek word
used here is the term from which we get the word “Episcopal” and is
translated “overseer” or “bishop.” The meaning of the term is “to watch over.”
6. Servants not masters – “28 … to shepherd” Leaders are shepherds not
managers, CEOs, ranchers, stock holders, etc. A shepherd in ancient Israel
was seldom an owner (more often a steward) with specific responsibilities to
a. make sure the flock was well fed,
b. make sure the flock was safe,
c. tend to the weak and straying individuals.
7. Centering their ministry on the church community not the secular
community – “28 … the church of God, which He purchased with His own
blood” The leader’s first calling is to minister to the needs of the church. This
does not mean that leaders should not set the pace in showing God’s love to
the world but it does mean that they realize that the best witness to the world
is a well cared for and healthy flock.
8. Drawing people to Christ not themselves – “29 I know that after my
departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and
from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw
away the disciples after them.” In attempts to lead others a person can draw
attention to themselves thinking that confidence in human leadership is the
key to building the Kingdom. Christ is the chief Shepherd and He alone
deserves the attention and faith. Healthy churches are built on the cornerstone
of Christ.
9. Minister with humility and passion. “19 serving the Lord with all humility
and with tears and with trials”
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10. Teach the grace of God in the whole counsel of God’s revealed purpose with a
call to repentance toward God and faith in Christ.
D. The administrative responsibility of pastoral leaders. (Acts 6:1-7)
1. The challenge that is addressed here comes in the context of rapid growth. Growth
brings some unique challenges.
2. The challenge has to do with a growing tension that falls along ethnic cultural lines –
Jews and Greeks.
3. The challenge has to do with justice in the use of resources.
4. The Apostles’ approach to the problem follows these steps:
a. They respect the complaint.
b. They involve the congregation in its resolution.
c. They affirm their own responsibilities and boundaries.
d. They offer counsel to the congregation as to how the problem can be addressed.
e. They take responsibility for ordaining those who will be used to solve the
problem.
f. They won the congregation’s trust and support.
5. The term for “full of the Spirit” is the same term used in contexts where “maturity of
character” is implied as opposed to “charismatic power.”
6. It is interesting to note that the men ordained for this ministry had Greek names. The
Greeks were bringing the complaint and it was their people who would be given
responsibility to make any corrections necessary for social justice. This was
important in that the Apostles were all Hebrews and therefore seen as having a
potential bias.
7. Stephen and Philip would be mentioned later in Acts as men with significant
ministries.
Lessons
1. Don’t underestimate the power of the Spirit working through wise administration.
2. Good leaders:
• Respect complaints and do not marginalize them.
• Know their boundaries and will not neglect them.
• Involve people and do not try to solve problems for them.
• Offer counsel to aid people in problem solving. They do not leave people on
their own.
• Take responsibility for those chosen by the people as a part of the solution.
• Do not “provoke to anger” those under their authority. Eph.6:4
3. One of the greatest responsibilities of spiritual leadership is the discernment of who
to ordain to a task.
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4. Leaders must not be afraid to limit their involvement. It would be very easy to
succumb to the complaint that the leaders did not want to get their hands dirty by
doing servant work.
5. Leaders who want to win the hearts of the people they lead would do well to take
head to this text.
E. The responsibility of the congregation with respect to leadership. (I Tim.5:17-25)
1. Provide generous material support – vs.17-18
2. Protect from character assassination – vs.19 Do not entertain accusations unless by
multiple witnesses.
3. Punish harshly those who sin and refuse to repent – vs.20 Do not exempt leaders
from the public exposure required in Matt.18:15-20 when there is no repentance.
4. Treat fairly – vs.21 Do not give special exceptions to leaders.
5. Ordain carefully – vs.22 Do not encourage others to take an authoritative role too
quickly.
F. The submission of the congregation to spiritual leadership. (I Pet.5:5, I Tim.5:1-2)
1. Appeal to spiritual authorities as you would to a parent. I Tim.5:1-2
2. Younger men are to “be subject” to elders. I Pet.5:5
3. Obedience to leaders makes their work joyful and encourages them to serve well.
Heb.13:17, I Cor.16:16
G. Be on guard against an unhealthy view of authority.
1. Signs of an unhealthy relationship with authority.
a. When everything must be clear in black and white look out. Insistence upon
complete closure on all issues is a red flag.
b. Complete unquestioned trust in another person is not wise.
c. The inability to trust another person at any level is a sign of trouble.
d. A lack of balanced reason with respect to experience, tradition, community,
Scripture, and inner prompting of the Spirit is not good.
2. Cardinal rules of submission to authority.
a. Accept responsibility for your beliefs and conduct while recognizing that we
each have different constraints and gifts.
b. Respect God-ordained institutions (government, family, church) while at the
same time realizing that they are not infallible.
c. Approach your understanding of the Bible with humility, expectancy, reverence,
and patience.
d. Present yourself as a living sacrifice while taking active responsibility for your
life and ministry decisions.
H. What is the role of human authority in the believer’s life?
1. Spheres of human authority.
a. Civil - Jn.19:11 Jesus addressing Pilate, “You would have no authority over Me,
unless it had been given you from above.”
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b. Commerce - Col.3:22-23 “Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on
earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity
of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord
rather than for men.”
c. Church - Heb.13:11 “Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch
over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and
not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.”
d. Family - Col.3:18-20 “Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives, and do not be embittered against them. Children, be
obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.”
2. The two fold responsibility of those under human authority.
a. Obedience - a spirit of submission
I Pet.2:13 “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution,
whether to a king as the one in authority. or to governors as sent by him”
b. Appeal - a need for accountability
1. I Tim.5:1-2 “Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a
father . . . older women as mothers.”
2. Col.4:1 “Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too
have a Master in heaven.”
3. Two positions that those under human authority must avoid.
a. A spirit of resignation - (blind obedience) - The failure to make a proper appeal to
authority and hold authority accountable.
b. A spirit of rebellion - (selfish pride) - The failure to cultivate a spirit of
submission.
4. Attitudes that reflect spiritual maturity.
a. A willingness to forgive. Eph.4:32 “And be kind to one another, tender-hearted,
forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”
b. A willingness to forebear. Prov.25:15 “By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded,
and a soft tongue breaks the bone.” Eph.4:2 “with all humility and gentleness, with
patience, showing forbearance to one another in love.”
c. A willingness to compromise. On issues of fundamentals to the faith we should not
compromise but we must decide on what other issues we are willing to stand firm
on. In many cases, the unity of the church is more important than having our
preferences on every issue.
d. A willingness to yield. In order for there to be harmony and unity in any
organization there must be a willingness to yield to others, usually the majority or
the leadership. This does not mean that there is no room for debate or appeal but at
some point there must be a willingness to yield.
5. How to appeal to those in authority.
a. Deal with the human spirit of autonomy.
Rom.12 “1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your
bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, {which is} your spiritual
service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by
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the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which
is good and acceptable and perfect.”
1. All are to submit to the authority of God.
2. Those who are submitted to God’s authority will respect “God ordained”
authority – civil, church, family, etc.
b. Expect God to use circumstances to develop and demonstrate your character.
1. The pressure of circumstances can reveal your hidden motives and spiritual
strongholds.
2. Your response to circumstances is the sphere were you have responsibility and
control.
c. The prerequisites to an effective appeal to authority.
1. We cannot appeal without love.
2. We cannot appeal without humility. It should be recognized that we all are
going to make mistakes of the tongue (Jas.3:1-12) and we each will have areas
that are vulnerable to critique.
3. We cannot appeal without facts.
4. We cannot appeal without respect.
d. Talk to God - Pray - We are to cast our cares on God because He cares for us. I
Pet.5:7 “casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.”
e. Talk to those responsible (not about them behind their back).
1. As much as possible, when giving a negative report, speak as though the person
you are talking about is present.
2. Do not share negative reports with people who are not a part of the problem or
the solution.
3. Distinguish between facts and feelings in speaking to or about others.
4. Note that those in positions of leadership are vulnerable and easy targets for
misunderstanding and criticism, which has the effect of undermining their
ability to perform their duties. For this reason, they need protection and respect
above and beyond that of others.
f. Be gracious with both favorable and unfavorable responses.
g. Be sensitive to the right timing.
1. Speaking the truth in love. Eph.4:15 “but speaking the truth in love, we are to
grow up in all aspects unto Him, who is the head, even Christ.”
2. Speaking graciously. Eph.4:29 “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your
mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of
the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
5. How are leaders to respond to those who resist or question their decisions?
I Pet. 5 “1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as {your} fellow elder and witness
of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2
shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but
voluntarily, according to {the will of} God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;
3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to
the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown
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of glory. 5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe
yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but
gives grace to the humble.”

a. Leaders are to take the role and attitude of a servant.

b. Leaders are to recognize that they can easily abuse those under their care.
c. Leaders are to respect the wisdom that can come from diversity of perspective.
d. Leaders communicate love to those under their charge as they work hard to listen to,
understand, and show respect for those who challenge them.
e. Leaders must discern the spirit of those who resist them.
1. A rebellious spirit must be disciplined while a Godly spirit is to be respected.
2. A “weaker” or “younger” believer is to be given more grace and forbearance
than a “Pharisee”.
I. Decision Making In The Church
1. The Role of Sheep and Shepherds

Congregational responsibility

Elder responsibility
Details of personal life—i.e. Details of ministry— i.e. small Direction of the church—new
giving, marriage, vocation groups, missionaries, etc. congregation, discipline, etc.

2. Consensus Among the Elders

a. Plurality and corporate mentality is to be cultivated.
b. Procedure in decision making for major issues:
1. The issue is presented.
2. Secret ballot (+5 to -5).
3. If no agreement—discussion, prayer and more information gathered.
4. Second ballot (+5 to -5).
5. If no agreement—table for a week for prayer, discussion and more
information.
6. Third ballot (+5 to -5).
7. If no agreement—tabled indefinitely.
J. Financial support and ministry
a. Paul’s tent-making vocation reflected his gracious spirit.
• I Cor.4:12 “and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we
bless; when we are persecuted, we endure;”
• II Cor.11:7 “Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself that you might be
exalted, because I preached the gospel of god to you without charge?”
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• II Cor.12:17 “Certainly I have not taken advantage of you through any of those
whom I have sent to you, have I?”
• I Thess.2:9 “For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working
night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the
gospel of God.”
• II Thess.3:6-15 “6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ, that you keep aloof from every brother who leads an unruly life
and not according to the tradition which you received from us. 7 For you
yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act
in an undisciplined manner among you, 8 nor did we eat anyone's bread without
paying for it, but with labor and hardship we {kept} working night and day so
that we might not be a burden to any of you; 9 not because we do not have the
right {to this,} but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, that you might
follow our example. 10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you
this order: if anyone will not work, neither let him eat. 11 For we hear that some
among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting
like busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus
Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. 13 But as for you,
brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. 14 And if anyone does not obey our
instruction in this letter, take special note of that man and do not associate with
him, so that he may be put to shame. 15 And {yet} do not regard him as an
enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”
b. Paul recognizes the validity of vocational ministry.
• I Tim.5:17-18 “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double
honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the
Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing.’ And ‘The
laborer is worthy of his wages.’”
• I Cor.9:3-18 “3 My defense to those who examine me is this: 4 Do we not have a
right to eat and drink? 5 Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife,
even as the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or
do only Barnabas and I not have a right to refrain from working? 7 Who at any
time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard, and does
not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the
flock? 8 I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I? Or
does not the Law also say these things? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, "
You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing." God is not concerned about
oxen, is He? 10 Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it
was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher {to
thresh} in hope of sharing {the crops.} 11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is
it too much if we should reap material things from you? 12 If others share the
right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we
endure all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. 13 Do
you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the {food} of the
temple, {and} those who attend regularly to the altar have their share with the
altar? 14 So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their
living from the gospel. 15 But I have used none of these things. And I am not
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writing these things that it may be done so in my case; for it would be better for
me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one. 16 For if I preach the
gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I
do not preach the gospel. 17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if
against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. 18 What then is my
reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge,
so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.”
• In this passage Paul supports the principle of vocational ministry by
appealing to “rights” vs.1-7 “Mosaic Law” vs.8-9, and logic vs.10-11.
• It is important to note the larger context, which makes the
point that Paul freely gave up his rights to authenticate his
motives.