Leadership for the Church - Tuesday get_app
Yesterday, we emphasized that without Christ as the head of the Church, it will fall and be smashed to pieces. So, what do we do now that we have made Him the head? How do we sort out the best way to “do church” on a week-to-week and day-to-day basis? This is where Scripture helps us form a solid direction by its guidance on earthly leadership to direct the church. We see this as it speaks of the two scriptural offices of the church - pastors and deacons.
Read
- How does verse 1 describe the task of becoming an overseer (this is also the same as pastor or elder)? (noble)
- Take time to list out all the qualifications for the office of an overseer.
God has placed a special, or noble, calling on those who desire to lead His church. There is a strong emphasis placed in carrying themselves with high and strong character in order to lead others well. This does not mean an overseer must be perfect or even less sinful than all others, but that he has been given the task to be an “under-shepherd” to the church. An overseer/pastor doesn’t have to be paid; he could be a lay leader in the church. But his aspiration to become a pastor should be exercised with strong conviction and faith to serve well.
Read
- Take time to list out all the qualifications for becoming a deacon.
Read
- What was the purpose for ordaining the first deacons? (serve others and care for widows)
- What was emphasized here as the role of the disciple (which now falls on overseers/pastors)? (preaching and ministry of the Word and to prayer)
It’s critical to the church that we have healthy leaders who are obedient to Scripture in how they carry themselves. The calling to choose either role in service to the church is a heavy and important one. It’s vital to a healthy church to have healthy leadership. This will bring about good direction to teach healthy members, which we will discuss tomorrow.
Pray for your pastors and deacons. Ask God to build them up and encourage them to lead and serve others well.
Listen to "All the Way My Savior Leads Me."