Leadership in the Church
Overlooked position in church
Don Stephenson
Train staff to serve others & fire the leader
Must have good leadership to grow
Who are the leaders?
Biblically- elders
4 main sources:
Acts 20; 1 Pet. 5; Ja. 5; 1 Tim. 3 & Ti. 1
You find 3 main things the elders are supposed to be
1. Episkopos- one in charge, overseer
The church has been left in their hands
Elders- oversee the flock
You set the course, the vision for the church
Lead the flock into the future, health and growth
Heb. 13:17
As long as they are doing according to God’s Word
Pray for them, support them, obey them, follow them
A kingdom divided
People complain about leadership
That church isn’t healthy
2. Presuteros- older, spiritually mature
Why do they have to be spiritually mature?
They are looking out for God’s church
Spiritually immature people look out for self
Their concern isn’t others
1 Pet. 5:2, 3
What does this have to do with you?
Putting men there who aren’t ready
Stunting the growth of the church
What should these spiritually mature people look like?
1 Tim. 3:1-7
This list is not just for elders, but everyone
We should all strive for spiritual maturity
3. Poimen- pastor, shepherd
Definition- one to whom the care of others has been committed
When an elder is put in place, you are putting yourself in their care
This is the most beautiful term for elders
Sheep and shepherd
James 5:14, 15
Prayers of the elders are promised to be answered
The care of the church is the responsibility of the elders
This is a huge responsibility
These men, the elders, are our biblical leaders
What does that have to do with you?
Not a popularity contest
Not a way to avoid it yourself
This is Christ’s church we are dealing with
NOT OURS
So pray for them, support them
Our church will be healthy for it
To listen to this sermon, go to www.godshere.org.
