As leaders go, so goes the church.

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The pattern for the leadership of the church found in the Bible is profoundly elegant and culture proof. The scriptures that shape these offices are just specific enough to make clear the necessity for and qualifications of these role; however, they are also general enough to allow for a great deal of flexibility regarding structure, activity, and model. When it comes to these issues, functionality is the main driving force for decision making. In other words...what is it that needs to be accomplished, and what will it take to get the job done? What is not left to creativity are the mandates of character, maturity, and key ministries that the Apostles do not fail to promote.

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Week 1: The Prototype for Church Leadership

In the opening moments of the church age we see the church growing and with that growth we a rise in real and potential conflict and a great need for godly leaders to rise up and serve the needs of the church family. The response of the early church to these inevitable stresses created a template for the leadership of elders and deacons that still serves the church well in every culture. It is also profoundly true that in our day the church still desperately needs the leadership and service of godly men and women who are willing to serve Jesus by loving and serving others.

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Wek 2: Qualifications For Elders and Deacons

According to the scriptures, the church is to be lead and shepherded by men who hold the office of Elder, and others can serve as deacons and deaconesses. Each of these "offices" in the church also come with a list of qualifications that test one's moral standards, leadership skills, and motives. There is a considerable list of these qualifications in the New Testament that is certainly a challenge for any Christ-follower; however, when we consider each of these standards it is clear that EVERY follower of Jesus is called to this standard of emulating Jesus. The real key for elders and deacons is that they ought to truly be an "example to the flock" as the entire body of Christ can be an example to the world.

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