LEADERSHIP

The word lead means “1 cause to go with one, esp. by guiding or showing the way or by going in front . . . . 2 a direct the actions or opinions of.  b guide by persuasion or example or argument” (Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus, page 849).  Leader means “”1 a a person or thing that leads. b a person followed by others” (Oxford page 850).  The word “ship” used as a suffix means, “1 a quality or condition.  4 a skill in a certain capacity.  5 the collective individuals of a group” (Oxford, page 1397).

The above definitions help us to understand the role of elders in the church.  The ultimate leader of the church is Jesus, the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22,23; Colossians 1:18), and the chief Shepherd  (I Peter 5:4).  Serving the Lord and the church in earthly leadership are elders.  In Ephesians 4 we learn the Lord  “gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers” (verse 11).  These were give for the maturing of the church as Paul explains in the following verses.  The “pastors and teachers” of verse 11 are elders.  An example of this process is seen in Acts 14:23 where Paul and Barnabas returned to “ordained them elders in every church” (verse 23).

What do elders do?  How do they lead?  What authority do they have in leading?  What qualifies them for the task of guiding the church?  What about deacons, preachers, class teachers?  These are important questions that Christians need answers to.  This is one reason the elders have decided to host an annual leadership seminar hear at Warner’s Chapel. Effective leadership in the church begins with an informed membership. Both elders and members need to understand what leadership is and is not.  Every Christian of every generation of the Lord’s people need this understanding if the church is to continue as the Lord designed it. Many problems in the church both past and present are the result of ineffective leadership.  The influence of false teachers would be greatly reduced if their opportunities to preach and teach were removed.  The apostasy of the church was the result of false teachers and those who desired to hear them (see I Timothy 4:1, 2; 2 Timothy 4:3, 4).  If false teachers and those who desire them are allowed to exercise their influence today the result will be the same.  But elders must have members who trust them and will follow their leading.  This happens when leadership is understood as the Lord presents it in the New Testament.

 —Denton Landon