WHAT’S LACKING IN CHURCH LEADERSHIP
By W. G. Guy
To lead means going before; out in front; and also means to be an example or role model. Too few church leaders do this; instead they follow the pattern of heads of corporations and businesses in dictating and delegating. Some of the greatest military leaders of history were out in front leading their troops, not simply standing behind spouting orders.
Jesus Christ, the Head of His Church, was out in front showing his disciples what to do and how to do it. He set the example.
Matthew 16:24 – Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
What Jesus was saying, in part, “leave your old way of doing things behind and follow my lead and example. I know the way; this is how to live and minister God’s love to others; this is how it’s is done.”
The apostle Paul declared a similar thing; being the example to follow:
Philippians 3:17 – Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 – For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
A similar admonition came from the apostle Peter when he wrote to the church leaders:
1 Peter 5:3 – feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
One of the reasons that the church of today has lost its “turning the world upside down” influence is because much of its leadership is no longer setting the example. Instead, they seem to be more intent on “pontificating” orders and orchestrating programs, or simply “heading up” their respective church or clerical “services”. Thus they cease to have a positive life changing or redeeming impact in their communities. Many today seem to be more intent on conforming their church to the ways of society, the world and the carnal lusts of the flesh. This leads to the condition that the apostle Paul described will exist in the last days.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 – This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Too few church leaders stand against the corruption of political correctness and the social progressives. They likely fear to speak out against such because doing so may cause them to lose their government sanctioned tax exempt 501.C.3 status; (which they really don’t need anyhow because the United States Code declares churches to be tax exempt).
Proper church leadership will build believers up in their faith; bring them to full spiritual maturity by equipping them with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit as well as the Fruit of the Spirit. They are to train them to minister to others with love and compassion; administer healing to those in physical need; and how to assist those of the church family in financial need along with the widows, orphans and homeless; then how to engage in witnessing to their local community with the gospel.
Also greatly needed is to be able to recognize and engage with others whom God has called and gifted with various forms of ministry; which so many today exclude and thus deny what God has provided for the development of the saints.
Ephesians 4:7-8 – But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Many in church leadership today fail to recognize all the ministry gifts that Christ has provided to build His church. They say such ministries are not for today, but the Lord never put an expiration date on them. They need to be fully recognized and allowed to function in order to bring the church to the full state of spiritual maturity that is needed.
Ephesians 4:11-13 – And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
The failure to have all five ministry gifts in operation allows the enemy, with his false prophets, teachers and preachers to bring in all manner of false doctrines, rituals and traditions into the church – just as we see now.
Ephesians 4:14-16 – that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Jesus gave us these five ministry gifts for the perfecting (completing) of building His church. He never intended for one man to do the entire work as pastors have been attempting to do for the past few centuries. All are to work together by respecting and acknowledging each other’s gifting and allowing them to work as needed. When specific gift ministries are need to operate, recognize them and allow them to operate - by that which every joint supplieth.
For example: when healing is needed, allow the ones with the gifts of healing to minister. If teaching is needed, allow the ones with the gift of teaching to minister. If a prophetic word is needed, allow the prophets to minister. This is because the pastor does not have it all, nor is he supposed to, as addressed by Paul. It appears that most pastors fear to allow other gift ministries to function, afraid that they will take over “their” church. They fail to realize it is not “their “ church, but Christ’s, and it is He who has established His gift ministries; but most pastors cannot recognized the Lord’s called and gifted ones, or allow them to function in their giftings.
1 Corinthians 12:27-30 – Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
This brings up another issue; that of false prophets, teachers and preachers which Jesus and Paul warned would be present in the last days. True discernment is lacking in church leadership. This discernment is needed to recognize what, of who, is of God and who is not. Discernment is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and also comes from close and intimate fellowship with the Lord which makes it easier to recognize that which, and those who, are not of God.
Paul then goes on to address the most effective way to minister to others – by love and compassion.
1 Corinthians 12:31 – But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Having the God kind of love for others, JUST AS JESUS DID and AS HE COMMANDED, is the most effective means of ministering to those in need.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 – Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
If a church leader or minister cannot minister in this way, he needs to get out of the ministry because he is not effective; and he is not honoring the Lord Jesus Christ in true ministry to His church! Make room for those called and gifted to do so!
Remember, Jesus set the example to follow; He came to SERVE, not to be served or to receive honor as so many pastors seem to desire today. This was illustrated when Jesus washed the disciple’s feet as recorded in John 13.
John 13:12-17 – So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Please recognize that the word “minister” means SERVANT!
Matthew 20:25-27 – But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Another important factor in church leadership is encouraging the people to PRAY. Jesus exemplified this so much to His disciples that they asked Him to teach them to pray.
Luke 6:12 – And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Luke 11:1 – And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
(Prayer is so important that the word PRAY is listed 511 times in scripture, and the word PRAYER is listed 131 times.)
The apostle Paul told those whom he wrote to that he prayed earnestly for them. In his teaching on spiritual warfare, with the need to be equipped with the full armor of God, that prayer was a necessary element.
Ephesians 6:18 – praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Prayer is the key to opening the doors of ministry to the lost and to have a moral and sound form of government.
1 Timothy 2:1 – I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
(Perhaps the reason why there is so much corruption and moral decline in America is due to the failure of the church and its leaders to seriously and earnestly pray.)
Church leaders should emphasize the importance and need for prayer; leading by example. This writer has observed that many churches no longer have a mid-week prayer service as I was involved with decades ago. Those churches that did used that service as another opportunity to preach with only a brief time of prayer following the message. Thus the preaching was the real reason for the meeting and not a concerted effort in corporate prayer.
I remember participating in “Prayer Breakfasts”; but then again a time of prayer seemed to be an after-thought as the main event was having a message preached to the group. This group was expanding to the point that I was asked to establish a prayer breakfast in my part of town. When I did, I determined to focus on the need for prayer as our primary purpose and leave the preaching to other venues and church services. When the directors discovered what I was doing I was removed as the leader of this unit. It appeared that they were more interested in promoting preachers rather than prayer warriors and intercessors. The need for prayer became a side-line and not the objective. It appears the same in churches today.
The church needs the right kind of leaders, those who pattern their ministry after Jesus Christ, His disciples and apostles. Think about this for your Church Leadership!
By W. G. Guy
To lead means going before; out in front; and also means to be an example or role model. Too few church leaders do this; instead they follow the pattern of heads of corporations and businesses in dictating and delegating. Some of the greatest military leaders of history were out in front leading their troops, not simply standing behind spouting orders.
Jesus Christ, the Head of His Church, was out in front showing his disciples what to do and how to do it. He set the example.
Matthew 16:24 – Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
What Jesus was saying, in part, “leave your old way of doing things behind and follow my lead and example. I know the way; this is how to live and minister God’s love to others; this is how it’s is done.”
The apostle Paul declared a similar thing; being the example to follow:
Philippians 3:17 – Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 – For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
A similar admonition came from the apostle Peter when he wrote to the church leaders:
1 Peter 5:3 – feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
One of the reasons that the church of today has lost its “turning the world upside down” influence is because much of its leadership is no longer setting the example. Instead, they seem to be more intent on “pontificating” orders and orchestrating programs, or simply “heading up” their respective church or clerical “services”. Thus they cease to have a positive life changing or redeeming impact in their communities. Many today seem to be more intent on conforming their church to the ways of society, the world and the carnal lusts of the flesh. This leads to the condition that the apostle Paul described will exist in the last days.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 – This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Too few church leaders stand against the corruption of political correctness and the social progressives. They likely fear to speak out against such because doing so may cause them to lose their government sanctioned tax exempt 501.C.3 status; (which they really don’t need anyhow because the United States Code declares churches to be tax exempt).
Proper church leadership will build believers up in their faith; bring them to full spiritual maturity by equipping them with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit as well as the Fruit of the Spirit. They are to train them to minister to others with love and compassion; administer healing to those in physical need; and how to assist those of the church family in financial need along with the widows, orphans and homeless; then how to engage in witnessing to their local community with the gospel.
Also greatly needed is to be able to recognize and engage with others whom God has called and gifted with various forms of ministry; which so many today exclude and thus deny what God has provided for the development of the saints.
Ephesians 4:7-8 – But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Many in church leadership today fail to recognize all the ministry gifts that Christ has provided to build His church. They say such ministries are not for today, but the Lord never put an expiration date on them. They need to be fully recognized and allowed to function in order to bring the church to the full state of spiritual maturity that is needed.
Ephesians 4:11-13 – And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
The failure to have all five ministry gifts in operation allows the enemy, with his false prophets, teachers and preachers to bring in all manner of false doctrines, rituals and traditions into the church – just as we see now.
Ephesians 4:14-16 – that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Jesus gave us these five ministry gifts for the perfecting (completing) of building His church. He never intended for one man to do the entire work as pastors have been attempting to do for the past few centuries. All are to work together by respecting and acknowledging each other’s gifting and allowing them to work as needed. When specific gift ministries are need to operate, recognize them and allow them to operate - by that which every joint supplieth.
For example: when healing is needed, allow the ones with the gifts of healing to minister. If teaching is needed, allow the ones with the gift of teaching to minister. If a prophetic word is needed, allow the prophets to minister. This is because the pastor does not have it all, nor is he supposed to, as addressed by Paul. It appears that most pastors fear to allow other gift ministries to function, afraid that they will take over “their” church. They fail to realize it is not “their “ church, but Christ’s, and it is He who has established His gift ministries; but most pastors cannot recognized the Lord’s called and gifted ones, or allow them to function in their giftings.
1 Corinthians 12:27-30 – Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
This brings up another issue; that of false prophets, teachers and preachers which Jesus and Paul warned would be present in the last days. True discernment is lacking in church leadership. This discernment is needed to recognize what, of who, is of God and who is not. Discernment is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and also comes from close and intimate fellowship with the Lord which makes it easier to recognize that which, and those who, are not of God.
Paul then goes on to address the most effective way to minister to others – by love and compassion.
1 Corinthians 12:31 – But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Having the God kind of love for others, JUST AS JESUS DID and AS HE COMMANDED, is the most effective means of ministering to those in need.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 – Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
If a church leader or minister cannot minister in this way, he needs to get out of the ministry because he is not effective; and he is not honoring the Lord Jesus Christ in true ministry to His church! Make room for those called and gifted to do so!
Remember, Jesus set the example to follow; He came to SERVE, not to be served or to receive honor as so many pastors seem to desire today. This was illustrated when Jesus washed the disciple’s feet as recorded in John 13.
John 13:12-17 – So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Please recognize that the word “minister” means SERVANT!
Matthew 20:25-27 – But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Another important factor in church leadership is encouraging the people to PRAY. Jesus exemplified this so much to His disciples that they asked Him to teach them to pray.
Luke 6:12 – And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Luke 11:1 – And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
(Prayer is so important that the word PRAY is listed 511 times in scripture, and the word PRAYER is listed 131 times.)
The apostle Paul told those whom he wrote to that he prayed earnestly for them. In his teaching on spiritual warfare, with the need to be equipped with the full armor of God, that prayer was a necessary element.
Ephesians 6:18 – praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Prayer is the key to opening the doors of ministry to the lost and to have a moral and sound form of government.
1 Timothy 2:1 – I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
(Perhaps the reason why there is so much corruption and moral decline in America is due to the failure of the church and its leaders to seriously and earnestly pray.)
Church leaders should emphasize the importance and need for prayer; leading by example. This writer has observed that many churches no longer have a mid-week prayer service as I was involved with decades ago. Those churches that did used that service as another opportunity to preach with only a brief time of prayer following the message. Thus the preaching was the real reason for the meeting and not a concerted effort in corporate prayer.
I remember participating in “Prayer Breakfasts”; but then again a time of prayer seemed to be an after-thought as the main event was having a message preached to the group. This group was expanding to the point that I was asked to establish a prayer breakfast in my part of town. When I did, I determined to focus on the need for prayer as our primary purpose and leave the preaching to other venues and church services. When the directors discovered what I was doing I was removed as the leader of this unit. It appeared that they were more interested in promoting preachers rather than prayer warriors and intercessors. The need for prayer became a side-line and not the objective. It appears the same in churches today.
The church needs the right kind of leaders, those who pattern their ministry after Jesus Christ, His disciples and apostles. Think about this for your Church Leadership!