THE MODEL CHURCH LEADER

In Jeff Iorg’s book, “The Case for Antioch: A Biblical Model for a Transformational Church,” he stresses the pattern of that New Testament church for leadership in chapter 8. I wholeheartedly agree. This is a message I have delivered again and again. Here is a summary of my thoughts. 

You will never find a growing, thriving church that does not have committed competent leadership. While good leaders cannot guarantee success, poor leaders guarantee failure. “Everything rises and falls on leadership,” is an expression I learned from John Maxwell. It is a sobering truth for every officer of the church, whether it be the pastor, a deacon, a teacher, a committee member or some other leader. As you search the pages of Scripture, you will discover that whenever God wanted to do a work, He called out a leader, whether it was Moses, Deborah, David, or Peter. We find the church at Antioch affords us a Biblical blueprint to follow in this area as well.   Antioch was a model missionary church. That church had model members and model leaders.

“Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” (Acts‬ ‭11‬:‭22‬-‭30‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

Consider THE ROLE OF GOOD LEADERSHIP. There will be edification, education, evangelism, and equipping. 

Good leaders edify. Barnabas was a prominent leader in the church at Antioch. He was sent to edify, that is, to build up the church. As we see him fulfilling that responsibility, edification was the result. We need leaders like that today.  Rather than building up the church, I have seen leaders who insist on tearing down the church. Many churches today are in absolute turmoil because of poor leadership. May we commit ourselves to building up our church family.  

Good leaders educate. Agabus was another man God used. Before the formation of the New Testament, God spoke by direct revelation through the prophets. They were the source of doctrine and educated the church in the truth. There are no prophets like this today. God has given us the complete revelation in the Word of God—all that we need for faith and practice. But the prophetic role is still needful today. We could compare this to teaching in the modern church. Baptists who boast of believing the Book, often don’t read the Book!  We may be a Biblically illiterate people. Entire denominations are dying because of their departure from the Bible and sound doctrine. Let us teach it!  Let us teach it in our homes to our family, let us teach it in our Sunday School classrooms and in our Discipleship groups.  God has promised His Word will not return void.  

Good leadership yields edification and education, but more, there will be evangelism. “Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.” (‭‭Acts‬ ‭11‬:‭19‬-‭21‬).

The church at Antioch was founded by evangelists.  While it is true that every member is to be a witness, leaders must set the pace. Paul told the young pastor, Timothy, “do the work of an evangelist.” Philip was a deacon who was a model soul-winner, whether preaching to the masses in Samaria, or witnessing to a man in Gaza. Teachers have a great opportunity for evangelism. When was the last time you presented the Gospel in your classroom?  You might protest, “All my class members are saved.”  How do you know that?  Can you see in their heart?  I give an invitation at the end of my sermon because I dare not assume everyone is saved. Even if the whole class is saved—you should ask, “Where are the prospects? Are we not inviting unchurched people to Sunday School?”  Music can help promote evangelism.  The Gospel needs to be clearly expressed in our songs. We are not just after a beat to get people hyped up, but a message to get souls saved!

Good leaders will also engage in equipping. This is a primary duty of a pastor. He must not be the only “minister.” His ministry is to equip the saints for their ministry. He is like a player-coach. He is called upon to feed the flock, and shepherd the sheep. He was also known as an elder in the early church (Acts 11:29-30). We do not have time today to consider the whole topic of elders—but, suffice it to say, that these were what we would call pastors, and notice there are a plurality. We need plurality due to the enormous responsibility, and the needed accountability of those pastor/teachers in the church. Antioch did not have just one pastor, but multiple elders.

Not only do we see the role of good leadership, but THE RESULTS OF GOOD LEADERSHIP. The center of the Christian church would shift from Jerusalem to Antioch. 

They had growth, “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord,” (v. 21). God’s intent is for His church to grow. Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will BUILD my church…” Christ is the One who builds His church. That is not our responsibility. If I build it, it won’t amount to anything of eternal worth. But, good leaders point to people to the Biblical blueprint for the building of the church. Since Christ is the architect, the leaders are the on-site project managers. Jesus commanded, “Go into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, that my Father’s house may be full.” God wants His house full. There’s still room in most of our church buildings. We need a vision of what Christ wants us to do. It ought to break our heart when one service passes without someone being saved. It shouldn’t surprise us that someone would be saved today, but should surprise us if someone isn’t. 

Good leadership results in growth and in godliness, “And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch,” (v. 26b). They called them Christians because they saw Christ in them. The populace used the term as a slur, but the believers embraced it as an honor. Why did they call them “Christians”?  Because the name of Jesus dominated their conversations, directed their conduct, and was displayed in their character. It was all about Christ. As a leader, do others see Jesus in you? Paul said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1).  As leaders, we should be so in step with Jesus, that when people follow us, they will be following after Christ. 

Good leadership results in growth, godliness, and in generosity.  We read in Act 11:28-30 concerning Antioch, “Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”

These were generous people. This infant church at Antioch helped support the mother church. The leadership set the stewardship pattern. Stingy leaders will beget stingy church members.  As pastors and deacons in the church I led, we always believed we should set the example. We asked for and held accountable those who were in leadership to be faithful givers. So, in stewardship campaigns, or capital campaigns, we shared our commitment—not to boast of the amount, but to establish our commitment. Should I, as a leader, not practice what I preach?

How often we hear of some lost person who is hindered from coming to Christ because of the failure of some church leader. They look at a preacher, or a deacon, or a teacher and say, “If that’s what a Christian is, then I don’t want to be one.” As leaders, wherever we go in the community, we represent our Lord and this church. An inconsistent life, will repel people from coming here. Our leaders need to make a fresh commitment today.  All of us are leaders to someone—even if we do not hold an office. Leadership is influence. Every one of you has an influence on someone for good or bad.

IN HIS HAND

Preacher, you are in Christ’s hand. Today, as you gather in His name, He has promised to walk among His people. The church is meant to be His lamp stand, shining into the darkness of this world. Whatever challenges you are facing, whatever infirmities you feel, whatever enemies you fight—just know that you are held by the nail-scarred hand of Omnipotence. None can pluck you out of His hand! Be faithful to proclaim the Word, for the Living Word will be faithful to you!

THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD

 

We are to be a living church in a dying world. This is because we have a Living God and we are His church, and this dying world needs to hear the offer of eternal life we have to proclaim.

He shares THE OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH, (v. 1-13). There are two primary officers—overseers and deacons. 

The Apostle begins with the qualifications of the overseers, (v. 1-7). These are the shepherds of the flock. We are speaking of the elders or pastors, as we often call them.  An overseer watches over the church as the name suggests. He is a sentry to safeguard the people from the enemies of their souls. 

There are imperatives for such a leader. The words, “must,” and, “must not,” are used four times. These traits are not negotiable. There are some nineteen qualities listed. Most of these have to do with character instead of competence. It is not that competence is not to be sought in a pastor, but that a lack of character is a fatal flaw. 

The call to pastor begins with aspiration. “If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task,” (v. 1). God puts a compulsion in the heart of those He calls. We aspire to it because God inspires it. 

This would lead to the church’s affirmation, as they investigate the candidate as to his qualifications. He is to be “above reproach.”  His life is free from glaring moral flaws. He is a model of godliness. He is, “the husband of one wife,” that is “a one woman man,” as the Greek word means. If married, he is faithful to his wife. His marriage is marked by fidelity. He is “sober-minded,” being serious about spiritual matters. He thinks straight. Further, he is “self-controlled,” with the Holy Spirit and not carnal passions directing his actions. There is restraint in his lifestyle and on his lips. He is “respectable,” with a solid testimony among men. This pastor will be “hospitable.”  He opens his home as a mission station for the sinners, a discipleship classroom for the saved, and a counseling chamber for the struggling. The open door to his house is from an open heart and open arms of love. He is “able to teach.”  He is a capable communicator of God’s Word. If a man cannot preach and teach, then he will not likely succeed in his ministry.  The pastor cannot be “a drunkard.”  Alcohol makes you see double and think half—neither of which is a good trait for the preacher. This man must not be “violent but gentle.” He is not pugilistic. Rather he is gentle like Jesus. The pastor is not “quarrelsome.”  He is not out to win an argument, but to win souls. “Not a lover of money,” demands that greed not drive the man of God. He will effectively lead his family that he may fruitfully lead the church family, (v. 4-5). There is a level of spiritual maturity he has reached, (v. 6) and his reputation in the world attests to his credibility, (v. 7). 

Then, Paul presents the qualifications of the deacons, (v. 8-13). These are the servants of the fellowship. These who serve alongside the man of God free him to pursue his ministry to the full. 

The word, “likewise,” in verse 8 connects with the prior verses concerning pastors. The deacon.s role and responsibilities differ from the pastor, but the character qualities are just as essential, (v. 8). They must safeguard the church from false teaching and shore up the members’ faith. They understand “the mystery of the faith,” (v. 9). They become watchdogs to assure that sound doctrine is taught. Unlike the pastor, they are not required to teach (though they may, if gifted) but must make sure that any teaching done is Biblical.  These men are also to be examined as to their character which is to be “blameless,” (v. 10).  

The character of their wives is mentioned, should the deacon happen to be married, (v. 11). A deacon’s wife is a vital partner with him in ministry. She will either be the wind in his sails or the anchor to his ship—for good or bad, she will have an impact. Thus, her character is to be examined as well. The deacon’s family is to be exemplary, (v. 12). 

Stress is placed on them serving well, (v. 13). The very name, “deacon,” (lit. “through the dust,” showing them kicking up dust as they are busy serving) and their origin in Acts 6 shows that this is their primary role. Deacons are not meant to be a board of directors overseeing policy, but servants of the church offering ministry. The rewards are recognition of their faithfulness by the church here and eternal reward for their service by the Lord hereafter!  I thank God for the memory of so many good deacons who served alongside me as I pastored churches. Their support made such a difference as they prayed for me and partnered with me!

Then, Paul speaks to THE ORDER OF THE CHURCH, (v. 14-16). God has a proper order for His church and we are to “know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth,” (v. 15).  This is why Paul wrote the letter, (v. 14). This verse is the key to understanding his purpose in writing Timothy. The young pastor needed this guidance so he could lead the church properly. 

Church is a big deal!  The church belongs to the living God, to whom we will give account for our ministry someday. The church is the repository of truth, (v. 15). We are the means of proclaiming the Gospel, (v 16). 

We explain the “mystery of godliness,” in the majesty of Jesus. 

There is His incarnation in that, “He was manifested in the flesh.”  Jesus is fully God and fully man—what a mystery of godliness!  

There was His attestation. He was “vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels,” as testimony was given by the Spirit who descended as a Dove on Him at the baptism that launched His ministry and the angels that testified of Him at the conclusion of His ministry at the time of His resurrection and ascension. What a mystery of godliness!

Now, we are given to His proclamation, “proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world.”  That Gospel went throughout the Roman world in Paul’s day and is still the church’s assignment to declare this mystery of godliness!

Ultimately, there is promised His exaltation, “taken up in glory.”  He ascended in clouds of glory, where He abides in glory interceding for us, someday to return in power and glory to reign forever and ever. We will be filled with awe and wonder at the mystery or godliness while the ages roll on!

STUFF I’VE LEARNED THAT SEMINARY DIDN’T TEACH ME #29

Have fun with your staff. Work hard and play hard as fellow pastors. Pray together; cry and laugh together. Model loyalty and expect it. Disagreements will happen.  The Bible says that, “iron sharpens iron.”  This produces sparks!  Let that make you into a sharper sword for God to wield. That is to be a private work, however. When the staff is in public the disagreements are left behind closed doors and when the final decision is made—there is a united front presented to the congregation.

THE GRACIOUS MANDATE OF GOSPEL MINISTRY

Every Christian is called to gospel ministry—in the sense that we are called to salvation and service. We have freely received the Gospel and are to freely give. The Spirit has gifted every member of the church and in the context of that local church and its community are meant to exercise those gifts. It is full-time work, even if we are a factory worker, a business executive, or a waitress; there is never a time we are not on the job of serving Christ.

Having said that, it is also clear from Scripture that God sets aside certain men for church leadership. That is the focus of 1 Timothy 3:1-7.

A man must have a CALL.  He “desires the position,” not as a matter of carnal covetousness, but a sense of Divine compulsion. Paul put it this way, “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Cor.9:16).  There is an inner drive he cannot escape.

A man must have good CHARACTER. The qualifications listed in 1 Tim.3 are primarily those of character. No matter how skilled a man may be in speaking and leading, if his example cannot be followed, he is not worthy to shepherd God’s flock. This is the foundation of his ministry, and unless it is solid, eventually his leadership will collapse to the ruin of many.

A man must have a level of COMPETENCE. Although this is secondary to character, it is still important. He will have shown he is competent in leadership by how he shepherds his family. The home is the laboratory where leadership is tested and proven. He will also manifest a competence in communication as well, “able to teach,” (1 Tim.3:2). Since he will feed the flock the Word of God, he must exhibit that capacity.

A man must have CONFIRMATION. His wife and children will confirm it—that he is a man of God in the family who can lead the flock. The community will confirm it—“Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside,” (1 Tim.3:7a). He must be respectable in his dealings in the world if he is to have a hearing for the Gospel and not be branded a hypocrite. The church will confirm it—as they examine his call, character, and competence, finding  a level of spiritual maturity that qualifies for laying hands on him in support of ordination.

As John Maxwell says, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.”  That is true to the Word of God in the local church.

ELDERS: SHEPHERDING THE FLOCK

Paul had assigned Titus to a tough congregation in Crete (v.12-13).  The ministry there was a mess, and he was to “set in order the things that are lacking.”  Order was to be brought out of chaos, and elders were key to it.  

No church can rise beyond the level of its leaders.  There are three primary Greek words for those in spiritual authority:

• Elder—presbuteros (Titus 1:5, 1 Tim.5:17).  When we think of the word, “elder,” we usually think of someone who is old—and often the leaders in the church would be those who were wiser and more experienced.  It is spiritual maturity, however, that is essential. That doesn’t always follow chronological age.  Timothy was a young man, and yet capable of leading the church (1 Tim.4:12). We see that character is at the core (Titus 1:6-9). It is noted in 1 Tim.5:17 that elders are to “rule”—they lead with spiritual authority.  Their labor is in the word and doctrine.

• Bishop—episkopos (Titus 1:7, Heb.13:7,17).  It is obvious that we are taking about the same persons, just with a different description.  The bishop isn’t a different class of leader, but this is a different characteristic of the same leader. This stresses their oversight of the church.  In Heb.13:7 we note the church is to follow their message and model.  Our response to their guidance brings gladness or grief to the pastor, and in turn is to the church’s profit or poverty.  Follow your leaders if they are faithful.  Fire them if they are not.  What you don’t want is to fight with them over direction.  Such a spirit of strife will not bring God’s blessing.  Can you question, discuss, give opposing views?  Of course, but just to be a critic and complainer about everything is harmful to the progress of the church. If this is your default setting as a member then you are the one in the fault.

• Pastor—poimeen (Eph. 4:11; 1 Peter 5:1-4).  This is the Greek word for shepherd—shepherds lead, feed, and bleed for the flock.  Their motivation must be right (1 Pet.5:1-4).  In this, the pastor serves with delight and not mere duty.  He isn’t a professional doing a job, but a servant embracing a joy. We must never be motivated by money. There is no room for an ego-driven dictator.  We lead the people as sheep; we don’t drive them as cattle!  Our example makes our exposition effective—practicing what we preach.  There is great reward, yet that awaits heaven.  The pastor who is about finances and fame is a wolf in shepherd’s clothing.    

There is a danger—power can corrupt. A plurality of elders is what the New Testament teaches.  This affords a system of checks and balances.  We know many big name preachers who got into trouble, basically from a lack of accountability. The depravity of the human heart cannot be overstated.  I do not want or need unconditional control.  Yet, if the pastor is to be given responsibility, he must also be given authority—but, with proper accountability.

Elders in the church ought to include the vocational staff, but laymen can certainly be qualified to serve in that capacity as well.  Blessed is the church that has godly men to shepherd the flock!

FATHERING THE FLOCK

As you know, like a father with his own children, we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12)

Paul has likened himself in his gentle dealing with the new converts of Thessalonica to a nurturing mother (v.7-8).  In verses 11-12, the Apostle comes to another dimension of spiritual parenting, as he assumes the role of a father to the flock.  The discerning church leader knows when someone needs a mother's tenderness, and when they need a father's firmness.

Fathering the flock involves encouragement.  This was to stimulate their advancement in the faith.  The pastor who successfully leads the people forward communicates to them, "By the grace of God, you can do this!"

It also means comforting them.  Our members may trudge into the sanctuary on Sunday, beaten down, weary of the burdens they carry.  Sometimes they stumble and need someone to say, "By the promises of God, I want to assure you that you will be alright!"  That's the pastor's job to say.

Fathering the flock, furthermore, causes us to implore the people.  This is a strong urging.  We must have persistence in our insistence.  We set the bar high and communicate biblical expectations.  No excuses are permitted.  The pastor says, "By the authority of God's Word, obey it now!"

Paul's aim was to bring the believers in Thessalonica into a worthy walk with God.  This is one that befits our status as children of the King who will come into the full inheritance in glory someday.  This is who we are as sons and daughters of God.  This demands the pastor's model and message.

It is our task, brothers, to encourage the saints to walk through these discouraging times with their heads held high, to comfort the people to walk through the valleys of life with confidence in Christ, and to implore the members to walk toward glory with a sense of urgency.

FOR THE YOUNG MAN IN MINISTRY (OLD-TIMERS MIGHT PROFIT TOO)

 

Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus.  (Acts 18:24)

If an arrow is aimed in the right direction, it is more likely to hit its target.  A good beginning as a young man in ministry does not insure a great ending, but it surely helps.  Apollos was one who was aimed the right way, and what a difference it made in him and those he served.  There are a few brief helps drawn from his story in Acts 18 which can guide the young preacher.

Develop your communication skills.  Apollos was “an eloquent man.”  While it might be a few exceptional preachers that are worthy of the description, “eloquent,” we must aim at least at being effective!  Pronouncing words clearly, the cadence of the voice, eye contact, and such may not come naturally to us, but we can work at it and improve.  The best sermon poorly delivered will be a waste of your time in preparation and the congregation’s in attendance.

Immerse yourself in Scripture and expound it.  Apollos was “mighty in the Scripture…instructed in the way of the Lord… he spoke and taught accurately….”  Believe it and apply it every day.  Feed your soul or you will not be able to feed your sheep.  This is more than preparing a sermon; it is preparing the servant—being strong in Scripture in our own personal life, so we can speak with authority in the pulpit.  The mandate is to, “Preach the Word!”  (2 Tim.4:2)   We are not to impose our opinions on the text.  That is pastoral malpractice!  Impressive communication can never substitute for inspired content.

Preach passionately.  Apollos was, “fervent in spirit.”  Why should our audience be excited about the sermon if we are not?  This isn’t just about volume, but we are not giving a classroom lecture on Bible history or theology.  We are enthusiastically proclaiming the truth that will transport one from darkness into light, and transform sinners into saints!  That is something to get stirred up about!

Preach courageously.  Apollos spoke, “boldly,” because he spoke Biblically. The temptation these days is to skirt the tough issues and make the message palatable to the culture.  Open the Book and open your mouth, speaking with clarity and conviction.

Listen and learn all your life.  A godly old couple, Aquila and Priscilla “took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”  Apollos knew a lot, but he did not know it all.  He was not an arrogant man, but a teachable preacher.  He knew how to talk, but he also knew how to listen.  You cannot teach someone who knows it all!  One thing a young preacher assuredly does not have is experience.  There are lessons learned in the laboratory of life that older, wiser lay people and elderly pastors can teach us.  Our peers are important, but our elders are indispensable.  The white-headed men in suits need to help the spikey-haired men in jeans!  The church needs both.

Exhort the saints and exalt the Savior.  Apollos “greatly helped those who had believed.”  Exhortation is giving people a pat on the back or a kick in the rear, depending on which is needed to move them along, with the discernment to know which is applicable.  Above all keep the focus on Jesus, “showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.”  Apollos set that standard for us to emulate.  The ministry is about Jesus and not about us!