Fulton Church of Christ » Excellence in Leadership

Excellence in Leadership

Most church leadership is based on authority, that the leaders have authority over the members and the activities of the congregation or larger group.
- All the passages in the New Testament which use the word “authority,” including those which have used other English words for the same Greek word.
  - Christians have authority over themselves. (1 Corinthians 8:9)
  - Christians have authority to eat the sacrifice (Hebrews 13:10)
  - Christians rule over the nations with Jesus (Revelation 2:26)
  - Christians have the authority to eat of the tree of life (Revelation 22:14)
  - Apostles have the right to be supported (1 Corinthians 9:4 – 18, 2 Thessalonians 3:9)
  - Apostles are the authorities of edification (2 Corinthians 10:8, 13:10)
  - Prophetesses were to wear head coverings to illustrate their submission (1 Corinthians 11:10)
- “Power and authority” emphasizes the strength to enforce.
- The 1 Corinthians 8:9 reference generally is translated “liberty” because “authority” in that place would have challenged existing church “authority.”
- No one other than apostles were given authority in the church
- People have a hard time conceiving of any organization that has no authoritative functions.
Spiritual Leadership (Luke 22:26 – 27): Servant, lower position
- 2 Timothy 2:24 – 26 Gentle, patient, humble
- 1 Thessalonians 2:1 – 12 Gentle, nurturing, brotherly, encouraging, comforting, admonishing, no greed, no desire for praise
- 1 Corinthians 2:3 – 5 Faith in the power of God
- Ephesians 5:25 Gave Himself for her
- John 13:3 – 20 Foot-washing scene
- Mark 10:45, Matthew 20:28 The most successful leader of all time was a servant
- Ephesians 1:15 – 19, Philippians 1:3 – 6, Colossians 1:3 – 6 Those farther along this path
- Consensus, hearing from everyone (Acts 15)
- Liberty
  - 1 Corinthians 9:19 Made myself a servant to all
  - 1 Corinthians 10:29 Why is my liberty judged by another’s conscience?
  - 2 Corinthians 3:17 Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
  - Galatians 2:4 To spy out our liberty … in Christ
- All Christians should be taught to seek out those whose faith has a strong history, and follow them.
  - Hegemony – following another because it makes sense to do so. (Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24, 1 Thessalonians 5:12 – 15, Matthew 2:6, Luke 22:26, Acts 7:10, 14:12, 15:22)
  - Instructions to followers: Ephesians 5:21, Galatians 5:13, 1 Corinthians 12:12 – 31, 1 Peter 5:5
  - Commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2).
  - You do not need that anyone teach you, but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things…you abide in Him (1 John 2:27).
In what ways does the body resemble Jesus? These topics should dominate our teaching.
- Righteousness (Ephesians 4:20 – 24)
- Holiness (1 Peter 1:13 – 16)
- Love (1 John 2:6)
- Unfading glory (2 Corinthians 3:18)
- Evangelism (2 Corinthians 5:17 – 20)
- Knowledge (Colossians 3:9 – 10)
- Character (Romans 8:29)
- Commitment (Romans 6:4)
- Suffering (1 Peter 2:21 – 22)
- Faith (Romans 3:26, 12:3, Revelation 14:12)
When does the body resemble Jesus?
- Hebrews 12:22 – 24 Past tense: the Christian audience of the first century already matched this description while living on earth.
- 2 Peter 1:2 – 7 Obtaining the divine nature. If it were only future, then the diligence of v 5 – 7 would be meaningless.
Motivations for good behavior:
- We are the Temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16 – 7:1)
- Unrighteousness is not “fitting” (Romans 1:28, Galatians 5:1 – 14)
- John 17:20 – 23 “That the world may believe that Thou sent Me”
- Malice and wickedness spoils sincerity and truth (1 Corinthians 5:8)
- Displaying the power of God (2 Corinthians 4:7)
- Works of the flesh are contrary to the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16 – 25, Colossians 2:18 – 3:10)
- We are no longer slaves of sin (Romans 6:1 – 18, 8:13)
- Everyone who has this hope purifies himself just as He is pure (1 John 3:3)
How can we be prepared for God to provide the faith mentioned in Romans 12:3?
- (Romans 16:17) Note those who cause divisions…and avoid them
- (1 Corinthians 5:11) Do not keep company with “excuse makers”
- (1 Corinthians 6:18 – 19) Flee immorality…You are the Temple of the Holy Spirit.
- (1 Corinthians 10:11) These things happened to them as examples…
- (1 Corinthians 10:14) Flee idolatry
- (Philippians 3:17, Hebrews 13:7) Join in following my example, and note those who so walk
- (Philippians 4:8) Let your mind dwell on these things: true, noble, just, pure, lovely…
- (Colossians 3:1) Seek those things which are above
- (Colossians 3:16) Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly
- (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Comfort one another and edify one another
- (1 Thessalonians 5:21) Test all things; hold fast what is good
- (Hebrews 10:25) not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together
- (Hebrews 12:14) Pursue peace with all men, and holiness.
- (1 Peter 2:2) Long for the pure milk of the Word

Allegiance to one another (Romans 12 – 15) rather than to “the church.”
- 12:3 Not to think too highly of oneself
- 12:15 – 16 Rejoice together, weep together, associate with the humble, be humble
- 12:18 Live peaceably
- 13:10 Love does no harm
- 14:1 – 23 Receive the weak in faith
- 15:1 – 13 Please neighbors while building up, be like-minded
- 1 Peter 4:8 Have fervent love for one another
Allegiance to God rather than to “the church.”
- “Whom do you trust? The God in heaven or the god behind the house.”
- Galatians 3:2 Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law or by the hearing of faith?
- Hebrews 10:19 – 25 (3:13)
- Knowing and trusting His promises.
- Confidence in redemption and forgiveness.
- 2 Peter 1:2 – 11 Partakers of the divine nature
- 1 Peter 2:2 Long for the pure milk of the Word
Ephesians 4:12 – 16 Objectives of spiritual leaders
- Equipping all for service
- Building up the body
- Unity (or Jesus’ proof failed)
- Knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8)
- Consistent (or Jesus’ proof failed)
- Fullness (Colossians 2:9 – 10)
- Stability
- The body edifying itself
What do we all teach? (2 Corinthians 3:12 – 6:10)
- (3:12 – 16) Our understanding never fades, but shines on outsiders constantly.
- (3:17) We have liberty from hierarchy, sin, death…
- (3:18) We see the character of Jesus developing.
- (4:1) We receive mercy (so fix what ails them)
- (4:3) Some will never see (Romans 1:24, Ephesians 4:17 – 19, 1 John 2:9 – 11)
- (4:7) We demonstrate the power of God
- (4:13) We have the same Spirit of faith as Jesus
- (4:15) Gracious character promotes thanksgiving
- (4:16) Hope
- (4:18) Focus on the unseen.
- (5:1 – 8) We earnestly desire to depart this life
- (5:11) We fear for the destination of outsiders
- (5:14) The love of Christ compels us
- (5:16) We regard no one according to the flesh
- (5:18 – 20) We are ambassadors for Christ
- (6:3) Cause no blame to the ministry
One-Another Attitude
- Romans 15:14 Admonish one another
- 1 Corinthians 11:17 – 34 The Lord’s Supper
- 1 Corinthians 14:46 Let all things be done for edification
- 1 Corinthians 16:20 Greet one another with a holy kiss. (2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Peter 5:14)
- Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs
- Colossians 3:16 Teaching one another in songs and hymns and spiritual songs
- 1 Thessalonians 4:18 Comfort one another
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore comfort one another and edify one another
- Hebrews 3:13 Exhort one another daily
- Hebrews 10:24 – 25 Stir up love and good works…exhorting one another
- James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another and pray for one another…
- 1 Peter 4:10 – 11 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
- Ephesians 5:21 Submit to one another
Our practices have essential purposes:
- Singing: Romans 15:9 (2 Samuel 22:50) I will give thanks to you among the Gentiles…
- Attendance: 2 Corinthians 14:26 Let all things be done for edification – to build faith
- Sharing: 2 Corinthians 8:7 See that you abound in this grace [sharing] also.
- Lord’s Supper: 1 Corinthians 11:30 …many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.
- Praying: 1 John 5:15 If we know that He hears us, whatever we ask…
Character change is accomplished by the Spirit. How do we access that power to change?
- Luke 11:13 Ask for the Spirit
- Endeavor to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18): redeem the time (v16), understand the will of the Lord (v17), sing about God (v19), give thanks (v20), be subject to one another (v21).
- Know the Word (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
- Pray (Ephesians 2:18, 6:18, Romans 8:26)
- Walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:25)
- Use God’s power rather than ours (1 Peter 4:10 – 11)
Those who lead by faith (Hebrews 13:7) grow faith. Important attitudes
- Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:1 Meditate on what is true, noble, just, pure…
- Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all men
- Romans 16:17, 1 Corinthians 5:11, 1 Corinthians 6:18 – 19, 10:14 Avoid bad stuff
- Philippians 2:4, Romans 15:2 Focus on the needs of others
- Acts 17:11 These were more noble…searched the Scriptures daily to see if these things were true.
- 2 Corinthians 4:13 I believed, therefore I spoke
- Colossians 3:16 Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly
- 2 Timothy 2:15 Rightly dividing the Word of truth
- 2 Timothy 2:23 – 26 The Lord’s bondservant … must be able to teach … in humility correcting those in opposition
- 1 Peter 2:2 Long for the pure milk of the Word

Objectives of faith
- Transformed into the image of Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 8:29)
- At a rate God knows you can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13)
- Faith develops into good character into love (2 Peter 1)
- God adds faith as needed (Romans 12:3)
- God adds gifts as needed (Ephesians 4:7, 1 Peter 4:10)
Four Greek roots from which we get design, mimic, type, and graphic, 35 in all.
- Avoid the bad behaviors which God judged: Jude 7, 2 Peter 2:6
- Copy the suffering and patience of the faithful of old: James 5:10
- Copy the behavior of Jesus:
  - 1 Timothy 1:16 Patience toward Saul (Paul)
  - John 13:1 – 17 Leaders serve
  - 1 Peter 2:21 How to handle suffering
  - Ephesians 5:1 Walk in love and sacrifice
- Copy the behavior of Paul:
  - 2 Timothy 1:13 Sound words in faith and love
  - 2 Thessalonians 3:7, 9 Teachers ought to work
  - 1 Corinthians 4:16 Mimic Paul’s teaching style
  - Philippians 3:17 Not considering the flesh, pressing upward, emphasizing unity.
- General:
  - 1 Peter 3:13, 3 John 11 Imitate good
  - Hebrews 6:12, 13:7 Follow successful faith
  - 1 Thessalonians 1:6 – 7 Follow the power of the Spirit
  - 1 Thessalonians 2:14 Overcome suffering as the churches of Judea
  - 1 Corinthians 11:1 Follow Paul’s teaching
  - 1 Timothy 4:12 Imitate Timothy’s speech, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity.
  - 1 Peter 5:3 Willing, eager, often without pay
  - Titus 2:7 Imitate Titus’ works, integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, and sound speech
  - Hebrews 12:1 – 2 Does not say “example,” but…

How does one become a leader?
- Not by authority. Each Christian has authority over himself (1 Corinthians 8:9)
- Demonstrate the power of the Spirit by overcoming and transformation (1 Thessalonians 1:6 – 7)
- Show successful faith (Hebrews 6:12, 13:7)
- Service (John 13)
- Patience (1 Timothy 1:16)
- Note: doctrinal purity is subjective
Does a lack of authority figures not create chaos in the church?
- Natural leadership demands organization.
- Leaders who stagnate should not be followed.
- True leaders harmonize.
- Leaders must trust followers.
- Churches tend to focus on the building and the money. True leaders care little for either.
- Natural leaders will become so frustrated by spiritual leaders that they will leave.
- If you should lead, followers will follow.
The leader’s goals:
- Depend on the Spirit
  - “Asking for the Spirit” Luke 11:13, Ephesians 5:18
  - What is the function of a facility?
    - Assembly ≠ worship
    - Cost effective?
  - What is the function of organization?
    - Communication between members (daily)
    - Necessary details
  - When God drops an opportunity in your lap, go…
- Build up the faithful
  - Who will teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2)
  - Grow up (2 Peter 1) to be useful and fruitful
  - The assembly is for believers, not for evangelism
  - Teach:
    - Access to the indwelling Spirit
    - Promises
  - Our practices are illustrations, not objectives
  - Comfort, encourage, make joyful, be realistic
  - “Burst bubbles” gently and patiently
- Priesthood of all believers
  - Not artificially through shared ignorance
  - All believers mediate between the world and God
  - Romans 12:1 Also, we are all sacrifices (celebrations of forgiveness) like Jesus.
    - Priests also answered questions and taught.
    - 1 Corinthians 14:26 Each came prepared.
  - Human training is a part of the work of the Spirit
  - My “gift” is what I formerly could not do, not what I was already talented to do.
- Build fellowship around Christ
  - Fellowship is a connection between spirits without regard to location.
  - Make Jesus on earth real as a model of the character we should have.
  - Make the unseen God (Father, Son, Spirit, Word) real as in 2 Corinthians 4:16 – 18, 5:16.
  - Connect all teaching to Jesus and the purpose of creation.
  - All believers are connected through Jesus.
- Recognize our places in the body
  - The body includes all believers, living, deceased, and angelic (Hebrews 12:22 – 24).
  - The line is narrow between liberty and division.
  - How can I relate to the entire body?
    - The body is not an organization but spirits
    - The gospel is for individuals, not groups
    - Relate to those who cross your path.
  - 1 Corinthians 12:18 Have I chosen my own place or has God? How do I know my place?
- Build unity on the basis of love
  - Perhaps on the basis of faith (trusting God)?
  - We connect with others through Jesus based on God’s recommendation, not because of affection
  - Fellow believers are family members.
  - The members of a congregation need to know each other and be involved in each other’s lives to be a family.
  - Plan for and expect family loyalty
  - Be emotionally committed to the family.