How do we apply these principles?
- God alone creates leaders. The risen Christ, through His Spirit, gives and empowers men to lead His church (Eph. 4:1-16). Ours is to recognize God’s hand in the lives of these men, train them, and make certain they are the true leaders of the church, as opposed to the ungodly, imposters, greedy, or power-hungry. The church must be active and vigilant, not passive, in this process.
- What’s in a name? The New Testament pictures each church led by a team of men, “elders” (pl.), also known as “overseers,” or “pastors,” all terms for the same office, not a hierarchy (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Peter 5:1-3). They were never called “priests,” since all believers are priests (1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 1:5, 6). Deacons were men who, often with their wives (1 Tim. 3:11), ministered to the physical needs of the flock, caring in practical ways for widows and others as needed. We see this pattern evolve in the first church (Acts 6:1-6).
- Who’s Number One? The apostles’ favorite sport was arguing over who was the greatest. That may sound strange, but the love of power and the desire to control others runs deep within us. Jesus always corrected his erring leader wannabees by reminding them that (1) Leadership is rooted in loving and serving others, not controlling them, (2) the greatest leader is the one who serves the best, and (3) He Himself is the pattern for leadership in in laying down His life for others. When we truly seek to apply those principles in choosing leaders, the field of candidates can quickly shrink! Matt. 18:1-4; Luke 22:24-27; John 13