Page 31 - July 2015 Catalyst

the apostles (personally chosen by Christ, personal witnesses of His resurrection, and commissioned to lay the foundation of the church through their teachings) work- ing in concert with “elders” (Acts 15:2, 4, 22 & 23). After this, the focus of spiri- tual leadership shifts to the elders (bishops and pastors) as the leadership team of the churches across the region.
roots matter
We have already seen that elders lead and feed the church with the truth while meet- ing the qualifications outlined in the New Testament. However, what priorities must they embrace to lead effectively? In tracing the actual function of the spiritual leaders of the church, it is important to go just a bit earlier into the Acts account. This brings us to Acts 6:1-7, where the apostles were coping with an operational break- down in the all-important widow-feeding effort. Rather than becoming absorbed in managing this crisis, they appointed seven other godly, wise, Spirit-filled men to completely handle this task. (This group was the first example of what would even- tually emerge as the “deacon” function.)
The clear, uncompromised priorities of these apostles were “prayer and the min- istry of the word.” Through these primary priorities they kept the spiritual integrity of the leadership intact as they collectively received direction from the Spirit while guiding the church in biblical truth. The result was the blessing of God in super- natural power and Gospel expansion (see Acts 6:7). This focus also forced them to empower other leaders to direct vital min- istries. This forms an important model for modern-day elders, pastors, and bishops rooted in the indisputable function of the apostles.
so WHat?
Why does the focus and function of elders matter so much? Simply put, a diluted focus among the leaders results in dimin- ished spiritual vitality and derailed impact throughout the church. Secular models, biblical confusion, the demands of people, and the “distraction tactics” of the devil all converge to get elders off task. The church
falters and the mission is weakened. I believe it is imperative that modern-day elders maintain a relentless commitment to “prayer and the ministry of the word” while empowering others to handle the many operational, financial, and program- matic functions of the church (whether through paid staff or trained volunteers). The supernatural advancement of the mis- sion of Christ depends on it.
five PracticaL aPPLications
So, in the practical reality of today’s con- gregational life, what can the elders do? In my years as a Sr. Pastor our leadership team embraced five key priorities:
1. Dependence – A collective commitment to seek the Lord through extraordinary prayer and to lead the church to become a house of prayer through our example.
2. Doctrine – A collective resolve to study God’s word and engage in individual teaching of the word to insure doctrinal purity and practical equipping.
3. Direction – A collective responsibility to discern the direction of the Holy Spirit and guide the church toward His plans for the ministry.
4. Discipline – A willingness to become engaged in the final stages of the process of spiritual restoration of believers caught in sin (outlined in Matthew 18:15-20).
5. Deployment – A commitment to con- stantly “equip the saints” to do the work of the ministry of the church for the building up of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11 & 12).
Praying for cLarity and conviction
I hope you will join me in faithful prayer for church leaders to have New Testa- ment clarity about their roles and Spir- it-empowered conviction to embrace a focus that will facilitate spiritual empow- erment and ministry effectiveness. Much is at stake in these practical choices. Our prayers, loving support, and willingness to serve will make a difference as we seek to honor Christ and advance His mission.
Copyright © 2015 Daniel Henderson. All rights reserved.
July 2015
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