11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
I want to deal with just verses 11-12 today and how Paul describes spiritual leadership.
1. Jesus gives spiritual leadership to people (vs. 11)
True spiritual leadership is something that is given by Jesus when our life has displayed godliness and humility. There is spiritual leadership that is self-seeking and focused only on the attention and what they can get out of it, but that is not God inspired leadership. It is clear that Jesus alone gives spiritual leadership and it is not given lightly. Jesus elevates leaders who have shown to be passionate for his name and live a life of humility.
2. The church is designed to be led by Godly Leaders (vs. 11)
These are the terms that Paul uses here and they are all biblical, church terms: apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers. These are spiritual positions. The church is not to be led by CEO's and Executives but by people of godliness and humility who have been called out by God and given the role of leadership in the church.
3. Spiritual leaders are to be equippers (vs. 12)
They lead with the understanding that they are to help equip people to do ministry and to help them as they follow Christ. That is the job. So, when someone steps into a ministry role in a mission organisation or in a church, they step into it to help equip people for the purpose of ministry. The task of taking the Gospel forward in the world is not just left to those in leadership or who are paid to do the work, but the task is for all the members. It is the job of the ministers though, to work hard at equipping people for ministry. Taking the gospel forward cannot happen if the equipping task is ignored. All you will end up having is a church full of consumer minded Christians who think the ministers are there to entertain and make them feel better. It is the task of the minister to equip those people to do the same that he or she is doing - Equipping the Saints.
4. Spiritual leaders value the gifts of the Saints (vs. 12)
The members of the church, if followers of Christ, all have spiritual gifts designed to help the church and to take the Gospel of Christ forward. As leaders we have no other choice but to help people learn, develop, and use the spiritual gifts God has given them. We have to value what God has done in each person and this responsibility cannot be ignored. Do we value the gifts of the Saints?
5. Spiritual leaders know the goal is building maturity
The goal is to see believers walk with Christ in authenticity and in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the aim in leading people.
These 5 things set the foundation for the next 2 days. When these 4 are not done, then the church never will move toward the potential it has locally and globally. We "full-timers" need to rethink how we lead and see that it comes more in line with what is outlined here.
Until tomorrow.....for part 2
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