Leading Without Lording
Two disciples once asked for the top seats in the kingdom, and the other ten were indignant. Jesus called them all together and redrew the whole map of leadership.
“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”MATTHEW 20:25–28 · KJV
Peter heard those words, and years later he passed them on to pastors: Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock (1 Peter 5:3). A pastor has real authority. Obey them that have the rule over you is God's own command (Hebrews 13:17). But the world's way of holding authority is closed to him. Of that way Jesus said, it shall not be so among you.
Congregational Government asks who decides in a church. Shepherding the Flock asks what a pastor does. This study asks how he leads a real congregation: how he earns trust, runs a meeting, handles money, leads a staff, and brings change.
Leading God's people by love, example, and the Word, for their good and Christ's glory, using authority to build others up and never to serve oneself.
Two Kinds of Leadership
- Worldly leadership wants a title. Spiritual leadership needs none.
- Worldly leadership looks for its own perks. Spiritual leadership asks what it can put in.
- Worldly leadership climbs a ladder. Spiritual leadership stoops to a basin.
- Worldly leadership makes a name for itself. Spiritual leadership makes Jesus' name greater.
Who are you leading, and are they closer to Christ because of it?
Loading the rest of this article
For Deeper Study
- Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every BelieverAmazon J. Oswald SandersA classic first published in 1967 on the character of a leader, and a fine place to start.
- Hand Me Another BrickAmazon Charles R. SwindollPractical lessons on leadership drawn from Nehemiah by a dispensational pastor.
- Who Moved My Pulpit?: Leading Change in the ChurchAmazon Thom S. RainerA short, practical guide to leading change in an established church, by a Southern Baptist writer.
- The Deliberate Church: Building Your Ministry on the GospelAmazon Mark Dever and Paul AlexanderHelpful on members' meetings, church order, and staff. Written from a Reformed Baptist view with a plurality of elders. We differ on the doctrine of salvation, and we do not require a plurality.
- Church Administration HandbookAmazon Bruce P. Powers, editorA Southern Baptist reference on budgets, finances, staff, and the business side of church life.
- Foxe's Book of MartyrsAmazon John FoxeThe classic Protestant record of those who died for the faith, from the early church to the English Reformation.
As an Amazon Associate, Theologica earns from qualifying purchases.
Congregational Government
Under Christ the Head and by His Word, pastors lead and deacons serve, and the gathered congregation holds the final earthly decision on the matters He entrusted to the church, such as its members, its discipline, and its officers.
Open Doctrine