BIBLICAL MANAGEMENT 2

POSITIONS OF LEADERSHIP

This lesson explains the leaders set in the Church by God (Eph.4:11) and also other leadership positions which have emerged because of practical needs in the local church.

Special Leadership Positions

Positions: These are stipulated in Ephesians 4:11. These five leadership positions are established by God in the church. One must work in these positions only when called and equipped by God.

Their Functions

Apostle: An apostle has a special ability to grow new churches in different places and to oversee a number of churches as a supervisor. Apostle means "a delegate, one sent with full power and authority to act for another.” Modern terms used for an apostle are "missionary" and "church planter.”

Prophet: A prophet is one who speaks under the direct inspiration of God and holds an office of authority in the Church. A prophet has the ability to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to Guide His church.

Evangelist: An evangelist has a special ability to share the Gospel with unbelievers in a way that men and women respond and become responsible members of the Body of Christ. The meaning of the word "evangelist" is "one who brings good news. He gathers the church.

Pastor: The word "pastor" actually means shepherd. Pastors are leaders who assume long-term personal responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a group of believers. He guards the church (sheep)

Teacher: Teachers are believers who have a special ability to communicate the Word of

God effectively in such a way that others learn and apply what is taught. They ground the church.

Their Purpose

According to Ephesians 4:12-15, these leadership positions are there to;

·         Equipping the saints for the work of  ministry

·         Edifying the church until it reaches  maturity

This will result in effective working of all parts of the body in love

Spiritual Gifts in Leadership

Beside these five leaderships, each believer has at least one spiritual gift. His spiritual gift equips him to fulfill his function in the Body (1 Cor.12:11). These gifts are divided into three main categories:

1.      Speaking Gifts: Prophecy, teaching, exhortation, word of wisdom, and word of knowledge.

2.      Serving Gifts: Serving, helps, leadership, administration, giving, showing mercy, discerning of spirits, faith, and hospitality.

3.      Sign Gifts: Tongues, interpretation of tongues, miracles, and healings.

 Important Gifts for Managers

Gifts of leadership and administration are very important to managers. These two gifts work well together. A person with the gift of administration has the ability to direct, organize, and make decisions. The person with the gift of leadership has the ability to motivate and work with people to achieve these goals.

Everyone Can Serve

Believers with other spiritual gifts may also serve in various leadership positions. The work of the ministry for which spiritual gifts are given involves many opportunities for leadership. Even if a believer does not have one of the leadership gifts he has the potential of becoming a leader through proper development of his own spiritual gift.

Other Biblical Positions

There are other positions of leadership mentioned in the Bible that are not spiritual gifts. They are "offices" established because of practical needs of the Church. These positions are like bishop, elder and deacons. Elders, deacons, and bishops are not to run the Church independently of the special leader.

Practical Leadership Positions

Over the years, many other leadership positions have emerged to meet both practical and organizational needs in the Church. These positions are not mentioned in the Bible, but they are important in the ministry of the local fellowship.