Elders and Gifts: Building a Biblical Leadership Structure

 

Elders and Gifts: Building a Biblical Leadership Structure

A healthy church thrives on a clear understanding of leadership roles and spiritual gifts. Let's delve into the distinct responsibilities of elders and the five-fold ministry gifts, and how they work together to build up the body of Christ.

Elders: Overseers and Shepherds

Elders are crucial for the spiritual health and direction of the church at all levels: local, regional, and whole-body.

  • Qualifications: They must meet the biblical qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-4.
  • Appointment: They are appointed by the whole-body through prayer and discernment, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance (Acts 6:1-7, 14:23).
  • Responsibilities:
    • Overseeing the church's spiritual and practical needs.
    • Providing teaching and encouragement.
    • Ensuring accountability at all levels.
    • Managing and distributing funds.
    • Maintaining regular contact with all levels of the church.
    • Financial support should be given as the body sees fit, based on the needs presented. (1 Timothy 5:17-18)

The Five-Fold Ministry Gifts: Equipping the Saints

Ephesians 4:11-16 outlines the five-fold ministry gifts: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These gifts are not positions but expressions of the Holy Spirit's power, each with a unique function.

  • Pastor:
    • Shepherding and caring for the church.
    • Providing one-on-one discipleship and pastoral care.
    • Teaching and preaching, but not as their primary focus.
  • Teacher:
    • Explaining and applying scripture accurately.
    • Teaching at gatherings and in one-on-one settings.
    • Focusing on practical application of the bible.
  • Evangelist:
    • Equipping the church for evangelism.
    • Creating opportunities for outreach.
    • Teaching and modeling evangelism.
  • Prophet:
    • Speaking God's word into situations.
    • Discipling and testing other prophetic voices.
    • Teaching on the role of prophecy today.
  • Apostle:
    • Planting churches and initiating new ministries.
    • Teaching church multiplication.
    • Helping to form new regional and whole-body gatherings.

Leadership Roles in Practice:

  • Whole-Body Leaders/Elders:
    • Oversee the entire body.
    • Collect and distribute funds.
    • Provide teaching and encouragement.
    • Hold regional elders accountable.
  • Regional Leaders/Elders:
    • Oversee their specific region.
    • Collect funds from local gatherings.
    • Are accountable to whole-body elders.
  • Appointed Pastors/Shepherds (Included in Elders):
    • Provide pastoral care and shepherding.
    • Participate in local, regional, and whole-body gatherings.
    • Provide teaching as led by the Spirit.
  • Simple Gathering Facilitators:
    • Lead and host local gatherings.
    • Collect funds.
    • Hold members accountable.
    • Equip members for discipleship and multiplication.
  • All Body Members:
    • Grow in faith and obedience.
    • Share their learning and experiences.
    • Meet each other's needs.
    • Engage in evangelism and discipleship.
    • Be held accountable.
    • Be equipped for leadership.

Accountability: A Cornerstone of Healthy Leadership

Accountability is vital at every level of the church.

  • Members are accountable to their local facilitator.
  • Facilitators are accountable to regional elders.
  • Regional elders are accountable to whole-body elders and the regional body.
  • Pastors are accountable to whole body elders, regional elders, and the whole body.

By understanding and implementing these roles and gifts, the church can function as a healthy, biblically sound body, equipped to fulfill its mission.

Learn more at www.theexchangemin.com

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