A Consideration of Christian Leadership

What characterizes leadership in Christian communities? All believers are indwelt by the same Spirit and are equally welcome in God's presence. There is no class of nobles that automatically assumes the mantle of command. None of the apostles had wealth, worldly status, or superior educations. Is there something distinctive about a Jesus-style of leadership? Who should lead in church? Under what circumstances? These are important questions and have received different answers across the globe and across the centuries.

This sermon series will draw on lessons of leadership learned in this church over the sixty years of our existence. We hope newcomers will find explanations of patterns here that are different from secular organizations and other churches they have known. We also expect the light of God's word to illuminate new things for all of us, as we embark on our seventh decade.

This week:

Equipping Leadership

Ephesians 4:11-16

Churches are dynamic when everyone participates. It is easy to fall into the pattern of hiring professionals (clergy) and leaving God's work to them. The clear instruction of the New Testament is for pastors (and other leaders) to equip everyone else to discover the gifts God has given them and encourage their use.