Chapter 30

Church Leadership

Sections

For a church to function effectively it is critical that leaders know and do what is required of them. It is also important for church members to know what they should expect of leaders – and how to support them.

Leading the Church

Provide good leadership

Elders who provide effective leadership must be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching.   1 Timothy 5:17 NET

Be gentle and sparing in the use of authority

[Paul, to church members:] Instead, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother tenderly caring for her own children.   1 Thessalonians 2:7b ISV

[Paul, to church members:] For this reason, although in the Messiah I have complete freedom to order you to do what is proper, 9I prefer to make my appeal on the basis of love.   Philemon 1:8-9a ISV

Be an example for others to follow

[Paul, to church members:] Rather, we wanted to set an example for you to follow.   2 Thessalonians 3:9b GW

Caring For Church Members

Pray for church members

[Paul, to church members:] We have not stopped praying for you since the first day we heard about you. In fact, we always pray that God will show you everything he wants you to do and that you may have all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives.   Colossians 1:9 CEV

Strengthen members in the faith

[Paul, to church members:] You are our dear friends, and everything we do is to make you stronger.   2 Corinthians 12:19b NCV™

Work hard at helping church members

[Paul, speaking to church members of Epaphras:] For I can testify that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.   Colossians 4:13 NET

Confront church members over sin

[God, to Ezekiel:] Son of man, confront Jerusalem with her abominable practices …   Ezekiel 16:2 NET

Teach God’s word to church members

Paul lived in Corinth for a year and a half and taught the word of God to them.   Acts 18:11 GW

Church Members’ Duties to Leaders

Obey your leaders

[Paul, to church members:] He has made us sure that you are obeying what we taught you and that you will keep on obeying.   2 Thessalonians 3:4 CEV

Give your leaders material support

Those who are being taught the Christian message should share all the good things they have with their teachers.   Galatians 6:6 GNT

Pray for persecuted Christians