We see some things differently in our perceptions of what elders are and do, so forth. But can we at least agree that the elder role is one of leadership for a congregation of God’s people in Christ? Is that really debatable? One of the most significant statements about spiritual leadership came from the heart of Jesus during the last few days of His life on earth. If it meant that much to Him, should it not mean something to us? I speak of the situation found in Matthew 20:20f., especially in vv. 24-28. I will make it easier for you by presenting the text:
24 And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
What do you make of that? These key figures in the kingdom of God on earth were yet to grasp the character of authentic spiritual leadership. Theirs was a worldly view of how to get the job done. Too often, so is ours. The Lord has little time remaining to teach about anything. But He cannot let this serious situation go unaddressed. So, Jesus pauses to correct their dangerous misunderstanding about how a spiritual leader is go about his work among the flock of God (in the near future, by the way).
Since I will soon leave this elder discussion, it is important to outline the huge difference between high yield and high risk leadership in the church. It is a very serious matter, and how we apply these things in our churches will have great impact upon whether we go forward, go nowhere, or go to pieces. Here is some of what I have. Add to it the fruit of your thinking and work in the Book.
HIGH YIELD SPIRITUAL LEADERS: men in leadership who can really help
- Joseph – Genesis 39. A man of moral purity regardless of the cost.
- Moses – a man of perseverance and tenacity. Endured a lot from the people. Handled disappointment and discouragement.
- Isaiah – a man of reluctance but not rebellion. Did not feel capable but went with God’s plan. Jeremiah 1:6f.
- Joshua – a man of vision. Sought it from the Lord and ran with it. Inspired courage and confidence in the face of great obstacles.
- Elijah – a man of great courage in the face of evil. II Timothy 4 and Matthew 11 on that thought.
- David – I Samuel 17. A man who could seize the moment, window. Also a man after God’s own heart – you can find that verse.
- Nathan the prophet. II Samuel 12. A man who held other leaders accountable. See also Ezekiel along this line.
- Nehemiah. Book of Nehemiah. A man with a vision for the work of the Lord. Also knew how to organize and delegate.
- John the Baptist – a man of both great humility and bravery. Also never lost sight of his great mission.
- John the apostle – a man who allowed the Lord to change him. Changed from “a son of thunder” to the apostle of love.
- Barnabas – Acts 4:36. A man who encouraged others, including an apostle. Hebrews 3:12-14.
- Gamaliel – Acts 5:33f. A man who was clear-headed in the midst of confusion and tension. Rose above the emotions of the moment.
- A group of leaders who entrusted others to do a job then got out of the way. Acts 6:1f.
- Paul – Acts 20:17-21. A man who would invest quality time in people.
- also a man who be a role model for me – I Thessalonians 2:10-12.
- Peter – a man who learned from and in spite of his mistakes.
- Timothy – a man who was teachable.
- Titus – a man who would not fold under pressure. Acts 15 situation; Titus 1.
HIGH RISK SPIRITUAL LEADERS: men in leadership who can really hurt
- Moses – the bottleneck leader. Deuteronomy 18. Wanted his finger on every single button.
- Saul – the jealous leader. David was a large blessing to this king-leader but he was too small to appreciate the fact.
- Absalom. II Samuel 15-18. King David’s son who just had to be in charge. He could not live in the shadow of another.
- Ahithophel. II Samuel 16; Proverbs 11:13. The untrustworthy leader. Betrayed king David when he had his back turned.
- Rehoboam. Solomon’s son who listened to bad advice. I Kings 12. The kingdom greatly suffered.
- Herod the Great. Matthew 2. The leader who hurt others for selfish reasons.
- Herod Antipas. Matthew 14. The impulsive leader. Spoke before he thought.
- The Jewish hierarchy of Jesus’ day. John 9:34. Know-it-all leaders. Also these were crony leaders, all for one and one for all.
- The hireling leader. John 10:12,13. The self-serving leader. A user.
- Pilate. Matthew 27. The self-protecting leader. Pilate was a wheel-greaser, all at the expense of what was right.
- Diotrephes. III John. The church bully. Also could not learn, ignoring even an apostle.
- The sheriff leader. I Peter 5:3. Pulls rank, makes demands.
- The covert leader. Decisions, plans are always secretive and open to only a handful. Does not respect or trust the people.
Again, these are merely profiles of how a spiritual leader can look. He can be either a high yield leader or a high risk leader. We know what the Lord has in mind for us, right? That is to be our great desire, for the glory of God and the good of the kingdom. A church may want to keep these thoughts in mind during its elder selection process.
robert
