Foundations of Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG07

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F O U N D A T I O N S O F C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

6. List out some of the ways that historically bishops have been selected to serve. Once installed in their roles as bishops, what have been the historic roles and responsibilities of these leaders of the Church? Explain how today many bishops function as a “pastor of pastors.” 7. Why should we not be surprised that virtually all denominations have some role of supervisory leadership that functions very much in the historical vein of bishop as overseer of pastors and congregations ?

The Christian Leader as Bishop ( Episkopoi )

Segment 2: Models, Training, and Practice

Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

The Word of God and church tradition provides us with several key images to understand the role and function of the office of the bishop: the bishop as overseer of pastors and churches functions as supervisor, apostle, and as spiritual director. As supervisor the bishop functions as a superintendent, coordinating and organizing the outreach, personnel, and resources of churches under his/her care to make maximum impact for the Church’s edification and the Kingdom’s advancement. As an apostle , the bishop functions as one charged with the ongoing care of new churches and their leaders, doing all they can to ensure the protection, edification and development of them. Finally, as a spiritual director the bishop provides challenge and encouragement to budding ministries and churches as they mature in Christ. The notion of bishop relates to the idea of how churches associate with one another, either regionally through the locale church, or through affinity and shared identity. Urban churches need both the godly association of other fellowships as well as the oversight that godly bishops can provide them. The Scriptures are clear that the faithful bishop will experience God’s full blessing and reward at the Second Coming of Christ, who personally will give them the unfading crown of glory. Our objective for this segment, The Christian Leader as Bishop: Models, Training, and Practice , is to enable you to see that:

Summary of Segment 2

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• The Word of God and church tradition provides us with several key images to understand the role and function of the office of the bishop: the bishop as