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

3. Explain the way in which the modern role of the bishop mirrors the work and responsibility of an apostle? How are they similar? How are they different? What boundaries exist in the bishop’s role as an apostle of the Church in terms of authority, spirituality, and status? 4. In what sense does a bishop function as a spiritual director for the life of the pastors and churches under their authority? What are the limits of this spiritual direction? What kinds of things could bishops do to enhance the spiritual vitality of churches under their charge? 5. In what specific ways does the authority and ministry of the bishop connect to the association that churches and pastors maintain among themselves, either regionally through the locale church, or through affinity and shared identity of a denomination or tradition? Could churches that have no association function with a bishop role? Explain. 6. Why do urban churches require close and constant association with other like-minded fellowships and pastors? What is the likelihood that churches and pastors without association or connection with others will prosper and thrive spiritually in the city? Elaborate in your answer. 7. What kinds of blessings and benefits do the Scriptures promise to those bishops who faithfully carry out their responsibility as supervisors, apostles, and spiritual directors? What will Christ himself do for them at his coming? This lesson focuses upon the role and function of bishops as those offering oversight and guidance to both pastors and churches under their charge. If in fact it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a movement to raise a church! Churches require oversight, not just within them but among them as well, and God has given us the role of bishop to supply the kind of holistic oversight and supply that churches in association together require. The following statements lay out these concepts clearly and concisely. The Greek NT term episkopos refers to the office of the “bishop,” and can be translated “overseer.” This term and its meaning can be traced through its usages in the Septuagint , in the classical Greek tradition, and finally within the New Testament itself.

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Summary of Key Concepts