Foundations of Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG07

/ 1 7 9

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

The bishop as a spiritual director provides challenge and encouragement to budding ministries and churches as they mature in Christ. The authority and ministry of the bishop closely relates to and depends upon the association that churches and pastors maintain, either regionally through the locale church, or through affinity and shared identity of denomination or tradition. Congregations in the city desperately require the benefits and blessings of godly association with other like-minded fellowships, as well as the continuous godly oversight that bishops can provide. 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. Now is the time for you to consider the role of the bishop as it applies to your own life and ministry, and those of your fellow students. The dynamic reality of the bishop is grounded in the fact that we are not alone ; the Church is one, and we are connected to all other churches and believers, in our region, our district, our nation, and our world. Perhaps you are not a part of an episcopal district, and do not recognize an official bishop as-such over your pastor or church. Nevertheless, coming to understand who God’s appointed “bishops” (leaders of pastors and churches) are for the church in your region will enable you to better understand what God is doing in your area, what are the critical issues the body needs to be mindful of, and how God wants us to collaborate to see his Kingdom advanced where we live. Who are those leaders who are blazing trails for our movement in our locale and region, and what are we to do in connection with them? The questions below may prompt some of your own questions or ideas regarding the role and ministry of supervisors in your locale. * Who are those who give oversight and supervision to your pastor, elders, and your church? Are you a part of a larger network of assemblies to whom you answer and for whom you serve? * Is it possible to really mature in Christ as a pastor or church without any oversight from someone outside of the church? How independent can you be as a pastor and congregation and still remain connected to others in a vital way?

Student Application and Implications

4