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

1 Thess. 4.2). He limits his authority. He acts as father to the churches rather than as prophet, the archetype of charismatic authority. He refuses to accept financial support (1 Cor. 9.1–18; 2 Cor. 11.7–9; see Financial Support). He gives reasons for the instructions he gives and supports other churches not of his group, like Jerusalem, through the collection. And he has a place for tradition. And yet, in his radicalism and innovativeness, in his putting himself forward as a model to be imitated, in his formation of communities, in his presentation of himself and his claims, he demonstrates some of the typical traits of the charismatic. Unfortunately none of this has led to any agreement as to how authoritarian Paul was in practice and evaluations differ widely. Some stress his emphasis on liberty (1 Cor. 10.23; Gal. 5.1), his restricted use of authority (1 Cor. 7.25; 2 Cor. 10.8) and his desire to encourage the local church to assume responsibility for its own actions (1 Cor. 5.1–5). Others highlight his directiveness and even accuse him of using manipulative techniques (1 Cor. 7.17; 14.37–38; Phil. 3.15). Paul exercised his authority in a number of ways: through return visits, letters, locally appointed leaders and through sending his representatives, who carried his delegated authority, on visits (Eph. 6.21; 1 Thess. 3.2; Titus 1.5). While no clear pattern of local church leadership emerges, it seems that Paul appointed elders on his own authority (Acts 14.23) and that churches recognized elders and deacons (Phil. 1.1). The word elder (presbyteros) seems synonymous with bishop (episkopos); the difference between them perhaps reflecting a more predominantly Jewish (for presbyteros) or Gentile (for episkopos) social context.

~ Gerald Hawthorne. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters . (electronic ed.). Logos Library Systems. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1997. pp. 886-887.

It will be important in this final lesson to help the students understand that these offices are neither static or wooden. Real persons are charged to exercise authority, and to do so with wisdom, compassion, and thoughtfulness. Concentrate on this aspect as you consider the sweeping authority that bishops exercised in the past, and continue to do so, especially in episcopal traditions.