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

The deacon is also a servant who has been given the charge to serve the members of the body, distributing and administering resources in a just and compassionate way. Finally, a deacon is charged with the role of being an assistant, one called alongside spiritual leaders to support them in the work of the ministry. Urban congregations especially need men and women who serve in the diaconate who have proven experience as faithful servants of Christ. Although deacons cannot be used as a substitute for the generous hospitality of the members of the body, urban churches need men and women who can effectively manage the temporal affairs of the church for the benefit of the saints. The ministry of deacon is one that carries a full assurance of good standing before God and the Church, as well as great confidence in the faith. The role of the deacon is critical for the urban congregation, both in terms of meeting practical needs and dividing the labor amongst the leaders to ensure that the congregation’s full priorities are not neglected. Now is the time for you to discuss with your fellow students your questions about The Christian Leader as Deacon (Diakonoi). In many ways, the focus of the role of deacon on servanthood is a principle that cuts across the entire spectrum of Christian leadership. Indeed, servanthood is the underlying insight of exercising authority as a Christian. Now is the time for you to explore the ramifications of this principle for your life and ministry in the Church. What are some of the issues and questions that have come to mind as you have meditated on the ministry of the diaconate covered in this lesson? Probe these issues and questions together with your fellow students. The questions below may help you form your own, more specific and critical questions about this important aspect of Christian leadership. * Why must we pay careful attention to the example of Christ in all so-called inquiries into the principles and practices of Christian leadership? What is the central aspect of Jesus’ life and ministry that helps to define its meaning? Explain your answer. * In what sense do the roles and offices (i.e., deacons, elders, pastors, and bishops) provide us with a ready understanding of the foundations of Christian leadership?

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Student Application and Implications

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