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 various affairs of the Church for its well-being, edification, and overall benefit. As fathers and parents , elders are mature and respected members who protect and instruct the assembly. As colleagues and team members , elders function in a plurality of leadership to guide the Church. Finally, as representatives , elders stand with fidelity for the interests of the Lord and the body as agents on behalf of the community. Elders are not to be selected on the basis of social place, wealth, academic achievement, or prominence, but on the basis of their spiritual maturity and personal integrity. We are not to place novices (immature believers) into positions of authority and oversight in the church. Rather, we are to seek to create structures and processes that allow for spiritually mature and available members to exercise servant leadership in the body. Urban congregations especially need godly elders in leadership, due to the prevalence of broken families, moral compromise, and social upheaval. The blessings, benefits, and rewards of faithful service as an elder are enormous, the greatest of which is the promise of personal reward from the Lord Jesus himself with the “unfading crown of glory.” Now is the time for you to discuss with your fellow students your questions about the importance of the role of elders in the NT. Whether or not God has called you to serve in the role of elder , it is nonetheless highly important for you to understand and apply the rich supply of principles this teaching has on the subject of Christian leadership. Possibly in your searching out of the key nuggets of truth associated with this theme you have identified some problems or issues that require further clarification. Bring these to the surface now, and share them with your fellow students, and seek to get at the heart of these as you discuss them together. Perhaps the questions belowmay trigger some of your own specific questions on the content of this lesson on the role of elders in the Church. * To what extent ought elders to take their cues or imitate the rules of business in either establishing or running their councils of elders? Explain. * What is a church, which has a shortage of leaders who match the biblical criteria, to do in terms of finding elders to rule well?

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Student Application and Implications