When did you last see a book or hear a message on how to be a follower? I do not mean how to be a follower of Jesus, Messiah. But, how do you conform to God's Scriptures as one who follows. What are your Biblical responsibilities when it comes to following the leadership of your local assembly of believers? I am aware that we all stand in equality before God: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:5). We also "Are a chosen people, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the
praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9). However, we are not all the same. We have observed that in a post citing 1 Corinthians 12. As Christ's body we each have an essential role to play. No part is better than another, yet each part has a different function. The Biblical reality is that God has so designed His body that some lead and others follow.
God, for whatever reason, has chosen to be somewhat vague when it comes to the structure of His Messianic assemblies. These assemblies, or churches, have found their own way. Some lean toward leadership provided by one person. Others, a group of people. Still others find direction provided by the majority. While some have a more elaborate denominational system or hierarchy, most fellowships have some combination of the above and all can find some Biblical support. However, when it comes to assemblies in America, we incorporate our culture far more than we may think. Here, everyone has an equal voice and an equal vote. Everyone has a sense of personal rights and authority. Even in groups that proclaim leadership by one person or by a group of Elders it does not prohibit desertion or rebellion. If you disagree you can voice your disapproval and recruit others to your cause. Some people simply have no compulsion to follow. They feel their opinion is just as valid, and if the leadership does not agree with them it is due to the spiritual insensitivity or heavy handed actions of those who lead. Thus, division is rampant in the Body of Christ.
What are we to do? We need to take a little time to consider what it is to follow and the consequences when we choose not to. First, it needs to be recognized that leadership is a gift from God. Placing individuals in positions of oversight or leadership among God's people has been a part of God's design for a very long time. We find Abraham leading his family and servants. Joseph, Moses, Aaron, and Joshua all lead God's people. God then provided Gideon, Deborah, and a number of others to lead as judges over Israel. We then add Samuel, Saul, David and the long lists of kings. Even in exile, Daniel, Mordecai, Esther, and Nehemiah rise to places of influence and leadership. With this recorded history we should not be surprised to see the Lord do something similar after Messiah has come. It is His plan to assign Elders as those who oversee and shepherd His flock. Paul tells the Elders of Ephesus, "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood" (Acts 20:28). Timothy is told to appoint Bishops, Presbyters, or Elders to oversee the ministry and gives their qualifications in 1 Timothy chapter three. Paul instructs Titus to do the same in Titus 1:5-9. God has provided leadership and their qualifications so the local assemblies, or churches, will not be left without shepherds who lead and teach.
This is for the benefit of all who worship and serve together. Leadership is simply one of the many gifts the Holy Spirit bestows as He sees fit. It is a serious position worthy of respect. Timothy is told, "The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching" (1 Timothy 5:17). The responsibility of the sheep is to "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you" (Hebrews 13:17). and if you disagree you should take note of 1 Timothy 5:19, "Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses." According to God's Word, bringing an accusation against an Elder is a serious thing. However, as Americans, we sometimes feel free to adopt a critical attitude toward those in leadership and to accuse them of "sheep beating" when we don't get our way. Beware of the seeds of pride and rebellion when you determine to undermined the leadership of the assembly you fellowship with. God resists the proud and He equates rebellion with witchcraft.
There are times when the Leaders of an assembly of believers fail or give abrasive leadership. They are only human. However, if we are honest, the color of carpet, the addition of a janitor, furniture for the teen room and new rocking chairs for the nursery are not evidence of abusive leadership. Yet, I have seen all these lead to uprisings and Elders and Pastors resigning. The Body suffers, God's ministry suffers, and division marks the reputation of Messiah's Church. It should not be.
Like it or not, God has determined that some should lead, oversee, and give direction. It is a position not to be accepted lightly. It is a high calling to be one who is to shepherd God's flock. One most who are called take quite seriously. It cannot be denied, God selects some to be shepherds. Perhaps the bigger question is, "Where are the sheep?"
This is for the benefit of all who worship and serve together. Leadership is simply one of the many gifts the Holy Spirit bestows as He sees fit. It is a serious position worthy of respect. Timothy is told, "The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching" (1 Timothy 5:17). The responsibility of the sheep is to "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you" (Hebrews 13:17). and if you disagree you should take note of 1 Timothy 5:19, "Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses." According to God's Word, bringing an accusation against an Elder is a serious thing. However, as Americans, we sometimes feel free to adopt a critical attitude toward those in leadership and to accuse them of "sheep beating" when we don't get our way. Beware of the seeds of pride and rebellion when you determine to undermined the leadership of the assembly you fellowship with. God resists the proud and He equates rebellion with witchcraft.
There are times when the Leaders of an assembly of believers fail or give abrasive leadership. They are only human. However, if we are honest, the color of carpet, the addition of a janitor, furniture for the teen room and new rocking chairs for the nursery are not evidence of abusive leadership. Yet, I have seen all these lead to uprisings and Elders and Pastors resigning. The Body suffers, God's ministry suffers, and division marks the reputation of Messiah's Church. It should not be.
Like it or not, God has determined that some should lead, oversee, and give direction. It is a position not to be accepted lightly. It is a high calling to be one who is to shepherd God's flock. One most who are called take quite seriously. It cannot be denied, God selects some to be shepherds. Perhaps the bigger question is, "Where are the sheep?"
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