It has always been my belief that "as the leadership goes so goes the organization--or the church!" Our Scripture today speaks of qualities in church leadership that are important to its spiritual health. Leaders and Pastors are to be individuals with particular gifts to share with the church in relation to discernment of God's Spirit and the leading of His people.
Pastors (and other leaders) are to be persons of wisdom and maturity in the faith. They should not only demonstrate skills in leadership but should also be individuals with a compassionate heart for others.
Pastors are responsible, according to Ephesians 4:12f, to teach the Word of the Lord in such a way that it equips the church for works of service, shaped by the Gospel. Elders or Deacons serve the church in acts of service allowing the Pastor to concentrate on preaching the Word and prayer (see Acts 6:4).
God's ordained leadership--whether the Pastor in the pulpit, elders or deacons in serving, are to be men and women of strong faith, loving, and have a heart for serving others so that in all things Christ might be glorified and declared to all.
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