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Reflections on Leadership in the New Testament

Reflections on Leadership in the New Testament. Ephesians 4. 1- 16. New Testament Leadership. No occurrence of abstract word ‘leadership’ in Bible Why ‘New Testament’ not ‘Old’? OT Characters are shown in full personality Models, not of human virtue but of God’s grace

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Reflections on Leadership in the New Testament

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  1. Reflections on Leadership in the New Testament Ephesians 4. 1- 16

  2. New Testament Leadership • No occurrence of abstract word ‘leadership’ in Bible • Why ‘New Testament’ not ‘Old’? • OT Characters are shown in full personality • Models, not of human virtue but of God’s grace • God is MEDIATED through prophets, priests, kings in Old Testament • GOD NOT MEDIATED BY MAN IN THE NEW TESTAMENT – HE COMES DIRECT TO US!

  3. New Testament Leadership • LEADERSHIP IS NOT OF THE ESSENCE, DOES NOT MEDIATE GOD TO US • ..but is necessary for the wellbeing of the Church.. • Because ALL are gifted, not just ‘overseers’ • New Testament also rich in personalities • ..But hardly any named ‘church leaders’. • Always in the plural ‘overseers’, ‘elders’

  4. Disciple Disputes about position and power

  5. ‘The Kings of the nations dominate their people and those that are in authority are called benefactors, but you are not like that. He that is most impressive among you, let him be treated just like the youngest of you, and he that is the leader, let him be seen the same as a servant.’ Luke 22.25-26

  6. Denominational Days..

  7. 1979 Becoming ECF, plurally led

  8. New Testament Leadership • Who is appointed NT overseers? • Other leaders… • ..Discerning the gift at work in the Body • Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas take risk to designate elders • Titus in Crete, Titus 1.5 • Voting just chooses the popular

  9. CHARACTER and PERSONALITY • Jesus is the CHARACTER of God (Hebs 1.2) • = Imprint, engraving, shaping • Culture of personality • Becomes focus • …And leaves a hole

  10. what someone builds with their gift, they can destroy with their personality • Uncharactered personality is an accident waiting to happen

  11. New Testament Leadership • Who appoints the Overseers? • Who is appointed as NT overseers? • Issue is CHARACTER and DISCERNMENT • Personality not enough • CHARACTER IS KEY

  12. Terminology of Leadership • Biblical word ‘Elders’ • Overseers, leaders, shepherds also • Constitution/Cultural relevance • Leaders most useful and relevant • But equivalent, equal to elders, overseers, pastors etc – same task

  13. For Reflection • What does this talk leave you thinking or feeling? • Puzzled? – Be at peace! • Enlightened? • Frustrated? • Questioning practicality? • Inspired to check it out yourself? • Listening for the Spirit

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