Who can Lead?

The Question of "who can lead?" is not ambiguous. At least, it should not be, and it's not a subject that's open to private interpretation. The Word of God makes it abundantly clear that the leadership, through which the Holy Spirit feeds the flock of God, is reserved only for men - not just any men, but men who God has called and qualified. The bible also teaches that women are excluded from being qualified to lead. Regardless of how one might, in rebellion against the God's Word, kick against this standard, the truth remains. This role also prohibits what the Bible refers to as a "novice" which means a new Christian who has not been test/tried by the Holy Spirit in/through the trials and temptations that come from ministering the Word of God with the authority vested in teaching and preaching it to others. A warning novices, specifically young men Young man, it doesn't matter how supposedly 'talented' you think you are, which even if that's a consideration for being promoted by your family or current congregation, it's in direct opposition to the Word of God unless/until you meet and abide by the qualifications of God's Word. All too often, false humility, which is referred to as "the pride of thine heart," has deceived you into going where God has not called you yet. Repent, and wait on the Lord. You say, "yeah, but I feel that..." No young man, your feelings have no bearing on the matter of leadership lest you become like those who illegally cross the border, ahead of the many who rightfully and lawfully wait their turn in line. I draw that comparison simply because it's one we should be able to understand, and see how selfish pride, as blind and immature as it can be, is the culprit for getting ahead of things or, in this case, God. It's shameful, but what's worse, it's an affront to God Himself. The danger, young man, as the Scripture warns, is that you'll "fall into the condemnation of the devil" (1 Timothy 3:6). If that's not enough of a warning, I don't know what is.

The word "novice" comes from the Greek word (neophutos) which means "newly planted." It's used of young newly planted trees that need time and nurture for proper establishment of their root system and growth. A novice must never be treated as if it were a well-established oak (Ephesians 4:13). For any young man, for his parents, and his congregation; I would counsel you to know that pride is the chief occupational hazard of those stepping into a pulpit or standing before a congregation to "preach!" Putting a novice in such a position only sets him up for a fall and the judgment that follows. Those who clearly fail to abide by God's Word on such matters, include the parents and congregation as well, and they too will be held accountable by God.

So, what then, is biblical leadership?

The Bible, if I could summarize it concisely, teaches that each local church or ministry should be led by a plurality of godly, qualified men called "elders." A plurality simply means more than one and however many that might be for your church, what's a key biblical foundation of elders is this: they are equal. No 'Big Chief and little indians,' as they say. No CEO with Junior VPs. No dictatorial roles to tempt a single man into thinking he has an authority vested in himself that exceeds what the Word of God teaches.

You've seen it Brethren, and we've all seen it, where you have a church that has, in effect, a single dictatorial-like leader who has free-reign of sorts, and whoever dares to question him is in for it. In many cases, the foundation of elders is skipped over altogether, going straight to deacons who can, in many cases, be hand-picked by the pastor. This is NOT what a New Testament church looks like, and so, if that describes your church, it's time for reformation.

Where is it in the Bible?

Paul lays out the qualifications for elders in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Passages that evidence a plurality of elders in one local church include Acts 14:23, Acts 20:17, 1 Timothy 4:14, 1 Timothy 5:17, and James 5:14.

Why is it important?

God gifts churches with elders to

• feed God’s sheep God’s word (Jn. 21:15-17),

• guide the sheep (1 Tim. 4:16; 1 Pet. 5:3, Heb. 13:7),

• and protect the sheep from attackers (Acts 20:27-29; 2 Tim. 4:3-4; Tit. 1:9),

• while protecting both themselves and the church through the wisdom of their plurality (Prov. 11:14; 24:6).

The bottom line?

Biblical church leadership is important because without it, God’s people are like sheep without shepherds. And just when you think, as it often is found in our generation, you have a solid shepherd, you find out he's just a wolf in sheep's clothing when it comes to leadership. Be sober and vigilant Brethren when it comes to leadership in the church. Never accept any form of leadership that is not aligned with God's very clear teaching and commands. Some have even said, "well, we don't have elders, but we're the biggest and fastest-growing church in our town." Brethren, movement doesn't mean life. A dead twig can float down the river too so, never equate movement/growth in numbers as proof of life. No, in fact, sometimes that movement just indicates the "broad road" of the world at work, having gotten a foothold in the church itself. The maturity and vitality of any church should be evident by the spiritual growth of its members. Are they hungry for God's word? Are they focused on superficial "numbers" or do they "make disciples," as commanded by Jesus? Are they separate from the world? Do they live fearfully or boldly declare the Gospel while exposing the unfruitful works of darkness? Doing the wrong thing is easy, as it doesn't require dying to self, and dying to self, in this case, as it relates to biblical leadership, means a congregation dying to itself, and its traditions, by addressing it biblically. Just remember this: the Lord loves us Brethren, and wants what's best for us, and He knows what's best for us when it comes to leadership. Trust Him by doing the right thing.

Doing the right thing; however, can be a painful but a necessary exercise in faith, even when the majority around you scoffs. On this issue, obedience is the answer. Let us, together, fully trust God's Word so that, in our obedience to our heavenly Father, we are the greatest help to one another, do the greatest good for others, and bring the greatest glory to God for our trust in, and obedience to, Him. Amen.