Ephesians Session 8 | Church Leadership Big Ideas: · Office vs. Gift · Governance Ephesians 4:8-11 8 Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” 9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, Elder Rule and Governance At Catalyst we see Biblical church governance as something that an elder team should lead. This is contrary to some other models. The governance of the church and the ministry of the church go hand in hand but have different functions. Many church models expect a pastor or a few pastors to govern, lead, shepherd, administrate, and so on. This can be very overwhelming and taxing for those in whom they are not gifted in those areas. This can also hinder people gifted in certain areas from using their gifts simply because they don’t have the title. The church should be set up to allow each gift to function in its proper place including team leadership. The Elders are ultimately responsible for the local church under the guidance of Christ and the Scriptures. The church’s biblical mission and vision, the church’s health and vitality, the church’s activities and plans are all equally under the governing care of the Elders. This leadership group assumes responsibility for the local church and must, therefore, be faithful in overseeing, shepherding and ruling. While this leadership body cannot personally meet all of the legitimate, spiritual needs of the church, these elders must see to it that all of the needs are met (through the raising up of co-laborers and fellow ministers). Acts 20:17; 28 17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. Acts 11:30 29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. Titus 1:5 5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 1 Timothy 3:1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 1 Timothy 5:17 17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. Apostle/Apostleship Apostolos-(ä-po'-sto-los) a messenger, one sent on a mission, an apostle, “one sent forth” To be sent with a message. The gift of apostleship is the divine ability to start and oversee the development of new churches or ministry structures. Historically this office was held by the foundational apostles as chosen by Jesus and is now expired because they have all died. However, this is also a spiritual gift and function still in operation. There are no further Apostles of Christ as outlined in scripture, but the function and gifting is in operation helping advance the gospel of Christ. Modern day apostles are not equivalent to apostles of Christ and are not receiving revelation on the level of the bible. Any divine revelation should align with the scriptures, not add too or take away. · Pioneer and establish new ministries or churches · Adapt to different surroundings by being culturally sensitive and aware · Desire to minister to unreached people in other communities or countries · Have responsibilities to oversee ministries or groups of churches · Demonstrate authority and vision for the mission of the church 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Prophet/Prophesy Acts 2:17 And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; The gift of prophecy is the divine enablement to reveal truth and proclaim it in a timely and relevant manner for understanding, correction, repentance, or edification. There may be immediate or future implications. New-covenant prophecy is “the human report of a divine revelation. Prophecy is the speaking forth in merely human words of something God has spontaneously brought to mind. Prophetic leaders have the ability to see a vision from God, express this to the local body, and rally others in unity to follow. The gift of the prophet simply emphasizes something that God is doing in this particular moment that aligns is with his word. There are not any modern-day prophets as in the Old Testament or the foundational prophets, but the gift and function are still in operation. Also, the gift of prophesy carries different dimensions of understanding and definition. Many with a gift of prophesy are also ones with gifts of encouragement. Many preachers have prophetic gifts to divinely lead and reveal truth. We caution people with this gift not to use terms like “thus saith the Lord”. If you have this gift you need to be within an accountable body that will discern, test, and prove your gifting. The New Testament church is not to be led by prophets like in the Old Testament. We have the Spirit of God within us to lead us. Modern day prophetic gifts can affirm or confirm how God is leading an individual or body. Evangelist/Evangelism (missional) To bring good news. The gift of evangelism is the divine enablement to effectively communicate the gospel to unbelievers so they respond in faith and move toward discipleship. · Gives the message of Christ with clarity and conviction. · Seek out opportunities to talk to unbelievers about spiritual matters. · Challenge unbelievers to faith and to become fully devoted followers of Christ. · Adapt their presentation of the gospel to connect with the individual’s needs. · Seek opportunities to build relationships with unbelievers. · Usually have ability to draw people to Christ. Many times, they are accompanied with sign and revelation gifts. Acts 8:4-8 4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city. Pastor/Shepherding The gift of shepherding is the divine enablement to nurture, care for, and guide people toward on-going spiritual maturity and becoming like Christ. This one can become confusing quickly based on many modern-day models of church leadership. There are many in the body with the gift of shepherding but are not called to be a pastor, elder, or church overseer. There are some elders in churches with strong gifts of administration and governance but are not called to pastor. The key is discovering your gifts and allowing God to place you in the body as He directs. Shepherd-care, nurture, pastor, to shepherd, to tend. Overseer-govern, office, overseer, guardian, superintendent, watchman, a mark on which to fix the eye, to look carefully, consider. Teacher/Teaching The gift of teaching is the divine enablement to understand, clearly explain, and apply the word of God so the listener can understand what is being presented. This gift employs a logical, systematic approach to biblical study in preparation for clearly communicating practical truth to the body of Christ. · Communicate truth that inspires more obedience to the Word · Challenge listeners simply and practically with biblical truth · Present the whole counsel of God for maximum life change · Give attention to detail and accuracy · Prepare through extended times of study and reflection Acts 20:20 "how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Acts 11:25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Titus 1:9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. The spiritual gift of teaching is one that carries a heavy responsibility in the church. James 3:1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.