SabbathSchool
Personal Ministries
Certification Program
Principles of
Christian Leadership & Church Growth
Dr. Richard Marker
Treasurer Greater New York Conference
June 2005
Spiritual LeadershipDr. Richard A. Marker
Spiritual Leadership - I
1) The Essence of Leadership
Leadership is Influence - Everyone is a leader
Every soul is surrounded by an atmosphere of its own. (COL, 339)
The Impact of Our Influence
•Every person is consciously or unconsciously affected by our influence.
•We cannot escape from this responsibility.
Our Influence Can Be a Blessing
•Our example can give people power to do good. They influence others, and they upon still others until thousands may be blessed.
Character is Power
•Character is power. The silent witness of a true, unselfish, godly life carries an almost irresistible influence. This can make the church strong.
We Can Be Used by Satan
•If we indulge freely in criticism and accusing we can discourage people.
We Cause Others to Be Lost
•We look down on people our influence has destroyed. It is because of us that they were driven to skepticism, and are hardened to spiritual things.
False Christians
•There are many who will fear to meet the judgment of God for the results of their influence.(COL, 341)
A Christian is Christ-like
If we take on the name “Christian” and do not demonstrate a Christ-like character or Christian ethics; we dishonor God, we misrepresent Jesus; and God’s name is blasphemed because of us.(Romans 2:17-29 paraphrased)
Using Our Influence In Christ
It is only through the grace of God that we can make a right use of our ability to influence others.
Commit Every Day to Jesus - Angels Help Christian Leaders
With this help our influence may be a silent, unconscious, but mighty power in drawing others to Christ and the heavenly world. (COL 339-342)
The Holy Spirit Guides Consecrated Church Leaders
– Isaiah 30:21
– John 1:9
– Titus 2:11
The Spirit Teaches Us
– Titus 2:11-13
Remain in Me and I in You – John 15:5
If anyone bein Christ,he will allowJesus Christthroughthe Holy Spiritto live in him. The life of Christwill becomeyour life.
The First Qualification for Church Leadership
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me… – Galatians 2:20
Balanced Leaders are Secure
I can do all things through Christ who gives we strengthens me.
The Christian Motivation for Service
It is not fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the savior’s matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary’s cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him. – The Desire of Ages, 480
Christ is Greater
– 1 Corinthians 10:13
– 1 John 4:4
Leaders that God Can Trust - The Greatest Wantof the World
“The greatest want of the world is the want of men, men who will not be bought or sold; men who in their inmost souls are true and honest; men who do not fear to call sin by its right name; men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.”- Education, 57
2) Leadership Principles
Biblical Leadership Principles
1.God is the real leader
2.Lead with the view that God’s leadership is to be restored.
3.Distinguish between role and status (Spiritual Gifts).
4.Leadership is a God like function which demands high standards.
5.Lead humbly because you are human.
Are you qualified for church leadership?
Spiritual Leadership - II
1)The Theology of Leadership - Theological Foundations for Church Leadership
1. A Biblical Basis for Church Organization - Matthew 16:13-19
Verse 18 is a promise.
“The gates of hell” will not overcome the church.
“I [Christ] will build my church.”
Christ is the Head of the Church. Those who submit humbly to His leadership will be partners with Him in the work of the church.
“You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church.”
Jesus is the Rock – “the chief cornerstone.” The literal translation means “a piece of the rock” or “stone.”
Verse 19:
“I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.”
The keys to the kingdom of heaven is the gospel. It is the gospel (the good news) that opens the door (John 10:9) through which people enter into the kingdom of God.
2. The Priesthood of All Believers
Peter’s Understanding of Matthew 16:13-19– 1 Peter 2:4-6, 9.
Peter’s Symbolism:
Christ is the Cornerstone in a living structure upon which we are living stones built to form a temple.
Other passages refer to “the Body of Christ”
- Romans 12 – 1 Corinthians 12 – Ephesians 4
The Biblical Leadership Model:
i.The stones which hold up the most stones are the lowest in the structure. They are supporting or holding up other stones signifying servant leadership.
ii.As the lowest, they are also the closest to the Cornerstone signifying their need to be the closest to Jesus Christ.
Paul describes the same symbolism as Peter: Ephesians 2:18-22
3. God is the Real Leader - “The Head of the Church”
•“I will build My church…” – Matthew 16:18
•“the Head, that is, Christ” – Ephesians 4:15
The New Testament church and the Protestant reformers saw Christ as the leader of the church training, equipping and empowering the members through the Holy Spirit. – John 16:7-16; Acts 1:4-5
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4. The Leader as Steward “Ambassador for Christ”
•“I give you the keys to the kingdom”– Matthew 16:19
•The Parable of the Talents– Matthew 25:14-30
•“We therefore are Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.” – 2 Corinthians 5:20
•The leader governs with the expectation that he will one day give up his role in a new era.
5. The Role of the Leader “Servant Leadership”
•“on this rock I shall build my church” (Matthew 16:18) compared with “you also, as living stones” – 1 Peter 2:2-6,9.
•Living TempleMotif– Ephesians 2:19-22.
•“the greatest…whoever humbles himself like this child” – Matthew 18:1-4.
•The foot washing example – John 13.
•“I no longer call you servants [but] friends...” – John 15:15.
The Secrets of Servant Leadership
Jesus:
-humbled himself and allowed God to exalt Him;
-followed His Father’s will;
-defined greatness as being a servant;
-was secure in His own identity;
-was willing to leave the head table to serve others;
-shared responsibility and authority with followers; and
-built and empowered a team to carry out His vision for the world.
6. The Body of Christ Concept – Church Organization
- Romans 12
- 1 Corinthians 12-13
- Ephesians 3-4
7. Spiritual Gifts – Distribution of Roles in the Church
Principles of Body Life: 1 Corinthians 12
1. Spiritual Gifts. v.1-2
2. Christ is Lord. v.3
3. Gifts given for the common good. v.4-7
4. Gifts given for ministry or service results. v.8-10
5. Gifts distributed according to God’s will, not man’s. v.11
6. Unity in diversity v.12
7. Membership by Baptism of Holy Spirit. V. 13.
8. Members are equal. v.13
9. Interdependence v.14-20
10. Body is only as strong as its weakest part. V.21-24
11. Equal concern for one another v.25-26
12. Some gifts greater, some less. V. 27-31
Building a Gift-Based Church- A holistic approach to spiritual gifts:
1. Spiritual Gifts Inventory
2. Leadership/Interaction skills
3. Spirituality Web
4. Task Type Preferences
People are placed in the most appropriate places for their gifts and interaction skills.
The Work of the Holy Spirit - The Four C’s
1. Conviction
2. Conversion
3. Cleansing
4. Commission
Diversity
Leveraging Differences
Spiritual Gifts - “Distribution of Roles”
•Leadership trains, equips, empowers through delegation of responsibility.
•Distribution of responsibility according to natural talents.
•One’s function within the organization is to be viewed as a role, not a position.
•Power and authority are to be shared.
•Dysfunctional organizations often flow from dysfunctional leadership.
Spiritual Leadership - III
Some Practical Helps
Myths about Delegation
The Six Steps of Delegation
- Communicate the task
- Furnish context for the task
- Determine standards
- Grant authority
- Provide support
- Get commitment
Time ManagementUrgent versus Important
Spiritual Leadership - IV
Building Good Relationships
Techniques in Working with People:
1. Do not criticize, condemn or complain.
2. Give honest and sincere appreciation.
3. Arouse a desire in the other person.
Habits of Popular Leaders:
- Smile!
- Become genuinely interested in people.
- Use people’s names frequently.
- Listen and encourage people to talk about themselves.
- Talk in terms of the other person’s interests.
- Sincerely make others feel important.
Successful Persuasion
- Avoid arguments.
- Show respect for others opinions.
- When you are wrong, admit it quickly.
- Be friendly and demonstrate kindness.
- Get the other person saying yes in the beginning.
- Let the other person do most of the talking.
- Let the other person feel it is his idea.
- Try honestly to see the other person’s point of view.
- Be sympathetic with the other persons ideas or desires
- Appeal to nobler motives
- Illustrate and dramatize your ideas.
- Create interest and excitement by making a challenge.
Leading People to Change Attitudes and Behavior
- Begin with praise and honest appreciation.
- Call attention to people’s mistakes indirectly.
- Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person.
- Ask questions instead of giving direct orders.
- Let the other person save face.
- Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement.
- Give the other person a good reputation to live up to.
- Use encouragement. Make the fault seem easy to correct.
- Make the other person happy about doing what you suggest.
Spiritual Leadership - V
Leadership Principles
Biblical Leadership Principles
1. God is the real leader
2. Lead with the view that God’s leadership is to be restored.
3. Distinguish between role and status (Spiritual Gifts).
4. Leadership is a God like function which demands high standards.
5. Lead humbly because you are human.
Five Practices ofExtraordinary Leaders
1. Challenges the process
2. Enables others to act
3. Models the way
4. Inspires a shared vision
5. Encourages the heart
Characteristics Followers Want in Their Leaders:
1. Honest and consistent
2. Competent and mature
3. Provides resources
4. Inspirational
5. Forward looking
How to Build Credibility:
- Clarify your values.
- Identify what your constituents want and need and support them.
- Build consensus.
- Communicate shared values with enthusiasm and conviction.
- Stand up for your beliefs.
- Led by example.
The Christian Leader– John 10:2-4
Spiritual Leadership – VI
Topics in This Presentation
1- Church Organization
2- The Great Controversy
3- Christ’s Method of Church Leadership
4- Styles of Leadership
5- The Attitude of Christian Leaders
6- Church Discipline
1- Church Organization
New TestamentChurch Models
1
•The Pauline Model
–Stationary
–Congregational
–Mechanistic
–Shepherd/Flock
–Ecclesial
–Corporate structure
–Gifts-based
•The Jesus Model
–Mobile
–Small group
–Organic
–Teacher/Disciple
–Apostolic
–Team structure
–Spirit led
1
Seventh-DayAdventistChurch Structure
Comparisons
Episcopal:
The bishop is the central leader. He makes assignments. A hierarchical system exists over geographical areas with authority from top to bottom.
Presbyterian:
Committees or councils are made up of laity and clergy who make the decisions in the church. They are elected by the church membership.
Congregational:
Authority is with the membership of the local church and not very closely tied to a denominational system. The majority of Protestant churches have adapted this structure.
Seventh-day Adventists:
All three models are blended. A hierarchy with a conference president. A system of committees can override a president. Local churches have the last word in constituency sessions. There is balance of authority between ministers and laity.
The Work of the Pastor
To model Christian leadership principles
To 1) train,
2) equip and
3) empowerthe members of the Body of Christ
LocalChurch Officers
Pastor, Associates and Assistants
First Elder & Board of Elders
Elders are responsible for the spiritual work and well being of the church.
Deacons and Deaconesses
Deacons and Deaconesses are responsible for the physical work and maintenance of the church.
Department or Ministry Leaders
Our Primary Task – Make Disciples
Building a Gift-Based Church - A holistic approach to spiritual gifts:
•Spiritual Gifts Inventory
•Leadership/Interaction skills
•Spirituality Web
•Task Type Preferences
People are placed in the most appropriate places for their gifts and interaction skills.
Internal Work of the Church
Each member of the Body of Christ must discover his role in the functions of the church:
1. Worship – all aspects of worship leadership, including preaching
2. Administration – planning and coordinating the church
3. Pastoral Care – all aspects of ministry to members
4. Outreach/Evangelism – all aspects of ministry to non-members or “non-Adventists.”
5. Training – training church members to use their spiritual gifts to build the church.
God’s Purpose for His Church
The church is God's appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world. From the beginning it has been God's plan that through His church shall be reflected to the world His fullness and His sufficiency. The members of the church, those whom He has called out of darkness into His marvelous light, are to show forth His glory. The church is the repository of the riches of the grace of Christ; and through the church will eventually be made manifest, even to "the principalities and powers in heavenly places," the final and full display of the love of God. Ephesians 3:10.
- Acts of the Apostles, p. 9
The Purpose Driven Church
“And they were devoted to the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:42-47
Five Purposes of the Church
1. Discipleship
2. Worship
3. Fellowship
4. Outreach
5. Service
NaturalChurch DevelopmentHealthy Churches Grow Naturally
Empowering Leadership
Gift-oriented Ministry
Passionate Spirituality
Functional Structures
Inspiring Worship Service
Holistic Small Groups
Need-oriented Evangelism
Loving Relationships
2- The Great Controversyand Church Leadership
The Great Controversy Motif - A Contrast in Leadership
1
SATAN - Isaiah 14:13-15
1. I will ascend…
2. I will exalt…
3. I will sit on the Mount
4. I will ascend…
5. I will be like the Most High.
“I trouble!”
CHRIST - Philippians 2:1-8
1. Equality with God not grasped
2. Made himself nothing
3. Became a servant
4. Made in human likeness
5. Humbled himself
6. Obedient to death
7. Death on a cross
Selflessness!
1
Historical Prospectives in Church Governance
When Self Rules the Heart, Christ is dethroned
Ambition and Power - Two other churches recognize a growing problem.
Abuse of Power & the Reformation - The Thomas Jefferson Principle:
- Medieval abuse of ecclesiastical authority and power led to the Protestant Reformation.
- Dictatorial governments bread revolutions.
- Rigid or abusive parents tend to develop rebellious teenagers and dysfunctional adults.
- Heavy-handed church leaders will breed an atmosphere of resistance and rebellion.
The “Little Horn” Principle
- When any person takes on the prerogatives of God and assumes the headship of the Body (the church), he in effect tries to take the place of Christ.
Seventh-dayAdventistChurch - Abuse of Power
“The fact that a man has been selected to be president of a conference, does not mean that he shall have authority to rule over his fellow men. This is after the practice of Rome, and it cannot be tolerated, for it restricts religious liberty, and the man is led to place himself where God alone should be.”- Letter 53, 1894
Authoritarian Leadership
Tyrannical leadership tends to put a straight jacket on the Holy Spirit.
The Body Works Together
Responsibilities must be given to others.
True leaders are secure enough to empower others and train others to be leaders.
No Kingly Power in the Seventh-dayAdventistChurch
“God has not set any kingly power in the Seventh-dayAdventistChurch to control the whole body or to control any branch of the work. He has not provided that the burden of leadership shall rest upon a few men. Responsibilities are distributed among a large number of competent men.” - Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, p. 236
The Spirit of Domination
The spirit of domination is extending to the presidents of our conferences. If a man is sanguine of his own powers and seeks to exercise dominion over his brethren, feeling that he is invested with authority to make his will the ruling power, the best and only safe course is to remove him, lest great harm be done and he lose his own soul and imperil the souls of others. “All ye are brethren.”- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 362
You Are All Brothers
This disposition to lord it over God's heritage will cause a reaction unless these men change their course. Those in authority should manifest the spirit of Christ. They should deal as He would deal with every case that requires attention. They should go weighted with the Holy Spirit. A man's position does not make him one jot or title greater in the sight of God; it is character alone that God values. - Testimonies to Ministers, p. 362
Antichrist Leadership
“The goodness, mercy, and love of God were proclaimed by Christ to Moses. This was God's character. When men who profess to serve God ignore His parental character and depart from honor and righteousness in dealing with their fellowmen, Satan exults, for he has inspired them with his attributes. They are following in the track of Romanism.” - Testimonies to Ministers, p. 363
Historical Change in the Church