People and Principles
"...the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is supplied, when each part is working properly, make: bodily growth and upbuilds itself in love." (Ephesians 4:16)
"when each part is working properly." What does this mean in terms
of administrative structure in the church? In the Body of Christ what are
the links? Are they people---or principles of operation?
I'd say they are people operating in accord with certain principles just
as the joints and tendons of our bodies are members functioning in accord
with definite principles.
Administrative Gifts
The members of Christ's body designed to fulfill its administrative
needs are those who are gifted by the Holy Spirit to fit the required function.
For instance, in looking for those who are to rule we must look for the
gift of governing. Some people are not suited to govern, since those who
govern must somehow have the consent of the governed.
Churches poorly governed soon find one or more of these cases:
(1) a constant need to whip the saints into line by social pressure, harangue, false loyalty pleas, false guilt, etc.
(2) discontented, grumbling people
(3) a fast-disappearing congregation
(4) frustrated leaders who are trying to carry the entire load.
And those with the gift of governing will rule in accord with biblical principles.
For example, there must be a discernible unity of spirit with other responsible
leaders, a joint commitment to know the mind of Christ on a matter, not
lust to settle for a majority vote. This calls for openness of heart, honesty
in prayer and unanimity in action.
Governing
How do we recognize the gift of governing? We do it by looking for men
who are easy to follow, men with orderly minds and orderly lives. And we
look for men of good report. This does not equate with popularity or view
lust an affable personality, but encompasses a quality of life that calls
out men's willingness to follow.
Leadership
But there are other administrative functions besides governing. The
church has many leadership needs. Here too we look for those who have been
gifted by the Holy Spirit to fulfill these equally vital functions in the
Body, for example, leading meetings, worship services, etc. We have all
experienced the painful torture of groaning through a service where the
leader was scared, self-conscious, and painfully uncomfortable. We became
uncomfortable with him and alternately felt sorry for him, prayed, and wished
he would shut up and sit down. On the other hand, a gifted leader is so
unobtrusive as to blend into the scenery, and is used of God to draw out
our hearts to worship, pray, sing and rejoice in a genuine experience of
fellowship wrought by the Holy Spirit.
Ministrivia
A third kind of administrative person is the one gifted by God to perform
the multitude of 'household chores" needed to keep the church running
smoothly. The sixth chapter of Acts records the early appointment of those
whom we call deacons,* from the Greek word diakonos. In this case their
function was to distribute the food among the Saints, or to wait on tables.
And as we read the account we find they were to be men of high spiritual
qualifi-cations, so this was no second-rate, demeaning job. They were to
be "men of good report, full of wisdom, full of the Holy Spirit."
Every church has many deacons, not always in terms of title or office, but
as fulfilling a needed function in the Body. As in Acts, this is no less
important an assignment than the appointment given to those who are to rule.
All the gifts and ministries are important to the operation of the Body!
People, functioning in the Body of Christ according to God-given principles---that's
the way it should be, not one man (the pastor) expected to do everything.
The three basic administrative functions described above are identifiable
in Scripture as seen in this chart:
------
*A fuller consideration of deacons is included in chapter 8.
|
|
|
|
Governing |
kubemesis |
1 Cor. 12:28 |
To guide or direct, as a pilot does a ship |
Leadership |
proistemi |
Romans 12:8 |
To "stand before" in the sense of taking the lead |
Service |
diakonie |
Romans 12:7 |
in the family household of God |
Faith
Then there is the gift of faith, and what an asset are those who exhibit
this gift! A dear friend whom I learned to call Caleb because he is so like
the Old Testament character by that name (Num. 13:30) is a wonderful example.
Of the Old Testament Caleb the Scripture records at least five times, "He
wholly followed the Lord." And so it was with my friend. Whenever we
confronted seemingly impossible situations he would say, "I wonder
how the Lord is going to get us through this one. Let's find out!"
Many times when we could see no financial support for a move we believed
the Lord wanted us to make he would ask, "Do we really have the mind
of the Lord on this? If we do, let's go ahead and expect him to supply the
funds." At that point, not only he but ten other men on the governing
board sought very seriously to gain that sense of peace and unanimity that
gave the go ahead on the action. As a result, never has the Lord failed
to supply our needs, even though we embarked on many ventures with no human
assurance that the funds would be forthcoming. All this came about without
our ever soliciting a pledge!
Wisdom
Right here we need to mention the gift of "the word of wisdom"
as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12. Have you ever had the experience in a
board or committee meeting where everyone thought and discussed and argued
back and forth seemingly for hours without reaching a decision? It's very
discouraging, to say the least. At such a point, in the case I have in mind,
one elder, who had been quietly listening and thinking but not contributing
much to the discussion, spoke up. "What do you think of this approach
to the problem?" And he proceeded to spell out the exact solution which
was needed, but which nobody had recognized until then. The response was
immediate and positive. This man had exercised the gift of wisdom, or more
properly, the word of wisdom, at a time when it was particularly needed
and appreciated.
We need men in Christian leadership roles who exemplify these attributes,
for without them the church flounders. But do we always see leaders chosen
on the basis of gifts of the Spirit? Too often they are chosen on the basis
of a different kind of gifts---the monetary ones they give to the church.
Putting it another way, the church needs men with gifts of leadership and
administration who are able to think through, plan, organize, and keep things
in manageable order.
Watching the Plan Work
Some years ago when we experienced a lack in these areas of ministry,
we began to pray that the Lord would give us men to fill these needs, or
help us to discover men we already had in our midst but so far had failed
to recognize.
This, incidentally, is what we believe the Apostle had in mind when he said
in 1 Corinthians 12:31, "But earnestly desire the best gifts."
Since spiritual gifts are given according to the sovereign will of the Holy
Spirit, we are not to desire for ourselves, as individuals, gifts we do
not have, but we are to desire the greater gifts to fulfill the needs of
the local church body. The verb here is plural, "you all desire the
best gifts." This is especially clear when we recognize that spiritual
gifts are "for the common good" (1 Cor. 12:7) and, "Let all
things be done for edification;" that is, building up the Body (1 Cor.
14:26B).
So we prayed and expectantly examined the men God had in our focus. And
sure enough, there they were! One was the youngest elder on the board, but
the one (because of his gifts) whom God gave the responsibility of being
chairman. This seems foolish, doesn't it, in terms of our usual way of thinking.
But this man proved to be the instrument God used to promote the kind of
action that is needed in the governing body of a church.
Over a period of time, and in spite of many mistakes, the example of this
one man led us, through his heart commitment to be God's man to the place
where things began to be put in good order. Every elder was evaluated by
his peers as to performance and gifts. We moved from there to the evaluation
of every staff man as to how well he was fulfilling his assignment and where
he really fit in the ministry of the church. The results of this latter
evaluation were published in the church bulletin in a form something like
this:
TO OUR CHURCH FAMILY...
The elders of a local church have a very demanding assignment---to find the mind of the Lord, the great Head of the church, as to the direction and functioning of the church. As part of this assignment, during the past several months the Board of Elders has carefully reviewed each of the major staff functions as to where the Lord wants to lead us in the future. Thoughtful consideration was given to current needs, future opportunities, and the spiritual gifts of each staff member. After much prayer and thorough discussion, the Board unanimously approved the following directives:
Pastor X
Pastor X is appointed to a prophetic ministry (this means illuminating the Scripture) to the local body and to be our ambassador to the Body of Christ at large. We believe that his gifts and ministry are such that the Lord wants to use them toward prospering the whole Christian community. He is directed to reduce to writing his expository teachings given at the home base so that this material can be effectively distributed to the Body at large. We especially want him to have time to develop new lines of study and make the results available to all of us.
Pastor Z
Pastor Z is appointed the Pastor/Leader of the staff to work in a relationship of Advisor and Counselor to the general operations of this local church. He is directed to pursue a teaching/training ministry particularly aimed at developing leadership. He is directed to limit his counseling to premarital counseling only---taking on no other types of counseling (this is necessary to respect his health situation), and is also directed to Continue his documentation of expository research and significant material presented in connection with our ministry locally. Also he will assist in some of the administrative activities.
Pastor W
Pastor W has been appointed to an expository teaching ministry from the pulpit (in conjunction with Pastor X), and to teach, counsel, and work in the area of a couples' ministry. He is also directed to continue his activity in disciplining men and is encouraged to pursue and develop home churches composed of small groups meeting in different locations throughout the area.
Pastor V
The Board believes strongly that Pastor V needs to develop his own gifts and assume responsibility wider than his present ministry and that his situation at this local church inhibits this process. So he was asked, for the sake of all the Lord wants to do through him, to seek a new situation. This action is based strictly on his best interests, and we want it clearly understood he is not being discharged. He is currently looking at opportunities the Lord has for him in areas outside of this local church. When he has found exactly the right place the Lord has for him, he will leave his responsibilities here. Until this is accomplished, he is directed to Continue his responsibilities overseeing his present ministry, including the Summer programs.
Pastor T
The Board has directed that he continue his responsibility for the Body Life ministry. On June 15, he leaves the high school ministry to undertake a ministry of teaching in adult electives and evangelistic home Bible studies. He is directed to employ his illustrative gift to assist the audio/visual and Christian education ministries.
Pastor J
Pastor J has accepted the Board's invitation to become the pastor overseeing the college ministry. On May 1, he began on a formal basis to continue the ministry he has been carrying as a second-year intern under the leadership of Pastor W.
Pastor R
Pastor R has accepted an invitation from the Board to become a pastor overseeing the high school ministry here. On June 15 he will formally start this ministry and until that time lie Will be finishing his seminary work.
Pastor P
Pastor P has accepted the invitation of the Board to begin as Pastor/Administrator. This involves overseeing administrative matters connected with the general operation of this local church. (He will work in concert with Pastor Z in many of these areas.) He is directed to take these responsibilities beginning May 1, some of which he has been carrying as a consultant during the past year. He is also directed to continue his teaching ministry in the adult area.
Intern Coordinator and Publication Director
The Board has directed that they continue their activities essentially as before.
The Board is also concerned that pastors be available to meet counseling needs, crisis situations, hospital calls, weddings, funerals, etc. To accomplish this aim, Pastors P and Z are to be available (one or the other) throughout the week at the church office to see that these needs are met. This doesn't mean that these men will do it all themselves, but they are to see that some member of the pastoral staff is alerted to meet these needs.
The following lists all of our staff. [There followed a listing of all secretarial, accounting and facilities personne]. Much could be said about those who contribute such a great deal behind the scenes. We just thank the Lord for giving us this operating staff of wonderful secretaries who faithfully and cheerfully carry many diverse responsibilities. The same is true of our facilities personnel.
As our congregation has grown, so our staff has grown to minister to the larger body of believers, but we need to recall that our Lord's directive is still the same."And his gifts were that . . . some should be pastors and teachers toward the equipping of the saints for their work of ministry . . ." (Eph. 4:11-12).
And "All of you are brothers"---no clergy, no hierarchy---all ONE in Christ! We ask for your continued support and prayers for our staff, board and ministry here as we all serve the Lord together as mem-bers of His Body.
THE BOARD OF ELDERS
This is a unique document, wrought by the Lord out of the crucible of
head-to-head confrontations in many long meetings, agonizing heart-searching,
and genuinely dependent prayer. It represents the unity of the Spirit demonstrated
in the lives of strong-willed, hard-headed men---but God's men, committed
to the Lordship of Christ in their lives and in the life of the church.
And what a glory it is to see!
You mean that God's plan for governing the church really works?
The answer is a resounding yes!---as long as we allow Christ to be who He
is, Lord and Head. Incidentally, the second man God gave us as the result
of prayer was Pastor P, the Pastor/Administrator, whose gifts and insight
have shaped things up like never before!
It's most exciting to recall that Pastor X (the one who would be called
the senior pastor in most churches) graciously responded to the elders'
directive to relinquish the administrative leadership of the staff to a
fellow pastor who has had no seminary training. This was especially meaningful
in that all of the Board were spiritually less mature than he, and they
were led by a young salesman who grew up under his ministry.
How could this happen? Pastor X is truly humble, and more than that, he
recognizes the validity of spiritual gifts and their function. But perhaps
the most important point: he is subject to the authority of the elders and
is committed to God's ability to govern a local church through his appointed
leaders.
What a picture of mingled grace, conviction, and obedience!
We could multiply examples of how ". . . the whole body, joined and
knit together by every joint with which it is supplied, when each part is
working properly, makes bodily growth and upbuilds itself in love"
(Eph. 4:16). But the Lord is still writing the story and he wants you to
write the next chapter in your church!
It may be helpful in specific situations to review the following chart compiled
from the biblical information on qualifications for spiritual leadership
and spiritual gifts. We found this an excellent way to take a spiritual
inventory of present and potential leadership.
Further information on spiritual gifts and ministries is included in the
study of 1 Corinthians 12 entitled "Saints Alive!" (Appendix B).
|
Yes |
No |
?? | ||
1 Timothy 3:2 |
1. Born-again believer (holy) "Without me you can do nothing."
John 3:3, 10; Titus 1:8, 2:12; John 15:5 |
- | - | - | |
1 Timothy 3:2 |
2. Above reproach. Not open to justifiable reproach. Titus 1:6 |
- | - | - | |
1 Timothy 3:2 |
3. A "one-wife" husband. If married, not a polygamist or philanderer |
- | - | - | |
1 Timothy 3:2 |
4. Temperate. Not thoughtlessly. Ephesians 5:15 |
- | - | - | |
1 Timothy 3:2 |
5. Sensible. Sober-minded Titus 1:8 |
- | - | - | |
1 Timothy 3:2 |
6. Respectable. Orderly disciplined life |
- | - | - | |
1 Timothy 3:2 |
7. Hospitable. Given to hospitality Titus 1:8 |
- | - | - | |
1 Timothy 3:2 |
8. Apt at teaching. Able and capable to teach. Also teachable. |
- | - | - | |
1 Timothy 3:3 |
9. Not addicted to wine. Not a drunkard. Not given to excess. |
- | - | - | |
1 Timothy 3:3 |
10. Nonviolent. Physically gentle, noncombative. |
- | - | - | |
1 Timothy 3:3 |
11. Not quarrelsome. Not self-willed or contentious |
- | - | - | |
| - | 12. Free from money greed. Not money hungry, not loving money |
- | - | - | |
| - | 13. Managing home and cildren. Home and children under control with dignity. |
- | - | - | |
| - | 14. Not a novice. Not a beginner in the faith (new Christians) |
- | - | - | |
| - | 15. Good reputation with unsaved. Well thought of by non-Christians in community |
- | - | - | |
| - | 16. Fair-minded. Just Titus 1:8, 2:12 |
- | - | - | |
| - | 17. Self-controlled. Not quick-tempered |
- | - | - |
Yes |
No |
?? | ||
| 1. Wisdom I Cor 12:8 To understand how truth applies |
- | - | - | |
| 2. Knowledge 1 Cor. 12:8 Ability to recognize and systemize spiritual facts |
- | - | - | |
| 3. Faith I Cor. 12:9 Vision to see what God wants done; courage and faith to tackle and accomplish "impossible" |
- | - | - | |
| 4. Prophecy I Cor. 12:10, 14:3, 2~25 A spokesman for God, using God's Word, causing it to shine; moving people to worship |
- | - | - | |
| 5. Discernment I Cor. 12:10 Able to distinguish between truth and error, spot subtle forms of phoniness |
- | - | - | |
| 6. Helps I Cor. 18:28; Rom. 12:7 Lending a needed helping hand, support; being moved by pity to give aid, mercy |
- | - | - | |
| 7. Teaching Rom. 12:7; 1 Cor. 12:28 Ability to give spiritual instruction resulting in someone learning truth of God |
- | - | - | |
| 8. Serving Rom. 12:7 Caring for details, from 'household servant" |
- | - | - | |
| 9. Leadership Rom. 12:8 standing before and leading; chairing committees, etc. |
- | - | - | |
| 10. Guiding I Cor. 12:28 Standing behind and steering; guiding spiritual affairs |
- | - | - | |
| 11. Giving Rom. 12:8 Sensitive to needs; all assets available for Gods use |
- | - | - | |
12. Exhortation Rom. 12:8 Ability to encourage, comfort, motivate people with God's Word; get people moving |
- | - | - |
(Chart compiled by Walt McCuistion)