Leadership Reflections (1)

The Lord makes it clear that leaders are to lead not by dictatorial mandates, not by compulsion, not for dishonest advantage, but by a positive way living as examples. Could there be a greater challenge for any individual or group?

Leadership Examples: Elders

The demand made upon The followers of the Lord are very explicit. "The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock" (1 Pet. 5:1-3 NKJV).

1. Elders should set a godly example as a husband.
2. Elders should be an example in being a father.
3. Elders should be an example in religious training of their children.
4. Elders should be an example in extending mercy and compassion.
5. Elders should be an example in conduct, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.
6. Elders should be an example in sacrificial generosity.
7. Elders should be an example of placing the cause of Christ first.
8. Elders should be knowledgeable that they may protect those under attack by evil.

Leadership Examples: Membership

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Mt. 5:13-16).

1. Should elders encourage members to set a godly example as companions and as parents?
2. Should elders encourage children to be obedient to their parents in the Lord?
3. Should elders encourage parents and children to be good Bible students?
4. Should elders encourage members to extend mercy and compassion?
5. Should elders encourage members to be slow to speak, and slow to wrath?
6. Should elders encourage members to be sacrificially generous?
7. Should elders encourage members to place the cause of Christ first?
8. Should elders encourage members to grow in grace and knowledge so they can protect themselves and their fellow Christians?

The Challenge

Could it be said of us what was said of Ezra? "For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel" (Ezra 7:10).

— Orange Street elders
April 27, 2008