" Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.
After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen"
A type of teaching in some churches, called Covering Theology, teaches that all people in the church need to be properly "covered" by God’s "delegated authority" in the church. One problem with this theology is that any issues are viewed as an attack against God's authority. This can lead to a lack of accountability and a authoritative spirit; "how dare he come against my authority"... Paul, a great writer of the epistles, never once claimed such authority. He knew that he was to be a servant-leader, not a militant one. Paul wrote, “Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy...” (2 Corinthians 1:24). A true leader understands his success lies in God and the people. When people asked the secret of his success, Spurgeon replied, “My people pray for me.”
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.
After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen"
(1 Peter 5:2-11).
Peter understood what God’s expectations were for leaders. Elders cover the church by their obedience to God; shepherding and exercising oversight, not lording over but with humility and examples of Godly living. Younger Christians submit to the elders because of the example and humility of these leaders. It is not the other way around. In Matthew 23, Jesus issues a series of woes upon the Pharisees and scribes for their improper leadership.
Peter understood what God’s expectations were for leaders. Elders cover the church by their obedience to God; shepherding and exercising oversight, not lording over but with humility and examples of Godly living. Younger Christians submit to the elders because of the example and humility of these leaders. It is not the other way around. In Matthew 23, Jesus issues a series of woes upon the Pharisees and scribes for their improper leadership.
A type of teaching in some churches, called Covering Theology, teaches that all people in the church need to be properly "covered" by God’s "delegated authority" in the church. One problem with this theology is that any issues are viewed as an attack against God's authority. This can lead to a lack of accountability and a authoritative spirit; "how dare he come against my authority"... Paul, a great writer of the epistles, never once claimed such authority. He knew that he was to be a servant-leader, not a militant one. Paul wrote, “Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy...” (2 Corinthians 1:24). A true leader understands his success lies in God and the people. When people asked the secret of his success, Spurgeon replied, “My people pray for me.”
Jesus is our example, he taught this type of Servant leadership. When the disciples were fighting among themselves as to who would have the greatest authority Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42-45).
God gives spirituals gifts; apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. These are given "for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ", so that we reach unity in faith, becoming mature in the knowledge of him (Ephesians 4:11-13). Paul speaks of these gifts and the appointments of authority based on these gifts in the church, but he also makes clear there is a "most excellent way" (1 Corinthians 12:27-31). That way is God's love, anything done without love profits nothing (1 Corinthians 13). "Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ" (Ephesians 4:15).
Christ has been given all authority on earth and in heaven. We as believers sit in the heavenlies with Christ. He is the head of the church, his people, which are the body. When the head communicates it does so to the whole body. When the body moves in Unity with the mind of Christ, the world will know His love, that we are His disciples, and that Jesus is from God (John 17:23). When the body moves in Unity the world is turned upside down.