Qualifications of Elders: Part II

Who leads any organization or group will depend on its purpose. The church is Christ’s representative on earth, reaching those he died for, teaching those he has saved, and equipping those he is calling and sending. Churches claiming to follow the commands of Christ, the writings of the apostles and the example of the early church, must also obey in selecting, qualifying and appointing leaders. Too often, the qualification of leaders other than the pastor is given little thought, so the average church committee spends more time bickering than leading. Officers are often chosen based on giving and length of membership. Largess and longevity are important but do not qualify one to lead Christ’s church. Read the rest of this entry »

Qualification of Elders Part I

Elders who handle the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor—at least according to Paul. The apostles never imagined one man rule for any church, for any location, for any reason. Rather than mini-popes, commanding obedience and submission, they ordained a group of equal leaders for the body of Christ in each locale. The church badly needs to return to this biblical example of leadership. Read the rest of this entry »

Books on leadership are abundant these days. Management styles come and go while corporate America chases the latest way to lead a company to greatness. The church has followed this siren song, adapting these ideas and methods to its own use. While these sources are helpful, great leaders of local congregations start with Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus. Read the rest of this entry »

I have worked with the house churches and house church planters for a number of years. Though I am not currently working in this setting I lean that direction and believe I am in my current position because God has some things to teach me. For those of you wanting to know a bit more about house church and why people are choosing to go that way check out my article: Why House Church?

If you described a what it meant to be a priest your description would depend on your past experiences. Some would imagine a clerical collar and a cross. Others may imagine a wizened old man ready with a word of encouragement and advise. A priest is a go-between—going between people and God. He deals with sin and filth, expounds scripture and brings fallen man before holy God. In the Old Covenant God set up a priesthood among his covenant people. In the New Covenant all of his covenant people are priests. Read the rest of this entry »

Creativity is an innate part of who Jesus is. Before his incarnation he created all things scripture assures us that without him nothing would exist (John 1:3; Col 1:16). When he came to earth he was born into a carpenter’s household—a home of building and creativity. As a child and young man he would have helped Joseph building everything from furniture to houses. Jesus is still actively building; building his temple; building his priesthood; building his people. Read the rest of this entry »