Monday, October 28, 2013

The Right Kind Of Spiritual Leadership | Institute of Love

“Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.” Hebrews 13:17 NLT It is extremely important to know what kind of leadership you are submitting yourself under in the church! Is it one who builds you up in Christ or tears you down in hurt and discouragement? The responsibility of a spiritual leader, which is one who must have the gift and calling of an elder or shepherd/pastor, “is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:12 NLT The pastor is supposed to care for the flock that God has entrusted to him, watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what he will get out of it, but because he is eager to serve God. He is not to lord it over or control the people assigned to his care, but lead them by his own good example (See 1. Peter 5:2-3), which the Bible clearly outlines under the qualifications for being an elder or pastor. First of all, an elder or pastor must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall. He must be a man whose life is above reproach. People outside the church must speak well of him, his good character, so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. He must be gentle, not violent, not quarrelsome, and not be a lover of money! He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? Their wives must be respected and must not slander others. (See 1. Timothy 3:1-7) This is the right kind of spiritual leadership you should allow to watch over your soul!!!

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