The Role of Church Leaders
Rev. Abraham Chiu
1. They are elders, the spiritual leaders of the church
2 Then the twelve called the whole group together and said, “It is not right for us to put aside the teaching of God and serve as waiters. 3 Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men who have a good testimony and are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, and we will put them in charge of this task.” (Acts 6:2-3)
2. They are also shepherds and overseers, looking after the flock
1 I urge the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, 2 to shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight according to God’s will. (1 Peter 5: 1-2a)
Elders who lead believers well, especially those who work hard in preaching and teaching, should be considered worthy of double respect. (1 Timothy 5:17)
3. They should set an example for the flock
2 Not under compulsion, but willingly; not for greed, but eagerly; 3 not to lord it over the flock in your charge, but to be examples to them. (1 Peter 5:2b-3)
4. They should equip believers for ministry and build churches
11 And he gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of service, for the edifying of the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4: 11-12)
18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. 19 If anyone takes away from the words of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. (Revelation 22:18-19)
5. They want to train believers to grow like Jesus
13 until we all reach the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the measure of the full stature of Christ. (Ephesians 4:13)
1 Brothers and sisters, pray for us, that the message of the Lord may spread quickly and be respected, just as it is being spread and respected among you. 2 And pray that God will deliver us from those who do evil, for not all believe in Him. (2 Thessalonians 3: 1-2)
Questions for reflection and discussion:
1. What is the difference between church leaders and leaders in society outside the church?
2. What is God’s purpose in establishing and selecting leaders in the church?
3. What are the roles of church leaders in the church?
4. How should the congregation view leaders in the church?
5. How should the congregation serve together with church leaders?
教會領袖的角色
招世超牧師
1 門徒不斷增加的時候，講希臘話的猶太人，埋怨本地的希伯來人，因為在日常的供給上，忽略了他們的寡婦。2 於是十二使徒召集了眾門徒，說：「要我們放下神的道，去管理伙食，是不合適的。3 所以弟兄們，應當從你們中間選出七個有好見證、滿有聖靈和智慧的人，我們就派他們負責這事。（使徒行傳 6: 1-3）新譯
- 他們是長老、教會的屬靈領袖
2 於是十二使徒召集了眾門徒，說：「要我們放下神的道，去管理伙食，是不合適的。3 所以弟兄們，應當從你們中間選出七個有好見證、滿有聖靈和智慧的人，我們就派他們負責這事。（使徒行傳 6: 2-3）新譯
- 他們也是牧者和監督、看顧羊群
1 我這同作長老，也是為基督受苦作見證，又是同享將來所要顯現的榮耀的，勸你們當中作長老的：2 務要牧養在你們中間的神的羊群，按著神的旨意看顧他們。（彼得前書 5: 1-2a）新譯
那些好好帶領信徒的長老，尤其是在傳道和教導上勞苦做工的，應該被看為配得加倍的尊重。（提摩太前書 5: 17）中文標準
- 他們應該以身作則，作群羊榜樣
2 不是出於勉強，而是出於甘心；不是因為貪財，而是出於熱誠；3 也不是要轄制託付你們的羊群，而是作他們的榜樣。（彼得前書 5: 2b-3）新譯
- 他們應裝備信徒事奉，建立教會
11 他所賜的有使徒，有先知，有傳福音的，有牧者和教師，12 為要裝備聖徒，做事奉的工作，建立基督的身體。（以弗所書 4: 11-12）和修
18 我向一切聽見這書上預言的作見證，若有人在這預言上加添甚麼，神必將寫在這書上的災禍加在他身上；19 這書上的預言，若有人刪去甚麼，神必從這書上所寫的生命樹和聖城刪去他的分。（啟示錄 22:18-19）和合
- 他們要培育信徒成長像耶穌一樣
13 直等到我們眾人在信仰上同歸於一，認識上帝的兒子，得以長大成人，達到基督完全長成的身量。（以弗所書 4: 13）和修
1 弟兄姊妹們，請為我們禱告，好使主的信息快快傳開，並且得到尊重，好像在你們中間被傳開、得尊重一樣。2 也請你們祈求上帝救我們脫離邪惡的人，因為並不是人人都信從主。（帖撒羅尼迦後書 3: 1-2）現中
反思及討論問題：
- 教會裡的領袖和教會外社會中的領袖有何不同？
- 神在教會裡設立和選召領袖的目的是甚麽？
- 教會領袖在教會中扮演的角色有那些？
- 會眾應如何與教會領袖一起配搭事奉？
- 會眾應如何看待教會中的領袖？