November/December_2006

                                LLC – Introduction and Syllabus

LEADERSHIP IN THE LORD’S CHURCH

I - Introduction:

    The New Testament description of church leadership is a far cry from the leadership structure found in the denominational religions of men. We invite you to this study of Leadership in the Lord’s church in the hope that the church where you are will be strengthened by your understanding of these Biblical principles.

   The Lord’s church was established in the days of the great Roman Empire

(cf. Luke 2:1). The organizational structure of the Roman Empire provided an efficient means of control over the various regions of the empire (fig.1). Under the emperor there were advisors who were over governors who in turn were over the various nations in the empire.

fig. 1

    We notice a similarity in the  structure of the Roman Catholic Church (fig. 2) with the Pope as the head over the Cardinals who were over Bishops which were over the Priests in the various churches.

fig. 2

    Then, throughout the ages, men have organized their religions under Synods, Conventions, Boards, etc. according to man made rules found in Constitutions, Articles of Faith, Manuals and Disciplines. And while, in the eyes of men, these structures and regulations may seem to be efficient, they are not to be found in the structure of the church of which we read in the Bible. All of these ideas of men are not in accord with the teachings of the Lord. Jesus said, “But in vain they do worship me teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9). Considering the denominational structures invented by men, when the man at the top teaches error, all of the congregations under his oversight are affected by his error, and the entire denomination becomes polluted.

   In stark contrast to the inventions of men, in the Lord’s simple plan (fig. 3), Christ, as the Chief Shepherd is the Head of the church (Eph. 1:22, 23; Col. 1:18, 1 Pet. 5:4); the elders over individual congregations are subject to Christ and have no oversight authority over any other congregation.  

fig. 3

    So we can see that there is a vast difference between the religious organizations of men and the religious organization of God. While this course will deal with Leadership in general, men and women must know what kind of men may serve as elders.

    With these thoughts in mind, let us begin our study of Leadership in the Lord’s church according to the Bible. 

II - Syllabus:                                                               Due Saturday:

I –   The Good Shepherd.......................................     November 11

II –  God’s Concept of Leadership........................     November  18

III - The Standard For  Leadership ......................    November  25  

IV - The Need For Leadership...............................    December 2

V –  Training Others For Leadership.....................    December 9

VI - The Importance of the Home .........................    December 1 6

VII –  Leadership in marriages  ..............................   December 23

VIII – Attitudes Toward Elders  ..............................  December 30

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Copyright 2006 by Paul Ditoro

All rights reserved

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