CLF Church
Mission/Vision/Leadership Team/Team Ministry
Topic: CLF Mission & Mandate / C2C/ Salt & Light/Corp Vision
Paul’s Two Videos on History and Mandate of CLF
CLF Local Mission/Vision and Mandate & Apostolic Mission/Vision
God wanted a family – From Adam, to Abraham to Christ
Disciples (Matt 28) and Activated Saints (Eph 4)
Introduction: Every church is an expression of the House of the Lord in their locality (Rev 1- 3). Jesus is concerned with how each local church operates. Paul sent Timothy into the church at Ephesus, and Titus to the churches on the island of Crete, to help set them in order. This involved both how they conducted themselves in everyday life, as well as the establishing and functioning of leadership in each local church.
Titus 1:5 NASB For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 1 Timothy 1:3 As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus…
1 Timothy 3:1-15 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. (2) An overseer, then, must be…15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth….
Leadership within the Local Church Family
Many of the present-day patterns that have been handed down to us contain non biblical ideas. The clergy-laity distinction in some circles tends to foster an OT mentality of separation between the special class, “priests,” and the rest of the people. In the 1500’s the Protestant Reformation restored the priesthood of all believers yet many of the leadership models from that tradition have little Biblical basis. Many current Evangelical and Charismatic leadership patterns have a “one man” leadership style with a “pastor/minister” leading local congregations. Some are
autonomous leaders with little checks and balances while others have adopted some sort of a board (Deacon Board) to help keep the leader in check. We need to examine every pattern in light of Scripture and seek to implement the New Testament patterns.
Kingdom is a governmental word.
The word “Kingdom” comes from the Greek word “Baselea” which means “a royalty, rule, a realm, royal power or dominion.” It is simply the King’s Domain. Another way to express the idea of Kingdom is government. The Kingdom is the government of God. Romans 13 talks about the idea of God’s government/authority expressed on earth through
delegated authority. The church is the primary place in the earth that willingly receives the government of God. There is delegated government there ruling that helps prevent chaos.
Scriptures indicate that leadership in the Local Church is set among a group of leaders called Elders, with Deacons functioning closely with them (see “III Leadership in the Local Church – Elders and Deacons”)
Philippians 1:1 NASB Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers (elders/bishops Acts 20:21 Tit 1:5-7 1985) and deacons.
Acts 14:23 NASB When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Acts 20:17-28 NASB From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. (18) And when they had come to him, he said to them… (28) “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 15:22-23; Titus 1:5-7; 1 Peter 5:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 3:1-:12; 5:17-19; Titus 1:5; Hebrews 13:7,17,24; 1 Peter 5:1-2
Christ began building His church with a family/team of leaders. He started His church (Jerusalem) with a leadership team of 12 men. Throughout the Book of Acts and the Epistles you see teams of leaders in Local Churches. Acts 14:23 When they had appointed elders (plural) for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord.
Scriptures indicate a plurality of Eldership.
They work as a team (see previous sections of family/team leadership)
Acts 14:23 “Elders in every city”
Acts 15:4-23 “Elders in Jerusalem”
Leadership in the House of God 14
Acts 16:4 “Elders in Jerusalem”
Acts 20:17 “Elders of Ephesus”
1 Timothy 5:1, 17-21 “Let the Elders rule”
James 5:14 “Call for the Elders of the Church”
1 Peter 5:1 “The Elders which are among you”
Titus 1:5-11 “Ordain Elders in every city”
Hebrews 13:17 “Obey them that rule”
As in any team, including leadership team, there is a leader. You see it in the Trinity where the Father seems to be the head even though they are all equal 1 Corinthians 11:3-15 But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. Elders tend to have different measures and areas of responsibility according to calling. Elders are equal in value but not in authority or gifting. As Elders lead as a
team there will be a leader among them who leads the team.
Leaders/Members who are joined together by God, not just connected.
Unfortunately, many leaders as well as members simply connect together but never join together. The Trinity does not simply associate or connect together. They are joined. Each is such a part of the life of the other that they are seen as One, even though they are Three. Strong team members have a strong faith that God has joined them together. Their lives are interrelated by covenant and the reality that Jesus has joined them. There is a strong sense that they have a common destiny in God together. It works much like a hand on the body. There is a God designed destiny for the hand and the arm being together. Neither will fulfill its purpose without the other.
Each leader/member must possess a common vision God has birthed among them. Amos 3:3 Can two walk together unless they are agreed? Each should be able to articulate the vision and work together to see the vision come to pass.
One commentator of Acts 4:32 said that the “congregation of the believers felt the same way about things.” This should be the characteristic of each team member. Not only the vision but the values we hold together in pursuing the vision.
Leaders/Members must submit to one another in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:21
Mutual submission is the opposite of independence. Strong leadership teams walk submissively together. This submission extends beyond the scope of a professional ministry mindset in which submission is only held in church matters “at the office.” This is a submission of life. There is not line of “personal and professional matters,” because we share a common life together in Christ.
Biblically (OT and NT), ‘elders’ were:
Family men! Heads of families and tribes, e.g. Exodus 3.16, 24.1, 1 Kings 8.1
Governmental men! Rulers and judges, e.g. Joshua 20.1-4 Dt 19:12, Prov 31:23
Men who fight! Leading God’s people out into battle, e.g. Joshua 8.10
Men who seek God! Joshua 7.2-7, Acts 13.1-3
Men who bring counsel and wisdom! e.g. 1 Kings 12.1-8
Older men who have wisdom 1 Timothy 5:1
Designated leaders of local churches Acts 14:23, Acts 15:2,4, 6, 22-23, Acts 20:17-18, Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 5:17, Titus 1:5, James 5:14
Evolution of Eldership - The calling and idea of Eldership evolved throughout the OT into the NT: From family leaders in tribes (Elders stood alongside Moses Numbers 11:16. Elders accompanied Joshua in conquest Joshua 7:6)), through to the Elders in the city gates (Prov 31:23 Dt 19:12 Rt 4:2, 4:11), through the Intertestamental period with Elders ruling the synagogues (The Sanhedrin contained elders Matthew 26:3, and the local synagogues were ruled by Elders), to the Local church.
C. Three New Testament terms (Greek words) to designate the office of Eldership.
Greek “Presbuteros” Elder - speaks of “senior” or maturity and experience, an older man
This speaks of the man.
Greek “Episkopos” Bishop/Overseer - Greek “epi” - over, “skopeo” - to look or watch.
This term speaks of the leaders responsibility to watch over, protect, care for, and feed the flock.
This speaks of the office.
In the Scriptures this term is used in the same sense as an Elder Titus 1:5,7; Acts 20:17,28; 1 Timothy 2:1
Greek “Poimen” Pastor/Shepherd - one who is a feeder. This speaks of what He is doing.
The Scriptures show us the inter-relatedness of these three words. They are different aspects of the same leadership position. Acts 20:17-28 “take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost made you overseers (episkopos) to feed (poimen) the church of God.
1 Peter 5:1-2 “I exhort the elders (presbuteros)…feed (poimen) the flock of God which is among you, exercising oversight (episkopos) not under compulsion,..
Titus 1:5-7 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might set in order what remains, and appoint Elders (presbuteros) in every city as I directed you…For the overseer (episkopos) must be above reproach,…
Elders Function:
First and foremost: servants of God and servants to and for the people
Ruling on behalf of the king
Protectors of the kingdom culture and presence
Leading the church forward into maturity
Guardians of the flock
Equipping members to serve
Examples to the flock
About function more than position
Eldership is not for life; it is only as God enables them to continue to function as an elder
THE FIVE-FOLD ASCENSION GIFT MINISTRIES OF EPHESIANS 4:10-12
Ephesians 4:10-12 NASB He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.) (11) And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, (12) for the equipping of the saints for the work of service (KJV work of the ministry), to the building up of the body of Christ;
A. These ministries are gifts Jesus gives to equip His church so the church will do the “work of the ministry”
Jesus walked in the full expression of the five gifting while on earth (Apostle Heb 3:1, Teacher
Matthew 19:16, Evangelist Luke 19:10, Prophet Mark 6:1-6, Pastor John 10:11-14).
B. Definition of each gift
1. Apostle comes from the Greek word “Apostolos which means” a sent one or commissioned.”
The Greek background of the word was a leader of a colony or fleet that is sent from the motherland to establish colonies in other places. The Apostolic gift desires to see the church built on Christ and built together as the Temple of the Lord in everyplace God sends them. He is a master builder1 Corinthians 3:10. I Corinthians 12:28; Acts 14:23; 15:12; Galatians 2:4-14.
Apostles typically work towards appointing and training leaders; starting and or establishing foundations in the churches; strengthening existing churches, formulating doctrine; sorting out problems; and facilitating mission and breakthrough. Apostles understand that local churches are “Christ body the fullness of Him who fills all in all” Ephesians 1:23. God is going to fill the earth with His glory and Apostles realize that the building and establishing of local churches in every geographic area are key to this happening.
2. Prophet comes from the Greek word “prophētes,” which means, “Inspired, to bubble up, foretell, and forth tell.” The prophetic desire is about God’s people being immediately connected and responding to Christ. Prophets typically work alongside apostles in foundational ministry. Ephesians 2:20; Acts 15:32. They receive revelation to direct, warn, inform, edify, exhort, and console God’s people. Ephesians 3:3-5; Acts 15:32; 11:28; 13:1,2; 21:10,11. Sometimes
prophets receive revelation to foretell future events. Acts 11:27-28
3. Pastor comes from the Greek word “Poimen’ which means, “One who feeds and cares for the sheep.” Pastors desire to see people cared for and the church caring for one another. He wants the saints to be well fed and have plenty of personal attention. He, like the others, work to equip the church so she will be more pastoral.
4. Evangelist comes from the Greek word “Euaggelistēs,” which means “A messenger of good, one who proclaims good news.” Evangelist desire to see the lost saved, the gospel preached, and the kingdom expanded in society. Evangelists not only do the work themselves but desire to equip the church to be evangelistic.
5. Teacher comes from the Greek word “didaskalos,” which means “Instructor or teacher.” A teacher desires for people to know the word of God, and be discipled by the truth. A teacher wants to see people living their lives based on God’s word and become doers of word not just hearers. Teachers have a gifted insight into God’s Word and an ability to convey God’s message. They have a concern for exactness, and also the ability to bring various parts of truth into a
comprehensive, understandable whole.
Local and Extra-Local Authority
There is a primary authority in local churches that lies with the elders but also an aspect of it between the elders and their apostolic connections. Autonomous eldership authority without outside apostolic connection is a problem. An apostle attempting to override the local elder’s authority is also a problem. There is an authority that lies somewhere between the two.
The New Testament clearly teaches that overall church eldership is male.
Women can and should participate fully in the life of the church, and in ministry and leadership of many sorts, but the final governmental authority in the church is to be by a team of male elders. When instructing Timothy of what to look for in elders, Paul appeals the order of government in the natural home as a parallel to the order of government in the church.
1 Timothy 3:1-15 NASB…(2) An overseer, then, must be above reproach… (4) He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (5) (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),…(15) but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
The general word for “men” or “brethren” includes both sexes in Greek. Throughout Acts and the Epistles these words are used to include us all equally in our salvation. However, it is interesting to note that when decisions are being made and elders are being appointed, the scope is narrowed to the male brothers, e.g.
In Acts 1 where a new apostle was being chosen Peter stood up amid a mixed group (1:15) but only men were considered (1:21).
In Acts 6 when the seven are chosen to be in charge of serving at tables only the males are addressed and the choice has to be from among them. This does not appear to prevent women from serving in the church but they are not appointed to be in charge.
In Acts 15 the Jewish/Gentile controversy was debated before the apostles and elders and the decisions were made by them. Then they, with the whole church, chose men to communicate their decision to the churches.
The qualifications for an elder in Timothy and Titus can only be applied to men.
There is not mention of any female elders in the New Testament
Wherever apostles are mentioned and there are 20 named in the New Testament, they are always men. Junias is mentioned as an apostle (Romans 16:7), but it is absolutely impossible to tell whether this is a male or female name.
Government within the church – both in the local church and in the apostolic team - thus seems to have been always exercised by men, both in practice and teaching. We believe this combination Leadership in the House of God 15 of doctrine and the practice of the church is unassailable, being both prescriptive for and descriptive of the church’s life.
Government (Leadership) within the organization of the Local Church.
There appears to be one office listed in local church government Elder/Bishop, with the function of Deacon closely connected with it. Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus
who are in Philippi, including the overseers (elders/bishops) and deacons: (NASB) 1 Tim 3:8-13, Acts 14:23; 20:28; 15:22-23; Titus 1:5-7; 1 Peter 5:1-2; 1Thessalonians 5:12
Deacons were closely associated with Elders The main two verses where the Greek word is translated into English word Deacon in KJV NIV and NASV.
Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ
Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:
1Timothy 3:8 Deacons likewise (like the Elders) must be…
C. Overlap of the Fivefold gifts with Elders and Deacons
It seems God calls certain elders to possess and functions in one of these gifts and at times there seems to be an overlap of ministry. Ephesians 1:1; Galatians 1:1; 2 Timothy 1:11; I Peter 1:1, 5:1.
D. Is every local church leader called and gifted in one of these gifts?
Scriptures do not dogmatically indicate that all local leaders will possess one of these Five-Fold gifts. There does seem to be an overlap of these gifts’ existent in some Elders and Deacons.
The early leaders in Antioch were identified as Prophets and Teachers Acts 13:1.
Peter identified himself is both an Elder and an Apostle 1 Peter 5:1-5.
Paul identified himself as both an Apostle and Teacher 2 Timothy 1:11.
Philip who was one of the first Deacons in the church in Jerusalem was recognized as an Evangelist Acts 6:5; 8:26-40; 21:8.
Stephen, who was also one of the first Deacons in Jerusalem also had a significant breakthrough ministry Acts 6:8.
Fatherhood and Family:
Paul acknowledges that the influence of motherhood and fatherhood is important for healthy churches
1 Thessalonians 2:7-11 But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. (8) Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us…(11) just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children,
God wants spiritual fathers and mothers caring for his people because spiritual moms and dads foster the best spiritual families! They combine:
encouragement and provocation
care and challenge
sensitivity and directness
passion and objectivity
an atmosphere of approval and preparation for God’s destiny
The book of Hebrews – Submit, Obey, and Follow your leaders allowing them to work with and in you
The background of the letter to Hebrews was that Christians were facing early Neronian persecution. Nero hated the Christians because he perceived them as a threat to his rule. Before he burned Rome and blamed in on the Christians, he leads a systematic persecution of them by taking away property and various privileges. Jewish religion was still tolerated, so many Jewish Christians were turning back to Judaism, and Gentile Christians were simply falling away to avoid the pressure. Throughout the letter he showed the superiority of Christ as the fulfillment of Judaism as he attempted to turn them back to Jesus. At the end of the letter, he affirms the important place of leadership in the process. He encourages the people to imitate, obey, submit to, receive the exhortation of, receive, and greet their leaders. Summed up it means to make plenty of room for leaders to work in their lives
Hebrews 13:7-24 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith… (17) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you…(18) Pray for us (leaders)… (22) But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation (from a leader), for I have written to you briefly. (23) Take notice that our brother Timothy (a leader) has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you. (24) Greet all of your leaders and all the saints.
Follow Your Leaders:
The thing that causes people to break covenant is when their selfish desires go against their covenant responsibility. They follow their perceived self-interest instead of what they agreed to. If they think it is too painful to fulfill their covenant responsibility then they break it (the reason of most divorces).
Heb 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Heb 13:7-8
Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.
1 Peter 5:1-7
The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. 5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
1 Tim 5:17-22 (Do Not Receive an Accusation Against an Elder Unless)
The elders who perform their leadership duties well are to be considered worthy of double honor (financial support), especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching [the word of God concerning eternal salvation through Christ]. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain [to keep it from eating],” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages [he deserves fair compensation].” 19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it is based on [the testimony of at least] two or three witnesses. 20 As for those [elders] who continue in sin, reprimand them in the presence of all [the congregation], so that the rest will be warned. 21 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels that you guard and keep these rules without bias, doing nothing out of favoritism. 22 Do not hurry to lay hands on anyone [ordaining and approving someone for ministry or an office in the church
It demonstrates the Biblical principle of more than one voice speaking the same thing which makes a more pronounced impact.
Deuteronomy (17:6), 19:15 NASB “A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of any iniquity or any sin which he has committed; on the evidence of two or three witnesses a
matter shall be confirmed.
Matthew 18:16 NASB “But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED.
2 Corinthians 13:1 NASB This is the third time I am coming to you. EVERY FACT IS TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES.