Despite the scattering of the church into numerous groups, the lack of organizational unity is not the primary concern; rather, spiritual unity with God and the brethren is the ultimate goal. God has allowed the church to remain divided into smaller groups under various leaders, moving in different directions, as He deems it better for learning and overcoming challenges. A significant factor in this division has been the role of church leadership, which has contributed to disunity through disagreements. God appears to be working with smaller groups to provide more individuals the opportunity to develop servant leadership, preparing them for future responsibilities. The principles of church leadership are vital for fostering greater unity over time. First, God's sovereignty must be acknowledged constantly, recognizing that He is in control of all situations and guiding the church toward His Kingdom. Leaders must internalize this truth, ensuring it influences every decision and action. Second, Jesus Christ is the Head of the church, holding all authority in heaven and on earth. Leaders must remember that He is actively in charge, even if unseen, and refrain from usurping His role by taking undue control or solving issues independently without His guidance. The members are His sheep, placed where He wills, and leaders must respect His decisions regarding each individual's role and placement without interference or judgment. Third, ministers are servants and stewards, not lords, called to sacrifice and serve rather than be served. Their role, as exemplified by early church leaders, is one of complete dedication to Christ's commission, remaining under His authority without seeking personal gain or prestige. Fourth, the authority of church leadership is spiritual, not physical or civil. Leaders are tasked with equipping the saints and building up the body of Christ through persuasion, not force, focusing on spiritual matters and moral choices to reconcile members with God and erase differences among brethren. Finally, a minister's job is that of a shepherd, leading, feeding, and tending God's flock with care and humility. This role requires knowing the flock, providing what they need, and being a godly example, reflecting love for Christ through service to His sheep, following His example as the Great Shepherd.

Leadership carries a heavy responsibility for the affairs of others, especially for those who follow. Church leaders wield substantial influence over the church, and God places great emphasis on their integrity. He carefully examines the character of a leader, and a direct correlation exists between a leader's integrity and the security of their tenure. Righteousness guards a leader with integrity, while wickedness leads to their overthrow. God sets up leaders or removes them, rewarding the righteous and overthrowing the wicked. He holds leaders accountable for being faithful to justice and providing wise instruction, ensuring protection for the innocent and executing justice against those who oppress the poor and helpless. Breaking moral law, even by followers, can bring judgment upon a leader, as they are inextricably bound to those they lead. Good church leadership often requires great sacrifice and the courage to maintain convictions in the face of opposition. A good leader does not lord it over others but acts as a humble servant. They are faithful in small matters, not merely as a hired hand, but as a true servant who recognizes that ultimately, God is at work. Such a leader seeks to be proven faithful in all things.

Church leadership, as outlined in the provided material, emphasizes a distinct approach rooted in the character and example of Jesus Christ. Leaders in the church are called to fulfill roles of great authority in God's Kingdom, with the sanctification process serving as leadership training to transform them into the image of Christ. This transformation involves growing in grace and knowledge, putting on the New Man, and embodying the perfect character of God, who is the ultimate leader. God will not allow anyone without His perfect character to rule in His Kingdom, ensuring that every ruler bears His personal stamp of approval, as evaluated by Christ, the Judge of all. Christian leadership stands in stark contrast to worldly models, which often prioritize power and control. Instead, church leaders are to follow Christ's model of servant leadership, focusing on helping others move toward the Kingdom of God without concern for position, power, or wealth. Their primary concern is for the people under their care, aiming to equip them with the skills and knowledge to eventually take on leadership roles themselves. God has placed leaders in the church as gifts to build up the body, equipping the elect for service through speaking the truth, fostering unity, and promoting growth in love. Christian leaders exhibit specific characteristics reflective of Christ's character. First, they speak the truth, providing knowledge and understanding to help others mature into Christ's likeness, which results in unity and collective growth within the church. Second, they uphold standards, maintaining the integrity of God's way through personal example and, if necessary, sharp rebuke to keep the church on the right path. Third, they listen to those under their authority, engaging in two-way communication to grow in wisdom and understanding, as Christ did even as a child. Fourth, they give gifts and helps, sharing their time, attention, wisdom, peace, patience, gentleness, and other spiritual supports to encourage and comfort others, mirroring Christ's example of giving even in His darkest moments. Finally, they remain humble, assuming lowliness and serving others as Christ did when He washed the disciples' feet, allowing honor to come from others rather than seeking it for themselves. The process of sanctification is fundamentally about developing godly leadership. Despite human weaknesses and failures, God provides all necessary tools, power, and understanding through His Spirit and abundant gifts. Church leaders, both men and women, are called to grow in character, learn from mistakes, and press on toward the goal of becoming leaders with perfect character, like their King and High Priest, Jesus Christ.