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Principles of Church Leadership
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughDespite 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.
What's Wrong with Leadership Today?
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsFor those aspiring to leadership in God's Kingdom, greatness comes from humbly serving others, not arrogantly ruling over them like gentile rulers.
Character and Leadership
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughChristian leaders should exhibit Christ-like qualities such as truth speaking, upholding standards, listening to others, giving gifts, and remaining humble.
Character and Leadership (2023)
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughLeaders cannot compartmentalize their personal and public lives. Immorality in private life will bleed into public leadership. Jesus condemned hypocrisy.
Anarchy in God's Church? (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIf we reject the spiritual gifts God gave to others, we put ourselves at risk of being deceived, and altering our belief system in response to every new idea.
Unity (Part 2): God's Pattern of Leadership
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is not the author of confusion, but throughout the scriptures has used a consistent pattern of appointing leaders over His called-out ones.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Two): Ephesus
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Ephesus church effectively battled various heresies, for which Christ commends it. However, the members lost sight of the reason, having left their first love.
The Church Family - Convinced and Persuaded
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsChurch government should reflect God's government, typified as a family, with Christ as the loving husband and the church as the submissive wife.
What Type of Leader Are You?
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingJesus Christ did not teach the pyramid model of leadership, where successive levels of leaders provide direction to those in the lesser ranks. He served.
Lessons from the Geese
Article by Mike FordMany people may have seen "Lessons from the Geese" in a business setting, but these lessons from the creation likewise apply to the church. Here's how.
Government (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe authority in the ministry is a 'staff position,' given by God, as a gift for equipping the saints for service and for edifying the body of Christ.
Avoiding Superficiality
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSuccess in spiritual things does not consist in growing large and powerful, but humbly living by faith, overcoming, and yielding to God's shaping power.
Dissatisfaction
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsChange agents have attempted to apply traditional Christian terminology to politically correct referents, distorting and defiling the original meaning.
The Sovereignty of God: Introduction
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod's sovereignty is one of the most important issues a Christian must consider. Have we acknowledged that He has total authority over us in particular?
'I'll Never Follow Another Man!'
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThis is an oft-repeated refrain in these days of distrust of the ministry. But is it a godly attitude? What does the Bible say about human leadership?
Are You Becoming a Leader?
Sermonette by Craig SablichChrist's followers are not to become just a leader/King or a teacher/Priest, but we are to develop the abilities to become both.
Government (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOnly those who are governable will be allowed to govern with God. No government will work without each individual submitting in his area of responsibility.
Unity (Part 3): Ephesians 4 (A)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod alone chooses the servants through whom He works His will. Sometimes the rationale God uses for selecting His vessels defies worldly wisdom.
Government (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe ministry's authority consists of teaching, edifying, and equipping the members for sainthood, but not to wield dictatorial power over their lives.
No One Else Matters (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAll God's shepherds are mortal men, guilty of sin, including Moses. Despite that, God backed them up because they faithfully followed His leadership.
For the Perfecting of the Saints
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughDo Christians need a church? With all the church problems in recent years, many have withdrawn. Yet the church—problems and all—serves a God-ordained role.