Charting a Bold Course: Training Leaders for 21st Century Ministry

Some of God's leaders led well, some led poorly. But the one constant is that God has almost always used human leaders to accomplish His purposes on the earth. In Old Testament history, the leaders of God's people tended to be singular personalities, unique men and women who stood out as individual heroes. They were kings, prophets, priests, or judges. The leaders included lower-level citizens, such as those appointed by Moses to act as judges (see Exodus 18:25-26); but, for the most part, Old Testament leaders were highly individualistic, heroic leaders. With the establishment of the church, a major shift in leadership took place. The church has neither kings nor judges; but all believers are priests. Furthermore, all believers are given spiritual gifts with which they are enabled to render significant service for the kingdom of God. Some are specially gifted in the area of leadership; but leadership has become much less of a solitary, heroic occupation. Leadership during the church age is much less individual, much more collegial; it is much less directing or ruling, much more serving and enabling. Church leadership is marked by a plurality of elders and deacons and no singular human head of the church.