LESSON 6

THE RESPONSIBILITY OF LEADERSHIP

"Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure upon me of concern for all the church." (2 Corinthians 11:28)

1. To serve was Jesus' definition of leadership, and that is true whether in the realm of the secular or of the Spirit. The Son of God became the servant of God in order to fulfill the mission of God. That same image provides a pattern and norm whereby individual Christians, missionary, and churches may learn how to fulfill their God-given mission.

2. The true leaders regards the welfare of others rather than his own comfort and prestige as of primary concern. He manifest sympathy and concern for those under him in their problems, difficulties, and cares, but it is a sympathy that fortifies, builds up, and stimulates, not that softens and weakens.

3. Discipline is another responsibility of the leader, a responsibility that is often unwelcome. However, in any church or religious society there is a great necessity to maintain godly and loving discipline if divine standard are to be maintained, especially in matters of soundness in the faith, morals, and Christian conduct. Here is the spiritual leader's standard;

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." (Galatians 6:1)

4. The fundamental requirement in all disciplinary action is love. The person who has faced and honestly dealt with his own failures and shortcomings is best qualified to deal with the failures of others in a sympathetic and yet firm manner. Love is the measure, and the spirit of meekness will achieve far more than a critical spirit.

5. In approaching a matter that appears to require disciplinary action, five points should be born in mind:

A. Such action schould be taken only after the most thorough and impartial inquiry.

B. It should be undertaken only when it would be for the overall good of the work and the individual.

C. It should always be in a spirit of genuine love and conducted in the most considerate manner.

D. It should always be with the spiritual help and restoration of the offender in view.

E. It should be done only with much prayer.

6. To guide is another responsibility. The spiritual leader must know where he is going and like the shepherd go ahead of his flock. The ideal leader is one who hears the voice of God, and beckons on as the voice calls him and them. Paul gave this challenge to the church at Corinth,

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."

(1 Corinthians 11:1)

Paul knew where he was going and was therefore able to challenge them to follow him utmost to His highest.

7. To undertake responsibility and do it willingly is a necessary mark of a spiritual leader. If he is not prepared for that, he disqualifies himself for the office. One who evades the more onerous and difficult involvement incidental to his position limits his influence to that extent.

8. When Elijah was translated, Elisha assumed without hesitation the responsibilities of the prophetic office vacated by his master. He accepted the authority conferred with the falling mantle and because a leader in his own right. In each case the determining factor was the assurance of a divine call. Granted that assurance, no one need hesitate to assume the responsibilities God allots.