LEADIN

G THE FA

ITH

COMMUNITY

A B

I BL I C

AL P

RI M

ER

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INTR

ODUCTION &

OVERVIEW

WH

O W

E A

RE

AN

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I NG

Israel and Its Community Structures:

Shaped by:Tribes—Clans—Families—

Natural oversight by:National Leaders

—Heads of Clans—Family Patriarchs

—Additional direction

through:Priests (religious)

—Elders

(social/judicial)—

The Church and Its Community Structures:

Shaped by:Ethnic/Social

Groupings—Congregations—

Developing Leadership Positions:

Apostles—Deacons—Elders—Evangelists—Pastors—Teachers—

THE SOCIAL NATURE OF THE FAITH COMMUNITY

Search to find evidence and examples of each

THE “GOLDEN CHAIN” OF LEADERSHIPLeadership of the faith community throughout the Bible is:

Fluid—changing personalities and roles as times and circumstances altered

Responsive—attuned to rising needs and changing conditions

Divinely-appointed and anointed—biblical leadership is always initiated by God and is not a matter of self-promotion or popular election

Arising out of Talents—God calls to leadership those who have been prepared for leadership

Nurtured by Spiritual Gifts—God’s Spirit equips those God calls to leadership

These things can be seen in the changing Point Persons and Communities of leadership throughout the history of God’s People:1. Moses plus Aaronic Priests (Exodus-Deuteronomy)2. Joshua plus Elders (Joshua)3. Judges plus Samuel (Judges-1 Samuel)4. Kings plus Prophets (2 Samuel-Malachi)5. Jesus plus Apostles (New Testament)

Biblical Examples of Leadership

Moses & the Elders of Israel—organization

(Review Exodus 18)

Joshua & the Elders of Israel—management

(Review Joshua 23-24)

David & Solomon—vision-casting

(Review 2 Samuel 5-7; 1 Kings 1-10)

Nehemiah—community revitalization & rebuilding

(Review Nehemiah)

Paul:

Church Organization (Review Acts 14)

Training of Young Pastors (Review Timothy & Titus)