Understanding Biblical Church Leadership

1. Opening Prayer (5 minutes)

- Begin with a prayer asking for wisdom and understanding as the group studies biblical leadership principles.

- Example: "Lord, guide us as we seek to understand Your design for church leadership. Open our hearts to Your Word and help us apply these truths in our lives and church. Amen."

2. Introduction: The Importance of Leadership (10 minutes)

- Discussion Starter: Ask participants, "What do you think makes a church healthy? How does leadership play a role?"

- Key Points from the Text:

- A healthy church requires leadership that ensures the gospel is faithfully preached (Gal. 1:1, Acts 6).

- The text highlights elders and deacons as key leadership roles, with elders focusing on teaching and spiritual oversight, and deacons supporting practical needs.

- The book emphasizes the plurality of elders (multiple leaders) as a biblical model (e.g., Acts 6, 1 Timothy 3).

- Context: Share that the pages discuss how the early church addressed leadership needs, such as the appointment of deacons to distribute food to widows (Acts 6), allowing apostles to focus on prayer and preaching.

3. Deep Dive: Roles of Elders and Deacons (20 minutes)

Elders:

- Scriptural Basis: Refer to 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, where qualifications for elders are listed (e.g., above reproach, able to teach, self-controlled).

- Role: Elders are to provide spiritual leadership, teach the Word of God, and model godly character (as noted on page 115).

- Activity: Read 1 Timothy 3:1-7 together. Discuss: What qualities do you see as essential for an elder in your church?

Deacons:

- Scriptural Basis: Acts 6:1-6 shows the appointment of deacons to handle practical tasks, freeing elders for spiritual duties.

- Role: Deacons support the church’s physical operations and assist elders, ensuring the congregation’s needs are met.

- Activity: Read Acts 6:1-6. Discuss: How can deacons serve as a bridge between elders and the congregation today?

- Plurality of Elders: The text suggests that churches benefit from multiple elders sharing the burden of leadership (page 120). Discuss the advantages of this model versus a single pastor.

4. Application: Leadership in Our Church (10 minutes)

- Reflection Questions:

- How does our church currently recognize and appoint elders and deacons?

- Are there men in our fellowship who demonstrate the gifts and character to serve as elders or deacons?

- How can we support our leaders to ensure they thrive in their roles?

5. Closing and Prayer (5-10 minutes)

- Summarize key takeaways: Biblical church leadership involves a team effort with elders and deacons working together, guided by Scripture, to promote a healthy church.

- Encourage participants to pray for their church leaders and consider their own role in supporting leadership.

- Closing Prayer: "Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of leadership in Your Word. Bless our church with godly elders and deacons. Help us all to serve faithfully. Amen."