Leadership Structure

[votivesoul]

Originally Posted by Amanah

Jesus taught obviously but he also lived life in the presence of his disciples so they could learn by seeing practical application. If leadership is by example that would have to mean time spent with people. That can't easily happen in a large congregation.

It can't happen anymore that having the ear of the CEO, unless you've already climbed the corporate ladder to the executive board.

I work for a small family-owned business, a set of 3 grocery stores. They employ about 100 people, give or take. The owners are available and talk with everyone, day in and day out, either on the salesfloor or with an open-door policy in their offices. Most everyone that works there has their phone numbers. I've worked for them for 3 years now. I am an Assistant Store Director, helping to manage all three locations, traveling from one to the next, back and forth, every week.

I've learned a lot from them about leadership and even shepherding people, if you will, from a secular point of view.

I was blessed when God first saved me. I was saved in a small store front church, which emphasized home ministry and fellowship. The pastor was financially secure and independent, working only occasionally, and not needing a salary from the congregation. He had time to spend with everyone. He took a whole group of us under his wing and trained us, at least in some capacity, almost daily.

He and his wife were all about spending time with the saints, investing in them, pouring their life into them. I learned from them that whoever I won to the Lord, whoever I ministered to, needed me to spend time with them. That time spent with them was more important than anything else. Knowing they had a friend in me, someone who loved and cared for them, and had a place for them at the table, did and does more than anything pithy I might have had or have to say about the Bible.

[Amanah]

Originally Posted by votivesoul

It can't happen anymore that having the ear of the CEO, unless you've already climbed the corporate ladder to the executive board.

I work for a small family-owned business, a set of 3 grocery stores. They employ about 100 people, give or take. The owners are available and talk with everyone, day in and day out, either on the salesfloor or with an open-door policy in their offices. Most everyone that works there has their phone numbers. I've worked for them for 3 years now. I am an Assistant Store Director, helping to manage all three locations, traveling from one to the next, back and forth, every week.

I've learned a lot from them about leadership and even shepherding people, if you will, from a secular point of view.

I was blessed when God first saved me. I was saved in a small store front church, which emphasized home ministry and fellowship. The pastor was financially secure and independent, working only occasionally, and not needing a salary from the congregation. He had time to spend with everyone. He took a whole group of us under his wing and trained us, at least in some capacity, almost daily.

He and his wife were all about spending time with the saints, investing in them, pouring their life into them. I learned from them that whoever I won to the Lord, whoever I ministered to, needed me to spend time with them. That time spent with them was more important than anything else. Knowing they had a friend in me, someone who loved and cared for them, and had a place for them at the table, did and does more than anything pithy I might have had or have to say about the Bible.

[Amanah]

Did Jesus' ministry involved a hierarchy for gradual expansion of his mission and teachings? He started with like minded individuals (some core values) and expanded from there:

1. Initial ministry among the Judeans (Matthew 4:12-25, Mark 1:14-15):
- Jesus began preaching and teaching in Judea, focusing on the Jewish community.
2. Selection of the 12 Apostles (Matthew 10:1-4, Mark 3:13-19, Luke 6:12-16):
- Jesus chose 12 disciples from among his followers, giving them authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons.
3. Inner circle of three (Matthew 17:1, Mark 5:37, 9:2, 14:33):
- Jesus had a closer relationship with Peter, James, and John, taking them aside for special experiences and teachings.
4. Commissioning of the 70 (Luke 10:1-24):
- Jesus sent out 70 disciples to preach, heal, and prepare the way for his ministry in various towns.
5. Sending out disciples two by two (Luke 10:1, Mark 6:7):
- Jesus often sent his disciples out in pairs to minister, providing mutual support and accountability.

This progression demonstrates Jesus' strategic approach to spreading his teachings and expanding his ministry:

- He started with a focused message to the Jewish community.
- He established a core group of leaders (the 12 Apostles) to assist and continue his work.
- He had an inner circle for more intimate guidance and training.
- He expanded his reach by sending out a larger group (the 70) to prepare the way and minister to more people.
- He encouraged collaboration and mutual support by sending disciples out in pairs.

This hierarchy and gradual expansion allowed Jesus to effectively share his teachings, build a community of followers, and establish a foundation for the early Christian church.

[Amanah]

Jesus' Servant Leadership:

Humility: Jesus demonstrated humility by washing his disciples' feet (John 13:1-17) and teaching that the greatest among them would be the servant of all (Mark 9:33-37).
Selflessness: Jesus prioritized others' needs, sacrificing his own comfort and ultimately giving his life for humanity's redemption (Philippians 2:5-8).
Empowerment: Jesus equipped and empowered his disciples to continue his work, giving them authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons (Matthew 10:1-4).
Compassion: Jesus showed compassion to the marginalized, sick, and oppressed, demonstrating God's love and care (Matthew 9:35-36).

Disciples' Servant Leadership:

Following Jesus' example: The disciples emulated Jesus' humility, selflessness, and compassion, becoming servants to others (Acts 2:42-47).
Serving one another: The disciples prioritized serving each other and the community, demonstrating unity and shared responsibility (Acts 2:44-45).
Empowering others: The disciples continued Jesus' work, empowering others through preaching, healing, and discipleship (Acts 6:1-7).
Sacrificial service: The disciples risked their lives to spread Jesus' teachings, exemplifying sacrificial service (Acts 5:17-42).