Imitators

One of the most important attributes of a good leader is that he or she gives us a good example to follow. Paul asked the churches to imitate him (1 Cor. 4:16, 11:1, 1 Thes. 1:6, 2 Thes. 3:9), asked youthful leaders to set an example (1 Timothy 4:12), and even called on us to imitate the faithful from times past (Heb. 6:12).

In 1 Thes. 2:14 we read of the example the churchs of Judea set, and in 1 Peter 2:21 we read of the example Christ set, showing us our need of a willingness to suffer for Christ.

1 Peter 5:1f. makes it clear that those responsible for the flock of God are to set a good example.
Good doctrine is important, but good conduct is equally so (Titus 2:7).
Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Leadership = Servantship

Some of you probably get tired of me talking about leadership being servantship, but our Lord Jesus placed great emphasis on this. I make frequent reference to His teaching in Matthew 20:25-28 where he contrasts God's view of leadership with the world's view of leadership, but I also like to refer people to John 13 where Jesus washes the disciples' feet. Jesus said in verse 15 that he had given us an example in this. (Some have taken this to mean that Jesus wanted us to literally wash one another's feet, but in verses 7 and 17 Jesus indicates that the true meaning lies behind the outward act.) The apostle Peter expresses the true meaning when in 1 Peter 5:1-3 that elders are to serve and lead by example. To 'follow' a leader means to 'imitate' him, so he better be worth imitating. (The Greek word 'mimetes' translated 'followers' in 1 Cor. 4:16 means to mimick or imitate.) God takes leadership in the church of Jesus Christ seriously, because He takes servantship seriously. All of us are called to be His ambassadors, and His followers (i.e., imitators). Let's represent Him well.
All by His grace, all for His glory,
Pastor B.