Spiritual Leadership
Is it all firefighting? What is the essence of leadership in the local church? A variety of ideas might come to mind. Is it prestige? Sometimes, men think it is. But the Lord Jesus was very clear that such thinking, although...
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People Never Visit the Elders!
Instructions for the care and preservation of elders People never visit the elders!” Familiar words perhaps, but seldom heard in that order. “‘People never visit the elders,’ you say. Why should we? They are the ones who are supposed to do the...
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The Shepherd’s Vision
Aimless wandering is not leadership. If we aim at nothing, we will undoubtedly achieve it. Shepherds ought to have immediate goals for the assembly and a long term plan. They should be men of vision. This writer thinks they should have...
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Shepherding from the Good Shepherd (part 4)
Principle 4: The Good Shepherd brings security to the sheep (Jn. 10:28-29). We have come to our final axiom for the shepherd: “…neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” (Jn. 10:28). Out of all the intricate elements of human...
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Shepherding from the Good Shepherd (part 3)
Principle Number Three: The Good Shepherd volunteers to shepherd (Jn. 10:16-18). This third principle is first suggested in John 10:16: “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring…” The word for “must” (dei)...
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Shepherding from the Good Shepherd (part 2)
I am the Good Shepherd and I know My sheep and am known by My own” (Jn. 10:14). As far as shepherding is concerned, knowledge of the sheep is fundamental. The word “know” (ginsko) pertains to an understanding that is gained...
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Shepherding from the Good Shepherd (part 1)
"I am the Good Shepherd,” the Lord Jesus proclaimed in John 10:11. I have often pondered: what is the definition of a “good shepherd”? Since the Lord describes Himself with such a title, how would He define the concept of a...
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Single Overseers?
Is there a man in your assembly who meets all of the requirements of Titus 1:6-9 except that he is not married? If so, you are blessed indeed. He is free to serve in the fellowship without the distraction of...
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Elders Have Their Limitations
Overseers often encounter situations where not only wisdom and tact are called for, but also some restraint. Christian women in desperate domestic situations (and unfortunately their number is increasing) need counsel. It would be unwise for a man to become...
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