Leadership from Ephesians
Effective Leadership from Ephesians
A Look at some of the calls and precepts from the Epistle of Ephesians applied to leading and managing a church.
How most people in the Christian leadership, community come up with our theories are actually simple. Look into who are successful, see what they are doing and then quantify it, organize and then orchestrate to so to help others emulate it. Then Bible verses are attached to them, usually out of context. This in many cases is a great way to take from those who can and help those how can't. I did this in my two doctoral dissertations and many of my articles. Good ideas can come from this. The problem arises in our quantifications, usually it is something else to these churches or leader's successes that has nothing to with just ability; rather, persona, charisma and God's unmerited favor. And when they are gone the ministry or church usually fumbles. What is often ignored is what and how did the great leaders of God's Word do it. Who did not have the charm and magnetism, certainty Paul did not, many times without resources or even favor. This brings us to Paul, perhaps the greatest leader in the Bible apart from our Savior. What did he model and advise? Well, we can look to the Book, Ephesians, to find out.
What we are going to do is make some applications to key exegetical points in each chapter of the Epistle of Ephesians. This will not be a comprehensive leadership guide; rather tips, as if Paul was your church growth consultant, in our office and church. What would he say to us?
Paul's Guide to Leading and Managing a Church
Introduction to the 'Effective Leadership from Ephesians' series. A Look at some of the calls and precepts from Paul's precepts in Ephesians applied to leading and managing a church.
How are you communicating Grace and peace to your people? Are you authentic and humble?
Focus on Christ! Ephesians 1: 3-6
Christ is to be our prime focus--first, foremost, over anything or anyone else.
Now that we know what God has lavished upon us, what do we do as a church leader to model that to those around us?
People's Lives Matter! Ephesians 1:11-14
We are called to be agents of reconciliation to a world that is dying to sin! We are to proclaim that people's lives matter.
Be Filled with Christ! Ephesians 1:15-23
Being filled with Jesus is a requirement for being a Christian, and this must be evident in us. This is what the Fruit of the Spirit is all about: God is working in and through us.
Point to Christ! Ephesians 2: 1-10
We are never to forget or forsake the basics of our Christianity, by Grace alone, by faith alone, by Christ alone, which we get through Scripture alone all to give God the Glory.
Let Christ Work! Ephesians 2:11-13
The administration of our church is not about personal wants, needs, and/or comforts; it is about Christ working in us in unity more powerfully and triumphantly.
Do Not Allow Divisions! Ephesians 2:14-22
We are God's living stones, so let's live it! Remember, God is also our Peace. Nothing will destroy a church or ministry quicker than when peace is absent, because…>
Understand Holiness! Ephesians 3:1-6
Our task in the church is to understand holiness so we can proclaim Christ--His Lordship as well as His character, righteousness, peace, and joy, all by the Holy Spirit.
We are to be bold for Christ, not to our conceit. It is imperative that we live what we preach…>
Do you know that your church can do immeasurably more? The church is established in love, by love for love. So do we love well?
To create a church of unity, leaders should be grateful to share our kindness and humility in Christ as we display His Glory.
Speak Truth! Ephesians 4: 7-16
We prepare God's people! The purpose of any worker in the church is to build up the people for service…>
As leaders in Christ's Body, we must be morally true. We must have a deep penetrating desire for real Truth and teach…>
The Christian leader is called to model and inspire gentleness, love, empathy, compassion—and, out of these, will flow forgiveness.
Be the Catalysts for Transformational Lives! Ephesians 5:8-20
Our task in the church is to proclaim Christ as Lord, His character, righteousness, peace, and joy, all by the Holy Spirit.
Submit to Christ! Ephesians 5:21-33
Why do we do church? Please a personality? Hear a sound bite? Take in the latest fad? No. We worship Christ as Lord.
Build Christian Values! Ephesians 6:1-9
Love, Lead, Offer, Value and Equip. Commit to building Christian values and principles that show Christ's value…>
Be Strong in the Lord! Ephesians 6:10-17
We must make sure our value system is based on God's true Truth! Be on guard against building on the shifting sands and lies…>
We are Ambassadors of Christ Ephesians 6:18-24
As Church leaders, we serve our Lord and minister to His people. It is not about us! We must remember that as leaders we are ambassadors of Christ.
Paul's main concern was whether his teaching would be applied, studied, or ignored. The apprehension was that Christians would turn out like the Pharisees and Philosophers; they would have the knowledge while ignoring the application, or like the pagans, the emotion without the knowledge. Paul was concerned that some would have just the emotion without knowledge and application. The irony is that many of us are! Following Christ requires a response; this response is gratitude and key aspects of maturing in faith and growth in Christ.
More on this leadership theme here:
