As a brief addition to the previous blog, which addressed the ‘macro’ perspective of the five ‘offices’ discussed, I reflected that at a local Church level this has significance also (a brief reflection here only).

If we grouped the five offices very generically, I called the Apostles, Prophets and Evangelists ‘shaking leadership’ roles, while the Pastors and Teachers are more ‘settling leadership’ roles. (Speaker and Author Michael Frost calls these the ‘chiefs‘ and ‘medicine men‘ – the concept being the same of bringing stabilising and unstabilising leadership.) It is suggested that smaller Churches sometimes vacillate, or pendulum swing’ between these two types of leaders, as its rare and hard to find a leader with all the characteristics in one!

Anyway – the thought was simply this – if we believe Romans 12, that we are a ‘body’, and that God gives gifts according to His will (technically the Spirit’s will in 1 Cor 12:7-11), then it is a matter of faith to believe that in any congregation, or small area, that all the gifts are already there for that Church or Christian community to be all that God called it to be.

I know that might sound really obvious, or simple, but I think it is also a little profound. Very often a smaller Church finds itself lacking certain leadership strengths – for example outreach strengths when the pastor is more of a caring kind of person… Assuming we all agree with the ‘priesthood of all believers’, it follows – by faith – that the necessary gifts are already there! The necessary leadership, or care, is potentially already there.

The onus, therefore, comes down to the leadership team to give high focus to the priesthood of all believers, to teach on gifts, and to encourage and release members to ministry – including to KEY UP FRONT LEADERSHIP, even though they aren’t the pastor…

In each Church there are people who can help bring or clarify direction…

In each Church there are people who can bring challenging messages that come out of prayer and divine revelation, and which challenge the heart…

In each Church there are people who can spearhead evangelistic equipping and outreach programs…

In each Church there are people who can care for the needy, visit the sick, comfort the hurting…

In each Church there are people who can teach and explain God’s Word clearly, so we understand and are challenged to a response…

Its a case of finding them…

…but first, its a case of believing they are there!

So, if you are in the leadership of a Church, and feel something is missing – maybe you could look within!

May the Lord help us see the potential He has placed in each member of our Churches, and to release it!

DAVE MANN. Dave is an Author and gifted communicator with a passion for the Gospel. This passion started when he came to faith at age 11. After Secondary School he went straight to Bible College, followed by 7 years in outreach ministry in New Zealand, then nearly 9 as a pastor in Singapore, before returning to New Zealand at the end of 2011. Dave is a visionary and fearless about pioneering initiatives aimed at helping the Church in New Zealand in the area of its mission. Author of various books and Tracts including “Because we care”, “That Leaders might last” and available free on this site: “The what and how of Youth and Young Adult ministry”.