Wayne Bray

Leadership is everywhere. From book clubs to corporate boardrooms, leaders are in every room. They may not have titles or name tags, but they lead. What happens when there is no clearly defined leadership? -- At best inactivity and plateau -- At worst chaos and confusion. Usually, the leadership vacuum pulls someone into the seat, willingly or unwillingly. But make no mistake about it - someone will lead. The local church is no different; leaders abound. However, scripture clearly defines the roles of leadership within the body and also provides guidelines for leaders to follow. While polity among churches may differ because of denomination or leadership styles, some things are indisputable elements of the local church order. For example, God places the pastor in leadership, but how is he called to lead? Let’s look briefly at the role of a pastor in Ephesians 4. Ephesians 4: 11 “ And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some ...

Twenty-first Century Christians are surrounded by philosophical contradictions both within (the church) and without (the culture). From morality to missions, consistent-inconsistency reigns. There has never been a time of greater potential for kingdom expansion, yet the Christian church is having an identity crisis. The church is turned upside down in turmoil, with inward fighting and outward fear. We have constructed buildings in the world, but have somehow isolated and insulated the hands and feet of Jesus in the process. The church is not changing the world because it's afraid of the world. The lost community seems to be enjoying a ride on a crazy train that is quickly approaching the end of the line. They are in desperate need of spiritual rescue, but no one seems to care. Believers have often misunderstood the words of Jesus found in John 17:11-21 .  11 Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you....