Summary: Jesus is the Head of the Church, and He has given it a type of leadership that is different from the world’s expectations. A plurality of Elders are key for the church in action.
Reflection Questions:
1. What are the challenges to understanding and receiving a biblical view of church leadership?
2. A Church in Action needs good leadership in order to move forward in sync. What is one image the Bible uses to describe the church and its leadership that contrasts with “organization”?
3. Read carefully through Acts 20:17-38 and the 7 principles of leadership in Action Bill drew from this passage: What would be possible impacts if and as the church is led in this way? Can you apply these in your setting?
In Acts, the story follows the gospel expansion from city to city as Paul and his coworkers obey the Spirit’s call. As they proclaim the gospel, the word of the Lord spreads throughout Gentile lands and many become disciples. And something more. God establishes His church among various people and places. The churches are local, diverse, communal, and caught up in God’s saving mission.
We see the gospel on the move – moving into cities, neighborhoods, lives. Settling in and turning the world upside down. The same God has the same good news. Through this series, we’ll look at the church now & then, here & there. What can we learn from its different receptions and different responses? In our time and place, what changes and what remains the same?
