What is the Responsibility of Church Leaders?
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5:1–4; Hebrews 13:17
INTRODUCTION
The Importance of Biblical Leadership God is a God of order, not confusion. To ensure the health of His people, He established a specific structure for the local church. Pastors, elders, and bishops (terms often used interchangeably in the New Testament to describe the same office) have a vital function in nurturing and protecting the flock.
The Biblical Pattern: Plurality One of the most significant aspects of the New Testament model is plurality. The Bible consistently speaks of elders and pastors in the plural, never as a "one-man show" (Acts 14:23; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1). The concept of a single pastor wielding absolute authority is a human tradition, not a biblical mandate.
The Divine Plan for the Local Church According to the Apostle Paul, a church without a qualified leadership team is "deficient" or "wanting" (Tito 1:5). However, for this structure to work, we must understand the biblical relationship between the leaders and the members.
I. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF LEADERS TOWARD THE CHURCH
Those who lead shoulder a heavy spiritual weight. Their duties are not administrative; they are pastoral and eternal.
• To Feed and Shepherd the Flock: Leaders must provide spiritual nourishment through the Word. This must be done voluntarily and with love, never for financial gain or out of "greedy lucre" (1 Peter 5:2).
• To Watch Over Souls: This is a solemn task. Leaders act as watchmen who will one day give an account to God for the spiritual state of the members (Hebrews 13:17).
• To Protect Against False Teachers: Leaders are the first line of defense. They must be alert to "grievous wolves" and distorted doctrines that threaten to destroy the faith of the believers (Acts 20:28–30).
• To Guide According to the Word: Leadership is not about personal opinion or charisma; it is about following the Map. They must lead according to the Scriptures (1 Thessalonians 5:12).
• To Discern and Correct: They must warn the unruly, comfort the faint-hearted, and be patient toward all (1 Thessalonians 5:14). A leader must not be a "novice" (a new convert), but someone mature enough to apply discipline when necessary (1 Timothy 3:6).
• To Equip the Saints: Their goal is to "perfect" or "equip" the members so that the church can do the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11–12).
• To Sacrifice Like Christ: Following the example of the Good Shepherd, a biblical leader must be willing to "give his life"—sacrificing his time, comfort, and desires—for the spiritual welfare of the sheep (John 10:11).
II. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MEMBERS TOWARD THE LEADERS
The health of the church is a two-way street. For the work to advance, the congregation must fulfill its duty toward those who lead.
• Recognize and Respect Their Work: Members must acknowledge the hard labor of those who labor among them (1 Thessalonians 5:12). Leadership is a demanding work that should never be belittled.
• Esteem Them in Love: Because of the nature of their work, leaders should be held in the highest regard (1 Thessalonians 5:13).
• Obey and Submit: While the world hates the word "submission," the Bible commands it for the sake of harmony. Obedience to godly leadership brings blessing and allows the leaders to do their work with joy rather than grief (Hebrews 13:17).
• Imitate Their Faith: Members are encouraged to observe the conduct of their leaders and follow their spiritual example (Hebrews 13:7).
• Protect Their Reputation: Leaders are often targets of gossip. The Bible strictly forbids accepting an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19).
See Also
- The Consequences of Tardiness in the Life of a Christian
- Is Judging by Appearance a Sin?
- How Does a Christian Identify with Christ?
CONCLUSION
A Shared Responsibility The work of the Lord is a collective effort. Leaders have a high calling to protect and feed; members have a high calling to support and follow.
Order Leads to Growth When each part of the body fulfills its function—when leaders sacrifice and members cooperate—the church grows healthy, firm, and invincible against the gates of hell. Let us pray that God helps us fulfill our roles faithfully for His glory.
