| The Essential Reforms of HOFCC |
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| HOFCC Core Beliefs | |
| Friday, 21 July 2006 | |
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Page 3 of 8 Reform #2: "Exemplary in Leadership"Part 1: Authoritarian or. Authoritative?This means we reject "authoritarianism" in order to embrace the biblically "authoritative" church leadership that comes from appointing several men who are known to be fruitful examples of sound Bible doctrine in action. An authoritarian leader is seldom able to be truly authoritative because he lacks biblical credibility. When the fruit in his own life or family does not lend enough weight to his opinions, he tries to borrow authority from his education or institutional position. He sees the congregation as "human resources" to help him accomplish his own ministry goals, rather than seeing himself as a resource to help the members of his congregation accomplish their own God-given responsibilities. In biblical terms, the authoritarian leader is "lording it" over the congregation (see Luke 22:25-26). But as Peter wrote, Elders are not to "lord it" over the church, but rather to "be examples to the flock" (see 1 Peter 5:1-3). "Exemplary leadership" leads by such a "team example."Having said this, we need to understand that official church authority is real. There will be times when an unruly member will be asked to defer to the authority of his or her Elders in their decision on a matter of doctrine or church government. But such authority should seldom be resorted to quickly, nor in place of patient instruction, counsel and prayer. This is why authority is to be vested only in men in whom the congregation and the other leaders recognize the biblical qualifications for church office (see 1 Tim. 3:1-15)! Though exemplary leaders have not achieved sinless perfection, they are to be clear examples of what God intends others to become in Christ. All church leaders, whether they be Elders or Deacons, must be far enough along in the process of personal sanctification that the congregation can safely give heed to their Bible teaching and follow their example in all areas of life. |
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