7 Things that Church Leaders Should Be Learning

These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:14, 15)

In 1 Timothy 3:14-15 we can discover two obvious facts. The first one is: serving in church implies education. A required knowledge does not come naturally, nether it is obvious: “…but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God.” The second fact supports and emphasize this statement – serving implies high responsibility. A church is nothing but “House of God”, “the pillar and ground of the truth”. Our words, our behavior and values that we demonstrate, influence people around us.

There are several reasons why education in a local church is so important: first of all, education in church creates unity, when leaders share certain values and vision. And this is harder to achieve when church leaders are only educated in different seminars outside and not inside the local community. Secondly, it promotes loyalty and well-coordinated work of team members, prevents conflicts and also (we hope) stimulates spiritual growth and development of new capacities in church leaders. It does not mean that pastor has to do all the work now. For starters, it is possible to use video seminars (thanks God more and more quality material is available online) and then take time to discuss important issues.

Here are 7 things (in random order), which we can learn ourselves and teach the church leaders:

1. Personal spiritual growth. We are called to understand and to pass on the importance of the constant education and growth, and to instruct, which requirementa s church leader has to meet.
2. Vision of the local church. Where are we moving? What kind of church do we want to be? Where do we see ourselves in a year, two years, five years from now? What is our current plan? Church growth and development: how can we be more successful in our ministry? What steps do we take to spread the kingdom of God on earth? What are our values? What kind of church culture do we want to create?
3. How to study the Scripture individually. It is important to take some time and share different methods and practice of studying the Bible.
4. Fundamental theological questions. An extremely essential topic.
5. History of Christianity. Experience shows that studying history can cure some spiritual diseases, for example, a belief in self exclusiveness. Studying history gives you a unique opportunity to realize that Church does not limit itself in one region, doctrinal statement or time. We are part of God’s people, who consist of believers of all time and nations.
6. Basics of guardianship. A very relevant part of church’s ministry, especially today. It is very important to learn how to establish communication, support each other, and overcome the crisis together.
7. Matter of Christian ethics and life. It is important to be proactive and stay on top of certain issues and problems, concerning this topic. Family, relationship, self-responsibility and many other issues - it is very important to discuss them in church. When a certain problem already exists in a local church, it becomes a lot more difficult to talk about it and very often it can hurt people.

                                                                                                                                                Valeriy Sekisov