Leadership Training, Session 2; by John Menchaca
"Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task." 1 Timothy 3:1
We met as a group on Tuesday morning for the second installment our All Saints officer training. Our focus was 1 Timothy 3 and Titus and the Biblical teachings regarding "deacons" and "elders." We discussed the expectations in undertaking this "noble task," as well as our reaction to the Biblical verses in 1 Timothy and Titus regarding church leadership.
Bill Boyd led our open and frank discussion on church leadership and the "process" for our church elders and deacons. We learned that the Holy Spirit has been poured out on the church; that God pours out radiance among our church leaders; and that, through the almighty power of God, we will find leaders who are self-controlled, gentle and worthy of emulation; it is a noble task indeed. Yet, we had many, many questions that needed to be asked, answered, and discussed. The mystery of Scripture and the oftentimes complicated doctrinal discussions require deep, thoughtful discussion and, perhaps above all, faith.
As Pastor Boyd summarized questions from the audience–for example,
regarding Communion, the Sabbath, tithing, Calvinism, predestination,
election, just to name a few–we realized the tension that often exists
in Scripture and the church. We must submit to God’s Truth, but how do
we explain that Jesus is FULLY human and FULLY God? One answer:
Faith. Can we always wrap our feeble minds around these doctrinal
concepts? Are there mysteries that we cannot and will not ever fully
understand? Yes. We tried in our brief time together to delve into
these issues and left with a sense, I think, that we must, as leaders,
think, read, discuss, pray, and think some more–it is truly a noble
task.
We concluded with table discussion groups and addressed the following
in connection with our review of the Bible’s primary texts on
leadership, 1 Timothy 3:
- What was encouraging?
- What was sobering?
- What was surprising?
- What was helpful?
In discussing these questions, we learned that it is much more than
just an inward focus: it involves our families, our reputation, our
standing with "outsiders." It is God’s world and God’s glory; not
ours. We learned that these Biblical teachings are both encouraging
and sobering, yet we have faith and hope and His Grace. We will meet
again on the 15th to continue our journey.