In response to various questions over the course of time my Pastor, James Mansfield, has produced a booklet that straightforwardly lays out the simple design that the Lord has given us for Church leadership. The Forward is reproduced below and the whole booklet (in PDF format) can be read by following the link at the bottom of this article.
It is very refreshing indeed in these days where church life is often characterised by expediency rather than biblical truth, to read this book that deals honestly with a subject that is vital to the life of the local church.
To avoid the necessity of our searching such worthy volumes as Berkhof’s Systematic Theology, or the works of Dabney, James Mansfield has produced a very readable booklet that gives the reader a clear and concise summary of the biblical teaching relating to Church Leadership.
In particular he has shown clearly the offices, some seven in number, covering the New Testament pattern for Church leadership. He readily admits that people of different denominational persuasions may in good conscience take a slightly different view of these offices, nevertheless, he has sought to treat the matter fairly and biblically.
What I consider to be most helpful is his differentiating the work of the Elders, citing as he does, the various titles given to Elders, and the qualifications required for their office, from the role of Deacons. How often in church life, whether through necessity, or what may be described as “this is what we have always done”, does the role of Deacon become somewhat blurred, and indistinct from that of an Elder. That said we should not be afraid to strive for a pattern of Church leadership that is as near as possible to the principles laid down in the Word of God.
It is to be regretted that so often in the life of the Church personalities raise themselves, not unlike Diotrephes “who love to have the pre-eminence”. Such people only harm the cause of Christ, hinder the work of the Gospel, and allow the devil to bring God’s work into disrepute.
How rare is that attitude of heart and mind that was in Jesus Christ, “Who made Himself of no reputation”.
May we, as those that love the Word of God, that seek to “contend earnestly for the faith once delivered”, use all our endeavours so that the local church may be used for the furtherance of the Gospel, the building up of the saints, but more importantly, the glory of God.
Fred Raynsford
Elder at Day’s Lane Chapel
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