Pastoral Leadership In The Church -- By: Charles R. MacDonald
Journal: Central Bible Quarterly
Volume: CENQ 13:1 (Spring 1970)
Article: Pastoral Leadership In The Church
Author: Charles R. MacDonald
CenQ 13:1 (Spring 1970) p. 33
Pastoral Leadership In The Church
The church is an institution of divine origin. It has a commission to make disciples, to baptize them, to teach them and to edify them. No matter what may be the size of the church congregation, two things are necessary, a purpose, and a plan for carrying out that purpose.
Our society is changing. The church, to meet the needs of a changing society, must be alert to have a plan. This plan must be based on insight, that is, exercising discernment in examining our society and its needs. This discernment comes only from the Holy Spirit. Second, this plan must be based on experience, utilizing that which has been effective in previous situations. Third, this plan must be based on vision, that is, projected thought. Fourth, this plan must be based on the Word of God. Only in the Bible can be found the principles which the omniscient God has set forth to be followed in His church.
Many churches have “reacted,” rather than acted in their ministry. They have merely “gone through the motions”—holding services for those who attend, but having no plan for efficient, enlarging ministry. They have little or no vision of fulfilling the Great Commission. But a lively, living church will analyze its ministry and what is necessary to fulfill its commission—and wade into the job.
The work of the church is the work of the whole church. It is not the work of the pastor alone. It is not even the work of the pastor and the officers of the church. The work is the responsibility of every believer.
The church should be efficiently organized. This does not mean that it should become “organizational conscious.” Organization is not an end in itself, but a means to an end; it is a vehicle. To be organized does not mean to be over-organized. It means sufficient
CenQ 13:1 (Spring 1970) p. 34
organization to do the work efficiently. The church organized well will function more smoothly in carrying out its ministry.
Leadership within the church is important. That leadership may be developed. That leadership should be informed. It should have the best possible tools to fulfill its function.
The administration of a church consists of those persons who collectively are entrusted with the execution of the purpose for which the church exists. Church administration, then, is the management or direction to fulfillment of the work of the church. Administration is not a matter of the practical versus the spiritual. Jesus was an administrator. Administration concerns the minister’s total task. It is not a science to analyze but an art to be practiced.
Administration in a ...
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