Day 1: How SRC is Led
In the Bible, God has given a specific plan for leadership. Obviously, the head of the church is Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23). At SRC, we strive to follow a structure of leadership which will not detract from Jesus occupying this position.
At the same time, Scripture gives clear leadership responsibility to certain members of the body. While these leaders are of no greater value in the sight of God, and while we recognize that every Christian has gifts with which they should minister in the body, at the same time the pastoral leaders are held accountable by God for the direction and well-being of the church (Hebrews 13:17).
Those responsible for leadership in the church are called elders (Acts 20:17), pastors (or shepherds – Acts 20:28), bishops (Acts 20:28 Gk.) and overseers (Acts 20:28). While any of these names are appropriate since they refer to the same persons doing the same job, at SRC we usually go by the title of “pastor.”
The role of a pastor is to lead the church, care for its members, pray on their behalf, instruct them and be an example of Christian living. The pastors at SRC are deeply committed to the spiritual growth of each of its members and the spreading of the gospel.
In the New Testament, men were appointed as pastors based on their spiritual maturity and character (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9). At SRC, the final decision on appointment of a pastor will rest with their ability to meet these standards and with the approval of the national directors at Great Commission Churches. In addition, a pastor must exhibit a genuine humility, a desire for spiritual excellence, a sincere love for people, and the basic skills necessary to carry out leadership responsibilities.
We do not believe a pastor must receive a full-time salary. However, normally, he would, and it is the desire of the church to enable its leaders to have all the time necessary to build the church. Scripture teaches that those who work hard at teaching are worthy of double honor (1 Timothy—in context, this is usually understood to relate to financial compensation).
As necessary, deacons will also be appointed to serve the church, particularly in undertaking those areas of need that would otherwise prohibit pastors from performing their Biblical responsibilities (1 Timothy 3:8-12; Acts 6).
In response to the biblical pattern of leadership, members of the body are taught in Scripture to lovingly support their leaders and to submit to their leadership (Hebrews 13:17). As such, Scripture indicates that final authority and responsibility as to church doctrine, policy and procedures rest with the pastors. However, the pastors desire and need the thoughtful and prayerful input of each member.
READING:
What do you most appreciate about how SRC is led?
What questions, if any, came to mind as you read through 1 Corinthians 4:1-13?
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
Read: Isaiah 6 & 9
Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method
PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for the ministry of South Ridge Church. The following outline may be helpful.
Four Prayers for Your Church:
- Thank God for the miracle of SRC and our ministry.
- Thank God for any way in which SRC has changed your life.
- Commit SRC’s future to the Lord.
- Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.
Click here if you would like to provide feedback to help us make the daily devotional and scripture reading guide even better.
south ridge blog 