There is no question that the task of building God's kingdom requires that the local church must have leaders who display what it means by their words and deeds what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Christ. Leaders who set the example of what it means to follow Christ will develop followers who also want their lives to count in time and for eternity.
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| This passionate group of worshippers some of whom already have leprosy live in the middle of a Leper Colony and this church meets in a home on the outskirts of Bangalore India |
The covenant is not about perfect people but about a commitment to strive to become the kind of leader God wants us to be.
I encourage you to take this and adapt it to your local church needs. Every where "Our Church" appears in bold replace it with your churches name. Place your churches Mission/ Purpose statement at the top so everyone can see clearly that you are aligning your purpose and your leadership requirements.
A Covenant Among Leaders
"Insert Your Church Purpose Statement here
1. Introduction:
As we seek to become everything God has intended us to be it is critical that all of us as leaders model the life of fully devoted followers of Christ. Rarely if ever will the church become what the leaders are not. All throughout scripture more is expected of leaders both in character and performance.
The leadership covenant says that we are about the ministry God has given to us here. It is not about position, power and control, but about service, example, and faithfulness.
There are many scriptural passages that emphasize this point.
1Corinthians 11:1
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Philippians 3:17
Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.
1 Timothy 4:12
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
I Timothy 4
1. Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.
2. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
3. Not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
4. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect.
5. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)
6. He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
7. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
There are six components of leadership, which are indispensable and as such are part of the covenant.
1. Regular In Worship Attendance.
a. Evidence: Apart from vacation or illness leaders should be in worship weekly at our church.
b. Scripture: “Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together as the manner of some is. Hebrews 10:25
2. Tithing To The Ministry Of Our Church
a. Evidence: 10% of our current income is given to support the ministry of our church
b. Scripture: Where your treasure is there also is your heart.
Matthew 6:21
Bring the tithe into the storehouse that there may be resources in my house. Malachi 3:10
3. Involved In The Prayer Ministry Of Our Church
a. Evidence: Participation in one or more of the regular prayer times at our church.
b. Luke 18:1 “Now he was telling them that at all times they ought to pray and not lose heart” “Therefore I want people to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.” I Timothy 2:8
4. Part Of A Sunday-School Class or Weekly Bible Study For Personal Growth And Development.
a. Evidence: Unless we are growing in the Word we are not growing in our Christian life. Sunday School class participation and/or participation in a home Bible Study group or the weekly Bible Study service is expected of all leaders.
b. Scripture: Study to show your self approved unto God a workman that is not ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15
5. Diligence In Fulfilling Your Ministry Responsibility.
a. Evidence: Each of us as leaders has been called to fulfill a ministry responsibility. Doing this ministry with faithfulness and diligence is our goal.
b. Scripture. Moreover it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. I Corinthians. 4:2
6. Actively Seeking To Reach Your Oikos (sphere of influence) As Evidenced By Witness And Invitation
a. Evidence: Visitors attend our church as a result of your witness and invitation.
b. Scripture: As Paul reminded Timothy “Do the work of an evangelist” and Jesus final words to us “You will be my witnesses” Acts 1:8
Believing that God has called me to be a leader to fulfill His purposes in the life of our church with God giving me the strength I will seek to be an example of a fully devoted follower of Christ by diligently fulfilling the scriptural mandates of this covenant. This is my pray and my pledge.
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