When it comes to leadership and Christ the Redeemer Church (CTR) in Spokane, WA, there is commonality among the responses in answering the questions: “What words or ideas do you associate with the word 'leadership'?”; “What are the most important characteristics of a person who leads in the Church?”; and “What are the most effective things that can be done to train or develop the leaders of the Church?”. This commonality positively reflects the beliefs and teachings of the Church, specifically the focus on God's Word and the Gospel (as reflected in Church's name).
What words or ideas do you associate with the word “leadership”?
This question brought the most varied responses from those interviewed, but one word was repeated: vision. (Mr. D. Knaggs, Mr. J. Walters and Mr. J. Hauschild) The role of vision (as well as mission) within leadership has taken a forefront over the last number of years. As a result, there has been an attempt to lead with the purpose and end in mind. What does this mean for Christian leaders? It is quite possible that the unifying promise of Christ's return and the forthright command of the “Great Commission” should provide all of the vision any Church requires. Why is this trait so elusive and requiring workshops from all of the greatest Christian and secular leadership organizations? When this question is filtered down to its roots, the reason vision is so important is that so many (especially within Church leadership) have neglected to make the promise of Christ's return and the seriousness of the Great Commission their primary source in seeking a vision and developing a mission.
What are the most important characteristics of a person who leads in the Church?
In answering this question, the Bible (Mr. B.E. Hoch), the Gospel (Mr. D. Knaggs), I Timothy 3 (Mr. B. Hoch) and God's Word (Mr. J. Walters). Mr. J. Hauschild referred to “our commission,” which can be interpreted as the Great Commission with few liberties taken. Thisis perhaps the greatest betrayal of CTR having a firm foundation in the Bible, its truth and its impact on every facet of a leader's life. This foundation is expected to be an integral aspect of the Church leader's life as well and be evidenced in their lives. When the Bible does not hold this place in the Church leader's life, the negative effect this will have on said Church is frightening.
What are the most effective things that can be done to train or develop the leaders of the Church?
Perhaps Mrs. J. Newbold was the most succinct and accurate in stating: Bible Study. It is not enough for people to hear the result of studying the Bible, they must be taught to study the Bible themselves. Each of the subjects interviewed stated something along these lines. As such it is understood that CTR holds the equipping of men and women to know how to discover the “nuggets of truth” in their own Bibles as the most important aspect of training and developing leaders. The result of this focus is a group of Godly men, rooted in God's Word, who serve as elders, an internship ministry used to train young men and women who attend Moody Bible Institute before they go to the ends of the world and ministries whose messages further proclaim the truth of the Gospel.
The subjects of this interview included an associate pastor, women's ministries leader, small group leader, intern, Sunday School teacher and volunteer. Each of the people (fulfilling the requirements of the assignment) interviewed exhibit this reliance on and foundation in Scripture in their own lives. As such, they are a positive result of CTR's beliefs and teachings, specifically the focus on God's Word and the Gospel. As a result, it is evident in their daily lives that they strive to cast a vision reliant on the Great Commission and the promise of Christ's return. They seek to make the Bible one of their characteristics as they lead in the Church. Lastly, they not only seek to learn how to study the Bible, but teach others the same.
Interview Questions and Responses
What words or ideas do you associate with the word “leadership”?
BEH: Male, Good Standing, Wise, Decisive.
DK: Morality, Selflessness, Strong Communication, Clear Vision.
JN: Determination, Loyalty, Work Ethic.
BH: Word ministry.
JW: Decisive, Focused, Gentle, Vision
JH: A boss, a visionary, one who has a direction and figures out how to get there... Respected, trusted. Has followers also one who puts others before him or herself
What are the most important characteristics of a person who leads in the church?
BEH: Genuine, Knowledge of Bible/different doctrines, Compassion.
DK: Strong understanding of Gospel, vibrant prayer, ability to communicate and empathize with others.
JN: Honesty, Transparency, Faithfulness.
BH: I Timothy 3- characteristics for elder, deacon of deaconess.
JW: Being grounded in God's Word, being humble, having a servant's attitude
JH: Usually he is recognized by the group or the body of a particular church. One who is following the Lord and is fulfilling our commission. He helps train others to do the same. He directs... He trains, teaches and guides, he/she is recognized...
What are the most effective things that can be done to train or develop the leaders of the church?
BEH: Train to be able to continue their own learning and train themselves. Teaching them how to learn about the Bible themselves and pray, etc.
DK: Having a mentorship role to help people advance in their understanding of the Gospel and Scripture and to hold them accountable so their lives show what a Christian and true believer looks like.
JN: Bible Study.
BH: Teach people to use the Bible
JW: Equipping to use God's Word in their and other peoples' lives, fostering humility.
JH: teach/train them how to understand scripture and how to study it. Teach/train them how to understand people. Some things cant be learned though... Church leaders are not just trained so they can get a job at a church. They must have a love for the savior, and a love for people. They must have a relationship with God and desire others to have one also!
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