Leaders
To be a leader in the Church, the 'household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of truth' (1 Tim 3.15) is surely an awesome responsibility! Paul says that those who desire to lead desire a noble task (1 Tim 3.1). Those who lead and teach in Christ's church must be aware that they will face a stricter judgment (James 3.1), and that God will one day hold them to account for those people who were under their care (Hebrews 13.17). The reason for the seriousness of leadership in the church is the simple fact that the church is made up of those who belong to Christ. They belong to Him because He bought them at the cost of His own life (Acts 20.28), and are loved by Him (1 Thess 1.4).
For these reasons, we take leadership seriously at Bay City Church. Those who lead must be called and gifted by God. But even this is not enough. The Bible speaks of the character and way of life that is necessary for those who will serve as leaders in the church. Leadership is not just about principles and techniques, it is first and foremost about love for God, and the blazing passion that burns in our hearts for Him. When we have been transformed by the gospel, live our lives in step with the truth of His word and are in love with Him, we are able to say with Paul 'follow me as I follow Christ' (1 Cor 11.1).
For these reasons, we take leadership seriously at Bay City Church. Those who lead must be called and gifted by God. But even this is not enough. The Bible speaks of the character and way of life that is necessary for those who will serve as leaders in the church. Leadership is not just about principles and techniques, it is first and foremost about love for God, and the blazing passion that burns in our hearts for Him. When we have been transformed by the gospel, live our lives in step with the truth of His word and are in love with Him, we are able to say with Paul 'follow me as I follow Christ' (1 Cor 11.1).
