In the Early Church, generational
transference was not shaped by program or certain methodologies, but on a
simple truth of discipleship to Christ.
To the Corinthians, Paul wrote, “Follow my example, as I follow the
example of Christ.”[1] To the Philippians, Paul wrote,
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it
into practice.”[2] There is inherent within Paul’s
practice and training of leadership an understanding of modeling
discipleship. Paul expects a
leader to serve as an example of appropriate pursuit of Jesus. The expectation is a significant
calling of leadership, a high standard of excellence in heart and
behavior. To the Ephesians Paul
wrote, “Live a life worthy of your calling.”[3] A lack
of biblical leadership qualification creates an environment ripe for strife
within a local church. “Too many churches suffer,” Wilkes suggests, because
those recruited to lead “are not biblically qualified.”[4]
The
biblical pattern involves the selection of mature people to the process of
generational transference of ministry leadership who will then share the
mission of the church with others.
The onus of leadership in the church is equipping the next generation
for ministry who will in turn raise up others to continuously pass the message
of Jesus from one person or community to another through all ages. The strategy of generational
transference is summarized by Paul as “what you have heard me say, entrust to
reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.”[5]
The
early church instructed those selected as recognized leaders within a
congregation to exhibit deep personal character founded in a heart for the
Lord. Both Paul and Peter
instructed that the “elder” leaders or “overseeing” leaders, were expected to
be “above reproach” in their lifestyle.
According to Paul, this recognition includes being a husband to one
wife, temperate in attitude, self-controlled in behavior, respected by others,
hospitable to others, able to teach, mature with alcohol and money, with a
track-record of success in the home and an ability to promote faith in
Jesus. High-impact leadership
responsibility is entrusted to those who have exhibited a deepening
faithfulness to the Lord over time and have earned a good reputation in the context
of the wider community outside the church.
Regarding
“deacon” leaders or “serving” leaders, Paul suggests a similar high standard of
qualifications. They must be
worthy of respect, sincere, responsible with alcohol, humbly honest, firm in
spiritual faith, and unashamed in their lifestyle, and responsible with their
family. Paul encourages Timothy to
“test” these individuals according to these character and behavioral
measurements so they will have the opportunity to prove themselves worthy of the
high level opportunities.[6] None of these qualifications involves
talent or gifting except for the call for some capacity of teaching
skills.
As
the early church progressed, ministries all across the Roman Empire became
shaped and steered by successive waves of reliable people who had been
entrusted with the task of spreading the Gospel and creating community. The simple environment of
interdependence of leadership in the early church evidences the manner by which
God intends to perpetuate leadership in the church. For instance, Epaphroditus is raised up as a leader among
the church in Philippi and then commissioned to serve alongside Paul.





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