Back to: Equipped To Lead
Essential Practicals:
Leadership Structure
There are many different leadership styles and structures throughout the body of Christ. There are both benefits and dangers with every type. The leadership structure that we follow as part of Calvary Chapel is explained by Pastor Chuck Smith in his book The Philosophy of Ministry. Pastor Chuck uses the government established by God under Moses as a model for church government. The diagrams below illustrate this model.
God spoke to a man, Moses. Moses then communicated to and led the congregation based on the things God revealed to him. Moses had judges to help him handle the practical issues of the congregation. And he had priests to help him handle the spiritual issues of the congregation.
Jesus is the head of the church. He speaks to a man, the pastor. The pastor then communicates to and leads the congregation based on the things God revealed to him. The pastor has elders and leaders to help handle the practical issues of the congregation. And he has assistant pastors and leaders to help him handle the spiritual issues of the congregation.
Below is a modified leadership structure diagram which keeps the essence and principles of the previous diagram, but this model applies to home studies, church ministries, or any work of God.
Jesus is the head of the church. He speaks to the Leader.
The leader then communicates and leads the people based upon the things God revealed.
The leader also has spiritual leaders and peers for Accountability. These provide counsel and correction from the Lord.
The leader also has other Servants and leaders to minister to God’s People.
Understanding this structure is important whether you are leading, serving or just attending. This helps you to know how God is working, your role in the work, and where to go with difficulties.
Take some time to write out the following information for the ministry that you are leading or serving in.
- Ministry
- Leader
- Accountability
- Servants
- People