²⁷ Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body, and individually [you are] members of it [each with his own special purpose and function]. ²⁸ So God has appointed and placed in the church [for His own use]: first apostles [chosen by Christ], second prophets [those who foretell the future, those who speak a new message from God to the people], third teachers, then those who work miracles, then those with the gifts of healings, the helpers, the administrators, and speakers in various kinds of [unknown] tongues. ²⁹ Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? ³⁰ Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? ³¹ But earnestly desire and strive for the greater gifts [if acquiring them is going to be your goal]. And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one of the choicest graces and the highest of them all: unselfish love].

Paul also talks about counseling: “For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12).

The biblical counseling method utilizes the scripture as the source of magnifying glass that walks along as a guide on the side by focusing the individual pointing to Christ as the source of hope of healing.

Leadership and Counselors: What safe place do you offer? God? Or living in their painful past?

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Another thing I am seeing on social media is some pastors building a platform about themselves or their ministry, not the Word. Even in verse-by-verse churches, you see this.

Is it all narcissism? I don’t think so, but I do think the Biblical concept of pride applies….

Proverbs 16: 5 Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord;
Though they join ^[d]forces, none will go unpunished.

Proverbs 3:32 For the devious are repulsive to the LORD; But His private counsel is with the upright [those with spiritual integrity and moral courage].

Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are extremely disgusting to the LORD, But those who deal faithfully are His delight.

I think if Paul saw a church that not only allowed a person involved in ministry to spread lies but also participated in spreading them with leadership, there would be a letter. Oh, wait. Maybe this is already covered.

Ephesians 4 ²⁵ Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. ²⁶ “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, ²⁷ nor give ^[g]place to the devil. ²⁸ Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. ²⁹ Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary ^[h]edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, ^[i]clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. ³² And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

“The moment a structure begins to promote itself, it has violated the nature of Christ and has drunk the poison of its death.”
― Gayle D. Erwin, The Jesus Style

Church Leadership – are you building your own kingdom or God’s Kingdom?

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