Summary

For both good reasons and bad, we distrust authority. And, of course, this attitude affects our view of leadership in the church. And sadly we see in the church a lot of the same abuses of power that we see in the world--TV pastors stealing money, Catholic priests abusing children, church leaders covering up pastoral abuse. All that makes Paul’s explanation in 1 Corinthians 4 of how we should view leadership in the church so important!

Sermon Questions

1. In your opinion, what makes for an effective leader? How does your view of leadership and Paul’s view of leadership line-up? How are they different?
2. The Bible is pro-leadership, pro-authority, and says that all of us should be submitted to it on some level. What does it look like for you to submit to Christian leadership?
3. If you are assigned a leadership position, do you see that leadership position as service? Do you see your leadership role as a place of power over others for the benefit of yourself, or a place of service to others on behalf of Christ, for the benefit of others?
4. Every leader is going to be criticized. How do you deal with criticism when it comes? Do you expect it? Explain your answer?
5. Earthly leaders are just temporary stand-ins for Jesus; or, even better, instruments in his hand. Ultimately, he and he alone is responsible for your salvation. Being overly devoted to, or overly dependent on, an earthly leader is a sign of immaturity, not devotion. What do you think about that statement? Do you agree or disagree? Explain your answer.