LEADERSHIP

Leadership as Practised In the Life of Jesus Christ or Apostle Paul, In Light Of 21st Century Context

Leadership as Practised In the Life of Jesus Christ or Apostle Paul, In Light Of 21st Century Context

Introduction

The following paper is about the five-fold leadership ministry matrix and its application in the today's church, therefore, to give the readers a comprehensive understanding of five-fold matrix. Five-fold leadership matrix comprised of The Apostle, The Prophet, The Evangist, The Pastor and The Teacher (APEPT). Similarly, practicing leadership to managing change, communicating vision and dealing with the opposition are the main essence of the paper.

Discussion

When the five-fold leadership ministry matrix functions are strategically incorporated into the leadership and ministry structures of the church, the results are quite breathtaking. As the passage of Ephesians 4:7-16 reveals, the impact is both personal and communal. The five-fold ministry functions, under the leading of the Holy Spirit, bring the following dynamics to the church:

Prepared to Serve

There is a new sense of empowering, and emphasis on equipping all of God's people to serve in ways that reflect their passion and wiring. There is a sense of God bringing thorough completion to His people, in the sense of repairing or adjusting.

Built Up

Encouragement and opportunity are part of the structure that sees each person growing and securely involved in the social and spiritual architecture of the church.

United in Faith

Our differences are encouraged and celebrated, but there is such oneness about our faith in Christ. He is central; He is the vision.

Mature in Christ

Jesus is the goal and the standard when it comes to how we live - in every aspect of our lives. He brings completion o us, and a greater sense of contentment (Copeland, n.d., pp. 18-22).

Not Easily Led Astray

People grow in authenticity and compassion. There is honesty, without abrasiveness; grace without compromise. There is a more informed and Spirit-led capacity to live in the way Jesus loves.

Support Permeates the Culture

This kind of support means to be joined together closely, organised compactly. The idea is that everyone is connected to someone else in a close way, so there is a deeper level of love and support for individuals and roups.

Released in Uniqueness

When people operate within their God-given function, and their giftedness is released, the church moves closer to what it are designed to be.

The above mentioned seven outcomes are incredibly important for any community of believers to experience. This is precisely why there is an urgent need to embrace a framework that releases the five-fold functions. The five areas are designed to help bring the church into wholeness and maturity. The theological reasoning for moving towards the five-fold functions is clear.

Explaining the five-fold functions

Describing each of the five-fold functions assisted in creating a framework in which every person can operate within, as an important member of the body of Christ. As one can read this, he/she will be gaining a sense of the areas that resonates more deeply in a person.

The APOSTOLIC

Literally an apostle is one sent as a ...