The vision of the Free Church is of A Healthy Gospel Church for Every Community in Scotland.
In this video and discussion series we are looking at seven characteristics of healthy Christians and healthy churches. Churches with Jesus Christ and the Christian gospel at their centre.
We have thought about Healthy Preaching, Healthy Worship, Healthy Prayer, Healthy Mission, Healthy Discipleship, and Healthy Relationships. And here is the last one: Healthy Leadership.
If churches are going to be healthy, they need Healthy Leadership.
Healthy servant leadership, that follows the example of Christ by serving the needs of God’s people through obedience to the will of God the Father.
Church leaders are not to lord it over those who are in their care, but are to be godly examples to God’s flock, leading diligently, and fulfilling their God given roles and responsibilities.
Healthy leaders will want to equip God’s people for works of service and will provide clear direction to the local congregation so that it can become increasingly healthy.
It is helpful also to recognise that leadership is not just provided by the minister and elders. Leadership happens at all sorts of levels, from leading a Children’s Sunday Group programme to leading a maintenance team.
And because we want to see a healthy denomination, we also want healthy leadership in our Presbyteries and Boards. That together we might be united in our pursuit of a Healthy Gospel Church.
Here are some ideas for encouraging healthy leadership. As a church leadership team connect relationally with one another and do intentional team building. Have a special away day for prayer and vision development. Make sure there is clear communication with the congregation. Demonstrate accountability and good listening. Serve the members of the congregation, working for their good. Create opportunities for others to do things in the life of the congregation.
We are hoping you are able to have a conversation about each of the seven areas with others in your congregation. The discussion guide asks each of us to think about how we might grow in health in our interaction with church leaders? And how our congregation might grow in this characteristic of healthy leadership?
We want to see A Healthy Gospel Church for Every Community in Scotland. Healthy leadership is important for there to be Healthy Christians, Healthy Congregations, and a Healthy Denomination.