Unit 2, Lesson 6
TEAM LEADERSHIP – Serving Together in Plurality
We believe in the independent authority of the local church. We believe each church is to be led by a plurality of godly men who function as pastors together. We believe the role of pastor to be one and the same with the biblical terms “overseer,” “elder” and “bishop.” Acts 20:28-29 and 1 Peter 5:1-4 use these terms interchangeably. Among the plurality of pastors, there is recognition of differing giftedness and abilities in leadership that may set some apart from others in function, but not in authority.
As leaders of a local church, the pastors are “under-shepherds” to Jesus Christ together as a team.
Note: The character of leaders and how they function together practically is also more thoroughly developed in Part 3 of Crossway’s DNA Lessons, Leadership Culture.
New Testament
Acts 1:15; Acts 14:23; Acts 15:13-22; Acts 20:28-29; Galatians 2:9; Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 3; 1 Timothy 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-4
