#176 Pastors, Laity, and Christ’s Kingdom

Part I: Soteriological Implications and Priesthood of Believers

Throughout this course and my Master of Divinity program I have observed many changes in my ways of thinking through ministry. I am an extreme advocate for balance of opinion when it comes to the priesthood of believers. On the one hand I would argue that all Christians need to be involved in ministry in one way or another, by learning or leading semi regularly in a small group, by volunteering, and leading others towards Christ. But these things are so often used as a sort of guilt trip by Christians where the intention to change and the accompanying shame becomes more important than the life they want to live. Because as it turns out Christ’s burden is light I do not believe He wants us to all work 60+ hours a week so that we can provide for our families and be perfect Christians. While this sort of thinking makes carrying shame the only alternative. Instead God calls us to work alongside Him like little children with their father. When a child works with their parents on a project it tends to be a little bit of help and mostly watching. Eventually the child gets bored and leaves and then comes back again. This is normal yet in the end the child will say that they helped. God wants our help but more than our help I would venture He wants our hearts to be in the right place. As like a child our help does not make a difference to God’s plan, but how exciting to be a part of it.

We may consider the example of Psalm 51 where David sought forgiveness from God for his sin of sleeping with Bathsheba. Erickson writes, “Here we find a strong emphasis on the idea of sin as an inward condition or disposition, and the need of purging the inward person.” From this we may surmise that God cares more about the heart than the deeds that we do. But our actions are symbols of our inner state. Again with Psalm 51, “God will be vindicated, as Psalm 51 declares in the face of massive human sin (specifically, David’s sin, to which Paul will return in 4:7f.).” God is the one who judges our actions. It may also be suggested that “ we don’t need to justify ourselves because we have been justified by God, we experience both contentment and vitality” The position of our hearts carries the truth of relationship with God but our actions give us some indication. Since it is the work of the pastoral counselor “not only to identify the sin but to help people deal with it” We must help people strike a life balance between service to God and maintaining their needs.

Part II: Church Leaders’ View of Laity and Them Being Leaders

There are many ways in which we use Scripture to build people into leaders. One of the best ways to do this is through the Psalms. The Psalms have emotional and spiritual expression, and are particularly well suited to forming the heart and mind of a godly leader. Through reading the Psalms people gain experience in how to express themselves to God. This is an essential skill for anyone aspiring to lead others in a spiritual capacity, because the foundation of leadership in the Christian context is not just action or direction it is a deep, abiding relationship with God. The Psalms model this type of relationship in a meaningful way.

Since the “Psalms provide us with inspired models of how to meditate about God, that is, how to think reflectively about God and what he has done for us,” they serve as a training ground for the soul. The study of the Psalms introduces a person to the rich tradition of Biblical meditation, which differs significantly from the passive or emptying practices of secular meditation. Instead, it is an active, deliberate engagement with the character and actions of God. This means that through studying the Psalms, potential leaders learn how to communicate with God and in turn, what it means to be a friend of God. Leadership in the church is not merely about being efficient or visionary; it is about knowing God deeply and modeling that relationship for others. The Psalms teach us the rhythms of a God centered life, rooted in prayer, praise, dependence, and confession.

As Howell states, “leadership is a concept of immense importance,” while it is also true that “leadership is an inside out job.” This phrase is particularly significant when we are considering spiritual leadership. It suggests that before a person can effectively lead others, they must first undergo an internal transformation. Leadership that is merely skill based or personality driven often leads to burnout, misdirection, or superficial impact. In contrast, leadership that flows from a transformed heart one shaped by Scripture, prayer, and communion with God has the potential to affect real and lasting change in others. Leaders need to be changed on the inside before they can change others on the outside. The Psalms play a key role in that inner transformation. They sharpen a leader's theological understanding, emotional awareness, and personal connection to the Lord. Furthermore, “A church leader must also be able to cast the vision that creates the disciple-making culture of the church.”

I find great value in reading the Psalms as reminders of how to relate to God. In many seasons of life whether times of rejoicing or moments of despair the Psalms give language to experiences we might otherwise struggle to articulate. They remind us that we are not alone in our doubts, fears, or praises. While memorizing Psalms gives a leader tools that may be used in conversation, both pastoral and everyday. A leader equipped with Scripture can not only encourage others but also bring truth to bear on difficult situations. Quoting or paraphrasing a Psalm in the right context can offer comfort, guidance, and wisdom in ways that our own words cannot. The power of Scripture, particularly when stored up in the heart, cannot be overstated in spiritual leadership.

One thing that stood out to me in studying small groups during my degree was by Dempsey when he wrote that “The ultimate success for a small group leader is to simultaneously grow your group in quality and quantity while developing future leaders.” This insight struck a chord with me because it encapsulates the dual purpose of leadership within the body of Christ: personal spiritual growth and the multiplication of that growth in others. Small groups, when done well, are incubators for this kind of development. They offer a space where people can engage deeply with the Word, share their lives, and begin to explore leadership in a safe and supportive environment.

This may be accomplished in many ways, but through the mutual teaching of the Word people grow in their relationship to God, allowing for higher quality groups. As members of a small group sharpen one another through discussion and Scripture study, the entire group becomes more spiritually mature. As the group gets to know their Bible better, they naturally ask harder and harder questions of the group leaders, causing them too to grow. This dynamic is not just beneficial, it is essential. Leaders are sharpened by those they lead, just as iron sharpens iron. A stagnant leader is often a sign of a stagnant group. But a group that challenges, questions, and seeks truth will inevitably stretch its leaders as well.

While the emphasis on creating new groups gives people the opportunity to branch out and become leaders themselves, it also helps prevent stagnation and encourages innovation. In a growing ministry, there must always be an eye toward raising up the next generation of leaders. This multiplication mindset is Biblical and strategic. By equipping people through Scripture, especially through the Psalms and through structured small group dynamics, we fulfill the call to make disciples who make disciples. Leadership training, then, is not just a course or a workshop, it is a lifestyle shaped by the Word of God and a willingness to be transformed from the inside out.

Part III: Church Leaders and Church Extending Christ’s Kingdom

I am hoping to join the Air Force after this term once I graduate from my Master of Divinity program. In that context I will be a chaplain. The role of a chaplain can vary dramatically from base to base according to support and responsibilities. The assumption is that the focus will be on pastoral counseling and a small group setting. As such the skills that leaders need to develop in this context need to match the needs of the people in this context.

The first habit I would say is consistent Bible study. It should scare Christians who work in secular environments how many non Christian voices speak into their lives. This is something to defend against. Not to avoid the secular environment or to avoid non Christians but instead to become equipped for the conversations that will challenge their Faith. By reading the Bible daily we give God the chance to speak into our lives.

The second skill to be taught is Bible memorization. In the same way that reading your Bible gives God an outlet to communicate with you, Bible memorization gives you the words to defend your Faith in times of need. As part of my role I will attempt to build community among my fellow believers by “establishing the “one another” commands which result in Biblical community.” Through study and memorization the community learns how to care for one another according to the Bible.

The third thing is a focus on leadership development. As a chaplain I may care for 1000-2000 soldiers at a time which is not possible. Therefore I need to develop other needs who may address needs and to identify needs. The more spiritual leaders are developed the less people fall through the cracks. While also helping to lead others towards Christ. As leaders we need to realize that “God has something in mind for the individual believer to do in His kingdom.” This is every Believer, not just the charismatic ones. Therefore we should seek to develop all the people in our care.

The fourth is having a focus on developing small groups. Through the use of small groups I can maximize the potential of the leaders available and help more people to grow in their relationship to God.

The final focus is balance. Many soldiers work more than 40 hours a week and face the possibility of deployment away from their family regularly. This results in a higher than average divorce rate. By teaching people to live a balanced life as much as possible, marriages may be strengthened and people may be more lead to find joy in the Lord rather than another burden. The pastoral counseling principle that “God is already active in the counselee” indicates that God is directing them. We can come alongside people and help them to see how God is at work in their lives.

Bibliography

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Earley, Dave, and Rod Dempsey. Disciple Making Is...: How to Live the Great Commission with Passion and Confidence. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, 2013.

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Howell Jr., Don N., Servants of the Servant: A Biblical Theology of Leadership (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2003).

Lambert, Heath. A Theology of Biblical Counseling: The Doctrinal Foundations of Counseling Ministry. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2016.

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Putman, Jim, Bobby Harrington, and Robert E. Coleman, DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013).

Wright, Tom. Justification: God’s Plan and Paul’s Vision. London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2009.