God designed the Church to live as a coordinated unit. We have many distinct parts but He wants to walk and serve together. One of the best ways leaders can facilitate such coordination is to guide people to the Source that holds us together.
The Source That Holds the Body Together
Make sure people truly understand that we human leaders are not the head of the Church. Rather, Jesus Christ is the Head.
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Eph. 4:15-16)
As leaders, we therefore guide the Body to the One who has the authority and power to hold us together. We point to His example of working in perfect unity with the Godhead, knowing His desire that we be one as well (Jn. 17:20-21).
Coordination Dependent on Human Leaders Isn’t Enough
If dependent on human leaders, what happens when that leader fails or passes on? Who holds the Church together then? Jesus never fails. Jesus never leaves us.
Human leaders can serve as cheerleaders, teaching and encouraging the Body to function in a coordinated fashion. Jesus, however, empowers us to do so as we abide in Him. He said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (Jn. 15:5)
Implications for Church Leaders
It behooves us to guide people to the true Head of the Church. We aren’t enough to hold the Body together. In Him, however, we find the motivation to function as a coordinated whole. He gives us purpose. He gives us perspective. And, He gives us power.
Take your role as a guide seriously.
All Posts about Coordination:
- Motivation for Coordination
- Means of Coordination
- Coordination Integral to God’s Design
- Coordination Governed by the Great Commission
- Coordination Showcases Christ
- Coordination in Submission to Christ
- Coordination in the Church is Possible
- Coordination Founded Upon the Gospel
- Grace to Hurdle Obstacles to Coordination
- Holy Spirit Essential to Coordination
- Spiritual Gifts Useful to Coordination
- Motivational Effect of His Name to Coordination
- Does Your Church Function as a Coordinated Whole?
- Jesus’ Resurrection Takes Coordination to New Heights
- Jesus’ Resurrection Provides the Keys to Coordination
- Coordinating with One Another, Not Outwitted by the Enemy
- God’s Word Gets Us Singing the Same Song
- Guide the Body to the Source That Holds Us Together
- Prayer Essential to Coordination