Are the elders or leadership team a “board of directors” making decisions, or is it a team of shepherds caring for the flock?

It is fascinating to note that, in the discussion of the emerging movement, the expression “emerging leaders” is used without pause. How do these individuals become recognized as leaders? Who authorized them to speak for the movement? Is it because they are ones who have the most influence? As the saying goes, “if everyone is the leader, then no

The authority of the leader does not “originate” or “arise” with the people but with the Lord. It is on that basis, and on that basis alone, that leaders can act with confidence.

There is no chance that they can succeed. If this promise were not enough, Jesus reminds his listeners that to be secure in him is to be secure in the Father as well. Not only can no one snatch them out of his hand, but “no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (John 10:29). To be secure in Christ is to be secure in the Father, and

Sheep, on the other hand, are always completely dependent on their shepherd. They never outgrow their need for the shepherd to care for them, feed them, lead them, and protect them. The shepherd cares for the newborn lambs and is still there when the sheep grow old and weak.

“When do you receive personal contact from your elders?” the two most common answers are “when there is a financial need or crisis” or “when I have done something wrong.”

“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” (Acts 20:28 NIV).

Imagine the benefit to our churches if dads were equipped to provide every aspect of shepherding care.

You can see that many in the emerging church movement have reacted to their view that any church structure is “modern” by not only “flattening” church structure but by a reluctance to move away from affirming those whom the Lord has called, gifted, and authorized to serve as leaders in his church in favor of “leaderless” groups.[120]