Recent years have thrown up an alarming number of stories of abuse of power in our churches. And behind each story there are precious members of the body of Christ, for whom Jesus died, who find themselves as collateral damage.
Abuse of power is fundamentally a theological issue – it misunderstands and misrepresents God’s nature and character. It is also a discipleship issue – how do we become people who know God well and reflect his character to the world? (What we really believe about God, ourselves and the world shapes how we live and it especially shapes how leaders lead.)
We can’t do Jesus’ work in non-Jesus ways. Looking for shortcuts or more efficient ways of getting Jesus’ work done – ways that avoid the cross-shaped pattern of self-giving – risk presenting a false view of God and the Gospel to the world, and there could hardly be a more serious sin.
This day conference on January 20th will outline the theological and practical issues foundational to the healthy use of power in leadership, and the development of humble and loving leaders.
There will be three main sessions, each interactive with plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion:
Session 1: Jesus work – What is Jesus’ work and what does “success” look like?
- What is the purpose of leadership in the body of Christ? In this session, we will explore a biblical framework for church leadership and then consider some of the consequences for leaders and their churches when we define “success” wrongly.
Session 2: Jesus’ way – Power and leadership
- Jesus’ way is demonstrated as an example to be imitated in John 13 and Philippians 2.
- Power is for serving others! What does this look like for contemporary church leadership?
Session 3: Jesus’ way – leading God’s people in the life of grace
- What does it look like to lead God’s people to a life of flourishing in gracious union with Christ?
- What sorts of convictions must leaders have if they are not to fall – and lead others – into either legalism or license?
- How will the world see God’s grace in action among His people?
This day conference is for anyone who has any responsibility within church for leading others and is free of charge. Refreshments will be provided, but bring your own lunch. There are plenty of places locally to buy lunch if you don’t want to bring one!
Venue: Hope Church Merthyr
Date: 20th January 2024
Time: 9.30am – 3.00pm
For further details contact: paul.edwards@hopemerthyr.org.uk
