30
Oct
#5 “Leadership” by Mark Dever
Mark closed out the conference with an excellent discussion of leadership. Taking Acts 6 for his text, he talked about (1) elders, (2) deacons, (3) the congregation itself.
On the topic of elders, the main point was that elders are to do everything they can to safeguard their ability to be men of the Word and men of prayer. This has got to take priority and prominence over all other things.
He gave me a lot to think about in regards to congregationalism. In reacting against democratic congregationalism run amuk, I probably have not valued the biblical teaching on congregationalism. Practically speaking, I have probably not violated the congregation’s right to perform certain functions, but I know that I probably have done so more out of pragmatic concern not to rock the boat than for any deep-thinking about what a congregation is actually supposed to have authority over. So, this was very helpful for me.
November 1st, 2007 at 10:07 am
First of all, thank you for your articles in the Pathway and for your blogs.
I was amazed at some of the comments from other pastors concerning Mark and the team. Since it was against their traditional way of thinking, it must have been wrong. I know a lot of what they heard was new, but I pray that more and more people would listen and search the scriptures for the truth.
I really enjoyed the conference and again, thank you for your coverage.
November 1st, 2007 at 10:31 am
I was thoroughly impressed with the Pastor’s Conference. I am familiar with and embrace the 9 Marks that Dever teaches. However, this is the first time I have seen such teachings presented at a Pastor’s Conference. In my opinion, it has been past due. (When will this take place at the SBC’s Pastor’s Conference????)
I did not realize that some Pastors made negative comments about what was presented. I don’t understand how anyone, standing on biblical principles, can reject what was taught this year at the Pastor’s Conference. Of course, as Jon says…if you are standing on tradition, then I guess you could make negative comments. Of course…that would just be the tradition that stretches back to the 1950s, since the ideas expressed by Dever and his team are very much inline with Baptist polity before the 1950s.
It is my prayer that more churches rediscover these qualities of a biblical healthy church. And thank you to the officers of the Conference for providing this resource to the Pastors of Missouri!