Gene A. Getz - Elders and Leaders: Gods Plan for Leading the Church--A Biblical, Historical and Cultural Perspective

My good friend Gene Getz has done it again lifting the biblical essence of the Church and planting it squarely on the front lines of contemporary life. In a day when churches are floundering in stagnant mediocrity and uncertainty, Elders and Leaders bursts through with the brilliant and transforming biblical model.

Bruce Wilkinson, Author: Prayer of Jabez

How refreshing to read a book dealing with church that is historically biblical yet contemporarily relevant. Both biblical accuracy and a lifetime of wisdom merge on a subject filled with controversial issues. I applaud Gene for providing such clarity on a very misunderstood subject. This book should be read by all who are in leadership of Gods church.

Randy Pope, Pastor, Perimeter Church, Atlanta, Georgia

Houses of worship dot the American landscape, places where people come to gain inner strength for the tough game of everyday life. But we the people seem to post a low spiritual batting average, largely because gaping holes exist in our leadership. Most church leaders sincerely want to represent their Lord well, but often fail because the job is much harder than it looksa daunting mix of business, education, soul care and social life. Elders and Leaders points the way toward building an effective leadership team. Not merely a my-story account, this clearly-written and well-researched manual explains the way a church should work. Gene Getz, professionally-competent and biblically-astute pastor of long experience, has written a superb tool which should be required for reading and discussion in every church which hopes to make a permanent impact for Jesus Christ in its community.

Howard G. Hendricks, Distinguished Professor and Chairman,

Center for Christian Leadership

Dallas Theological Seminary

Whatever your denominational orientation might happen to be, this book is a must read. Our dear friend, teacher, leader, and scholar, Gene Getz, has given us his Magnum Opus in this carefully researched and written book on Elders and Leaders. The crisis in leadership in our churches today is at an all-time high. What the Bible and especially the New Testament has to say on this subject is clearly, comprehensively, and convincingly spelled out with supporting exegesis and Scriptural references. Not everyone will agree with everything presented, but all will find biblical, practical, and helpful teaching on leadership. We warmly and urgently commend this book to pastors and serious students of Gods Word.

Stephen F. Olford and David L. Olford

Stephen Olford Center for Biblical Preaching

G ODS P LAN FOR L EADING THE C HURCH

A Biblical, Historical
and Cultural Perspective

Gene A. Getz

M OODY P UBLISHERS
CHICAGO

2003 by
G ENE A. G ETZ

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.

Editor: Jim Vincent
Interior Design: Ragont Design
Cover Design: Smartt Guys design
Cover Photo: Dale Sanders/Masterfile

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Getz, Gene A.
Elders and leaders : Gods plan for leading the church / Gene A. Getz.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-0-8024-1057-3
1. Christian leadershipBiblical teaching. 2. LeadershipReligious aspectsChristianity.
I. Title.

BS680.L4G48 2003
262.1dc21

2003007611

We hope you enjoy this book from Moody Publishers. Our goal is to provide high-quality, thought-provoking books and products that connect truth to your real needs and challenges. For more information on other books and products written and produced from a biblical perspective, go to www.moodypublishers.com or write to:

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to Jim Harris,
a faithful servant of Jesus Christ.

Jim served as an elder at the original Fellowship Bible Church and for many years in the same role at Fellowship Bible Church North in Plano, Texas. A competent building inspector in the business world for many years, he also devoted hours of his time each week to serve as a loving shepherd of Gods people.

He went home to be with the Lord on July 20, 2001. We miss him!

The Elders at Fellowship Bible Church North

CONTENTS

Appendices

I LLUSTRATIONS

Figures

Maps

FOREWORD

A couple of years ago, we were having dinner with Gene Getz and a question surfaced that weve heard more than a few times before: I am at a stage in my life where I have more opportunities than time. What is the most important thing I can do with the rest of my life?

Neither of us hesitated, didnt slow down to confer, didnt even reflect, pray, or ponder. It was that obvious. Its not often that a man with such a rare treasure asks you to help him spend it. Perhaps the flailing arms and unbridled enthusiasm of our answer explains why the waiter started moving people away from nearby tables.

Our answer? Gene, you have one of the best church models in the world that displays healthy eldership. You have years of experience and understanding of how a church board works with godliness, effectiveness, and joy. Additionally, you are practicing one of the healthiest and intentional processes of succession that weve seen: replacing yourself and having each member of your governing board replace themselves. Weve seen thousands of the most effective churches in North America. Most have lost hope that church governance can actually be spiritual, effective, and enjoyable. You have a proven story that repudiates that loss of hope. This is rare. This is valuable. You need to share this gold.

Gene went back and prayed, waited, talked to his elders, his staff team, and his wife. They agreed with the same enthusiasm. The die was cast. Over the next year, this book was written.

What has resulted is characteristically Gene Getz. It is steeped in biblical scholarship, the reality of experience and the keen scrutiny of accountable relationships far beyond the average standard for any book. Biblical governance is a serious issue. This book takes it seriously. This book explores the biblical teaching of eldership and church leadership with intensity like no other.

While comprehensive, this book is also written to be a solution starter, not a simple right answer book. Reading this book, you may have questions such as: