Are they a “disciple of Christ?”

Be blessed in your search for truth… Jesus.”

Wow. Really? Amos, if you have such reservations about men or women who call themselves leaders – why would you even be reading a blog written by such a person? Much less posting a comment? I find this a strange post – could you clarify what the point of your theological lesson really was/is?

…because in every structure there are people PLACED in roles of authority to govern people: Moses, Abraham, etc.. would you argue that none of these were leaders under God? And so therefore, didn’t need guidance, help or resources in HOW BEST to lead? [Which of course, was the point of Jenni's original blog] Jethro’s advice to Moses in Exodus 18 seems to contradict your thought that if people are disciples of Christ, they cannot also be a leader. There was no confusion who God’s leader/leaders were in that time period – or now.

Because we have tools, such as books, available to us now, to help us in that role, does that mean we are somehow theologically-inept? Violating scripture simply by calling ourselves leaders?

The truth is whether you name yourself a layman, a servant, a slave, others will always have some other label or tag for you to wear. But there is no sin in defining your FUNCTION in the house of God, because Paul himself states these functions in his descriptions of the five-fold ministry.

I believe you mean well. I also believe that Jenni and others like her, WOULD describe themselves as servants of God or ’servant-leaders’ which is the more modern terminology. But ultimately, they have a function which requires them to lead. It would be good not to get too caught up in descriptive phrases or language. Instead, it would be nice to help encourage them in their callings, rather than suggesting they go ’search for the truth’ – which in itself seems a little judgmental and impolite.

Just wondering how you reconcile the use of the word “leader” in the ekklesia, male or female,
with what Jesus said in Mt 23:10.

The word “leader”seems like a “high place.” Yes?
Jesus always took and recommended the “low place.”

Jesus humbled Himself, made himself of no reputation
and took on the form of a servant.
Php 2:7

Jesus in Mat 23:10 told His disciples “NOT”
to call themselves master/“leaders”
for you have one master/”leader” the Christ.

King James Version -
Neither be ye called masters:
for one is your Master, even Christ.

The Interlinear Bible -
Nor be called leaders,
for one is your leader the Christ.

Phillips Modern English -
you must not let people call you leaders,
you have only one leader, Christ.

Today’s English Version -
nor should you be called leader.
your one and only leader is the Messiah.

The Amplified-
you must not be called masters ( leaders )
for you have one master ( leader ) the Christ.

Jesus told His disciples not to be called “leaders” and none did.

Ro 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ…

Php 1:1 Paul and Timotheus,
the servants of Jesus Christ…

Col 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you,
a servant of Christ…

Tit 1:1 Paul, a servant of God…

Jas 1:1 James, a servant of God…

2Pe 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant…

His disciples “all” called themselves “servants,”
none called themselves “leaders.” None? None.
None called themselves “servant-leader.” None.

If someone calls themself a “leader”
or thinks they are a “leader;”

Are they a “disciple of Christ?”

Be blessed in your search for truth… Jesus.

Leadership Passages: The Personal and Professional Transitions That Make or Break a Leader (Authors: Dotlich, Noel and Walker)