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Discipleship and Leadership Jesus style. One of the things that is driving people out of the church, and sometimes Christianity, is the wrong use and concepts of leadership and authority.
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Seven core Themes Of Mennonites
Voluntary Allegiance to Jesus Christ as Lord.
Becoming a Christian has to do with both an experience o f God's forgiving grace and a deliberate decision to surrender control of one's life to Jesus Christ. This pledge of allegiance to Him is based on the analogy of engagement and marriage. With this analogy, "falling in love", does not make a person married any more than an experience of salvation makes a person a disciple. The church then, is a community of people who share a common commitment to Christ, not a common experience only.
Loving commitment and accountability to one another
Discipleship is a corporate undertaking, which involves accountability to other believers within the framework of committed relationships. This involves reconciliation, forgiveness and restoration within a community where giving and receiving counsel are not only accepted but also valued.
Intentional conformity to the Word of God.
The Scriptures are understood for the purpose of living them out. Jesus own life and teachings give us God's intention of meaning for the rest of Scripture. No amount of correct theology without the intention to obey is profitable.
Respectful recognition of servant leadership.
Leaders are called by the Lord and recognized by the local congregation. Their authority is an earned authority because of their example in faith and life. They are equal in value but different in function totally accountable to God and the congregation for their lives and ministries. They lead by vision and example without manipulation or control.
Uncompromising commitment to peace in all relationships. The Kingdom of God is seen as a higher priority and authority then all of the world systems. The way of peace is made practical by serious intercessory prayer and actively resisting the desire for power and control over others.
Reconciling ministry to those who desire it. The church is a community of faith, sharing with those in need. First sharing within the community of faith then without. This is true ministry.
Active invitation of others to a life of faith and relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
The emphasis should be on beginning a life of faith. Evangelism is both individual and corporate lead by the living Christ and energized by revelation to the individual. It should be preceded by a life of love, which gives the message its authenticity.
Becoming a Christian has to do with both an experience o f God's forgiving grace and a deliberate decision to surrender control of one's life to Jesus Christ. This pledge of allegiance to Him is based on the analogy of engagement and marriage. With this analogy, "falling in love", does not make a person married any more than an experience of salvation makes a person a disciple. The church then, is a community of people who share a common commitment to Christ, not a common experience only.
Loving commitment and accountability to one another
Discipleship is a corporate undertaking, which involves accountability to other believers within the framework of committed relationships. This involves reconciliation, forgiveness and restoration within a community where giving and receiving counsel are not only accepted but also valued.
Intentional conformity to the Word of God.
The Scriptures are understood for the purpose of living them out. Jesus own life and teachings give us God's intention of meaning for the rest of Scripture. No amount of correct theology without the intention to obey is profitable.
Respectful recognition of servant leadership.
Leaders are called by the Lord and recognized by the local congregation. Their authority is an earned authority because of their example in faith and life. They are equal in value but different in function totally accountable to God and the congregation for their lives and ministries. They lead by vision and example without manipulation or control.
Uncompromising commitment to peace in all relationships. The Kingdom of God is seen as a higher priority and authority then all of the world systems. The way of peace is made practical by serious intercessory prayer and actively resisting the desire for power and control over others.
Reconciling ministry to those who desire it. The church is a community of faith, sharing with those in need. First sharing within the community of faith then without. This is true ministry.
Active invitation of others to a life of faith and relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
The emphasis should be on beginning a life of faith. Evangelism is both individual and corporate lead by the living Christ and energized by revelation to the individual. It should be preceded by a life of love, which gives the message its authenticity.