6
By Student Name
The mission of biblical leadership is focused on emulating Christ,who is the founder of the church and the faith of Christians. Jesusoffered his life as a ransom service for the others1.His work was service for humanity2although he was God’s son, and had more power than any leader inthe world. Jesus offers a practical example of what it means to serveother in3.He humbled himself to the level of a servant and washed the feet ofhis disciples something that seemed awkward to a person of hiscaliber. From this incident, it is imperative to Christian leadersbecause it teaches them that it is their responsibility to show loveto their followers. In the mission of biblical leadership, I wouldhave the role of guiding other people on how to lead a Godly life. Inthis case, I would use the biblical teachings in guiding otherindividuals. Just like Billy Graham, I would cooperate with localchurches in fulfilling God’s calling on this mission. For instance,I would support the success of the evangelistic ministry.
Though Jesus was fully conscious of his place as a leader before hisdisciples, he desired to humble himself in their presence and servethem. Christian leaders are called upon to emulate the servant-hooddepicted by their founder, by not only being a leader in the church,but also standing to serve their congregation. In fulfillingservant-hood, Christian leaders are called upon to rise and serve Godas well as people in all things.4The servant-hood described in the Bible implies serving humanity inlight of the purpose of God.
Notably, being a servant for a Christian does not only mean offeringspiritual guidance to people it calls for showing compassion for theneedy and those who are materially-deprived like the poor, orphans,widows and others. Therefore, the mission of Christian leader is notonly a spiritual mission, but also a mission that caters for physicalwellbeing of humanity. Arguably, the Christian mission is notdiscriminative and should be geared towards serving all peopleregardless of their religious affiliations as Jesus served both theJews and the Gentiles.5
Taylor, Edwards, Luther, and Calvin are leaders whose efforts andcommitments in the growth of the church are indispensable. Theyimmensely contributed to the evolution of Christian faith. MartinLuther is one of the distinguished leaders in the protestantrevolution that produced a far-reaching effect in revolutionizingChristian faith to date6.The life of Luther is distinguished in various ways as he stoodstrongly against the vices propagated the early Roman Catholic churchlike the sale of indulgences. His stand against evil in the societyis imperative to Christians because we are encouraged to standagainst evils in the today’s church. Importantly, Luther stressedthe importance of having faith to Christians7.According to him, faith is the most important tool that can helpbelievers inherit eternal life. Salvation to Christians is achievedby faith alone as Christ taught.
Taylor, Calvin, and Edwards also led lives that were highly devotedto service of God. They are a source of inspiration to Christians intheir lives today. Like Luther, Calvin contributed heavily to theevolution of Protestant Reformation.8He emphasized that believers are destined to salvation andtherefore, they have strong faith in God that is crucial in achievingsalvation. Calvin affirmed that strict understanding of God’ssovereignty is critical to believers. Edwards, on the other hand,conformed to the teachings of Calvin on the sovereignty of God. LikeLuther, Edwards conceptualized salvation as a product of faithalone9.He also believed that human beings are sinful in nature, and theyshould strive for righteousness and this was to be attained throughfaith. Notably, the scholars mentioned above emphasized theimportance of faith in redeeming human race and reuniting them toGod. Therefore, their teachings are imperative in the life ofcontemporary Christians as they live in situations, where faith is animportant tool not only in helping relate well with others, but alsoin leading us to eternity10.
From what I have learned from these leaders, this is likely to impactme directly on matters of application of faith. As a Christian, Iwould accept to be guided by faith in all the things that I engagein. this would imply that my life will be based on faith. Regardingleadership, I would be capable of applying faith and teaching aboutfaith to others.
Bibliography
Luman, Richard. "UnitiveProtestanism John T. McNeill."TheJournal of Religion 44, no. 4 (2002): 337-45. doi:10.1086/485725.
Reagan, Joseph Cowley. "Did the Petrobrusians Teach Salvation byFaith Alone?" The Journal of Religion 7, no. 1 (2009):81-91. doi:10.1086/480637.
Wright, William A. "Salvation Determined Solely byJustification: “God’s Mercy Alone and Christ’s Merit”."Calvin`s Salvation in Writing: 12, no. 5 (2008): 143-86.doi:10.1163/9789004292321_005.
1John 10:30
2Matthew 20:28
3John 13:1-17
4 Reagan, Joseph Cowley. "Did the Petrobrusians Teach Salvation by Faith Alone?" The Journal of Religion 7, no. 1 (2009): 81-91. doi:10.1086/480637.
5 Reagan, Joseph Cowley. "Did the Petrobrusians Teach Salvation by Faith Alone?" The Journal of Religion 7, no. 1 (2009): 81-91. doi:10.1086/480637.
6Luman, Richard. "UnitiveProtestanism John T. McNeill."The Journal of Religion 44, no. 4 (2002): 337-45. doi:10.1086/485725.
7Romans 5:1
8Wright, William A. "Salvation Determined Solely by Justification: “God’s Mercy Alone and Christ’s Merit”." Calvin`s Salvation in Writing: 12, no. 5 (2008): 143-86. doi:10.1163/9789004292321_005.
9Reagan, Joseph Cowley. "Did the Petrobrusians Teach Salvation by Faith Alone?" The Journal of Religion 7, no. 1 (2009): 81-91. doi:10.1086/480637.
10Wright, William A. "Salvation Determined Solely by Justification: “God’s Mercy Alone and Christ’s Merit”." Calvin`s Salvation in Writing: 12, no. 5 (2008): 143-86. doi:10.1163/9789004292321_005