FIVE SMOOTH STONES - The Five Ascension Gifts in the Heavenly Shepherds Bag

FIVE SMOOTH STONES — The Five Ascension Gifts in the Heavenly Shepherd’s Bag

Weaknesses of Each Type:

A - Congregational: Poor for firing or disciplining leadership. Will almost always result in a Church split.

B - Presbytery (board, deacons, elders): Poor for making difficult decisions or quick, far reaching decisions. Boards do not dream, do not stick their neck out, do not have faith (individuals do these things). Biblically, deacons did not govern but rather served under the direction of fivefold ministers. Biblically, elders were heads of local house Churches who together made up the elders of a city Church. By having elders within a particular congregation within a city Church, unforeseen issues may arise needing attention. C - Ecclesiastical (Outside Directed, Apostolic team, Denominational or Bishopric): Poor type if it only takes money out of the local area. Can’t run daily activities when not involved in daily activities. Cannot manage details unless present. A - Congregational: If leadership so feels it is fitting this type may be used to nominate a new senior minister, and to nominate deacons or helps. Helps stay on course (as watchmen on the wall). In each case there are also biblical provisions for raising up and selecting leaders and deacons by succession and appointment of the existing leadership. Support vision and operation of the Church. B - Presbytery (board, deacons, elders): Ministers to needy, prays for the sick. Approves major expenditures. Works in dispute resolution. Works well with assigned tasks and visions, not originating them. Helps stay on course (as a navigator). Supports senior minister. D - Set man, with staff: Works poorly if an ungodly, unholy, prideful, fearful, or dishonest person is in the office.

Balance, in Application:

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