Abstract
In most congregations “the work” of ministering is primarily performed by salaried pastors and permanent staff. The members of the congregation are mainly spectators and, at best, helpers in the various ministries of the church.
They are perceived as laymen and are generally only the objects of ministry. Very few members come forward of their own accord to minister the grace of God and fewer still are afforded the opportunity to become leaders.
This study seeks to show that members of the congregation should be fully incorporated in the ministry teams and leadership structure of local congregations; that as voluntary co-workers, they should be equal to the pastors and permanent staff and should play an active part in realising the vision and mission of the congregation; that they should be empowered, allowed to minister and function as leaders, according to their gifts.
Supported by literature on leadership available in local congregations and examples of what congregations are already doing in this respect, the study further seeks to emphasise the importance of leadership development in local congretations.
In the closing paragraph we look at a few fundamental principles that should form the basis of our thoughts on leadership and the development thereof in congregations. It emphasises that the way we conceive leadership and the implications of our concepts should be fully understood before attempting to implement leadership development.
The study does not seek to establish a definite model or fixed program for leadership development, but concludes with a presentation of universally applicable guidelines for the creation of a leadership development strategy in local congregations.
Prof. WJ Hattingh