A Shift in Leadership

A Shift in Leadership

not be limited to one person or a pastoral staff of a few. God does not give associate pastors or assistant pastors, but pastors (Ephesians 4:11). In Crusaders Church, we have ordained and released pastors that have caring gifts to minister to the flock. They are not in the governing presbytery of the church. They understand their pastoral gifts in relationship to the apostolic covering of the church. They are submitted to the vision of the church and do not try to form their own flock. They are shepherds within the flock. They are free to minister to the flock and are not burdened with administrative and financial duties that most pastors are concerned with. They are not bound by the traditional concept of the pastor. They do not have to be the head of the local church to function as pastors. They can fulfill their God-given duty of shepherding the sheep. They have been set free from tradition to bless the people. Churches must expand their pastoral base by acknowledging and releasing those with the gift of pastor. Many pastors will be afraid to recognize and release other pastoral gifts for fear of them gathering small flocks around them. They have inherited a system that creates suspicion and distrust. This is why leaders must develop an apostolic mind-set. Apostles are also shepherds. When Jesus saw the multitudes as sheep without a shepherd, He sent out twelve apostles, not twelve pastors (Matthew 9:36; 10:42). Apostles have the ability to shepherd multitudes. They will have more of a rancher style of leadership. They will embrace and release pastors to help

22