1 PLURALITY OF LEADERSHIP A NEW TESTAMENT PRINCIPLE Adrian L. Varlack Sr CBL Instructor/Church Historian

2 PLURALITY IN COGOP Background and History Background and History Impact of Practical Implementation Impact of Practical Implementation Shared leadership cannot function in the same manner as a single leader whether International, National, Regional, or State Shared leadership cannot function in the same manner as a single leader whether International, National, Regional, or State The anointing of God must play the primary role in placing persons graced and gifted by God The anointing of God must play the primary role in placing persons graced and gifted by God

3 A GENERAL OVERSEER’S VIEW Committee appointed: Study the Office of General Overseer (Assembly authorized) Committee appointed: Study the Office of General Overseer (Assembly authorized) The Assembly’s decision in 1994 had the General Overseer’s support The Assembly’s decision in 1994 had the General Overseer’s support Not three or more General Overseers Not three or more General Overseers General Overseer – a functional position; not a biblically called for office such as Bishop General Overseer – a functional position; not a biblically called for office such as Bishop

4 A New Testament Principle The Body Principle The Body Principle Office, Function Position Office, Function Position Biblical – Historical Perspective Biblical – Historical Perspective New Testament Paradigm New Testament Paradigm Concluding Thoughts Concluding Thoughts

5 Clarifications/Definitions GENERAL OVERSEER: While the General Overseer works in conjunction with the General Presbyters to provide leadership, inspiration, vision, and governance, yet he remains the leader among leaders. In doing so, all members of the General Presbytery and International Presbyter should show deference in relevant matters GENERAL OVERSEER: While the General Overseer works in conjunction with the General Presbyters to provide leadership, inspiration, vision, and governance, yet he remains the leader among leaders. In doing so, all members of the General Presbytery and International Presbyter should show deference in relevant matters

6 Clarifications/Definitions GENERAL PRESBYTER: One chosen and confirmed by the International Presbytery after recommendation by Overseers in his area with the participation of the General Overseer GENERAL PRESBYTER: One chosen and confirmed by the International Presbytery after recommendation by Overseers in his area with the participation of the General Overseer GENERAL PRESBYTERY: The General Overseer and all General Presbyters chosen by the International Presbytery GENERAL PRESBYTERY: The General Overseer and all General Presbyters chosen by the International Presbytery

7 Clarifications/Definitions INTERNATIONAL PRESBYTERY: The General Overseer, General Presbyters, National/Regional/State Overseers, International Ministry Directors, and bishops who serve in trans-local ministries as recommended by the International Ministry Directors INTERNATIONAL PRESBYTERY: The General Overseer, General Presbyters, National/Regional/State Overseers, International Ministry Directors, and bishops who serve in trans-local ministries as recommended by the International Ministry Directors

8 Clarifications/Definitions AREA PRESBYTERY: A General Presbyter with the Regional/National/State Overseers under his jurisdiction sitting together for discussion and counsel on regional/national/state issues or any area-wide matters that may be referred to them or about which they may be consulted as a body. AREA PRESBYTERY: A General Presbyter with the Regional/National/State Overseers under his jurisdiction sitting together for discussion and counsel on regional/national/state issues or any area-wide matters that may be referred to them or about which they may be consulted as a body.

9 Clarifications/Definitions REGIONAL PRESBYTERY: The regional/national/state overseers in their respective jurisdictions in communication with their General Presbyter and the pastoral bishops in their respective region for purposes of recruitment, licensure, discipline and restoration of ministers with their Ministerial Review Boards as recommended by the Assembly REGIONAL PRESBYTERY: The regional/national/state overseers in their respective jurisdictions in communication with their General Presbyter and the pastoral bishops in their respective region for purposes of recruitment, licensure, discipline and restoration of ministers with their Ministerial Review Boards as recommended by the Assembly

10 Clarifications/Definitions LOCAL CHURCH PRESBYTERY: No single definition; further study on this level should be developed; it is imperative that plurality of leadership function at this level. Plurality is clearly seen from the NT example: Acts 6:1- 7; 15:1-6; 20: They led the congregation into vital and effective ministry to their community. LOCAL CHURCH PRESBYTERY: No single definition; further study on this level should be developed; it is imperative that plurality of leadership function at this level. Plurality is clearly seen from the NT example: Acts 6:1- 7; 15:1-6; 20: They led the congregation into vital and effective ministry to their community.