Pastor Q&A w/ Francis - How does We Are Church operate in light of the APEST leadership giftings?

Summary

The speaker discusses the need for recognizing and empowering diverse spiritual gifts within the church, beyond the traditional pastoral role. Reflecting on past mistakes, they emphasize the importance of avoiding a cookie-cutter approach that stifles unique callings. By comparing cultural influences to church expectations, the speaker advocates for flexibility in roles, encouraging individuals to explore their gifts without rigid labels. They stress the necessity of support and accountability, aiming to create an environment that nurtures various talents while addressing moral responsibilities, ultimately promoting a vibrant and diverse church community.

Takeaways

• 😀 The church has historically focused on pastoral roles, often neglecting the importance of apostles, prophets, evangelists, and teachers.
• 😀 There is a need for greater recognition and empowerment of diverse spiritual gifts within the church community.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on their past understanding of church roles, realizing they limited opportunities for members with different gifts.
• 😀 Encouraging experimentation and allowing individuals to explore their spiritual callings is crucial for a vibrant church.
• 😀 Acknowledging that not everyone should be a pastor opens pathways for others to fulfill roles aligned with their unique gifts.
• 😀 There is value in celebrating individual strengths, such as teaching and evangelism, without confining them to specific labels.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of guidance that fosters creativity rather than imposing rigid expectations.
• 😀 Mistakes are part of the journey in discovering one's gifts; leaders should nurture talent and provide constructive feedback.
• 😀 A commitment to empowering church members to thrive in their callings can enhance community engagement and growth.
• 😀 The church should aim to create an inclusive environment where all members feel free to express and develop their spiritual gifts.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed regarding church leadership roles?

The discussion focuses on the recognition and empowerment of various spiritual gifts such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, and teachers, rather than just limiting roles to pastors.

How does the speaker reflect on their past views of church roles?

The speaker acknowledges that their upbringing led to a narrow view, where everyone was seen as a pastor, and they recognize that this approach may have limited the church's potential.

What does the speaker mean by the 'cookie cutter' approach?

The 'cookie cutter' approach refers to a rigid way of assigning roles within the church, which doesn't account for the unique gifts and callings of individuals.

How does cultural background influence the speaker's perspective?

The speaker compares their leadership style to the authoritative approach of Asian parenting, suggesting a tendency to impose roles rather than allow for individual expression and exploration of gifts.

What is the speaker's stance on labeling individuals within the church?

The speaker is cautious about labeling individuals with specific titles, as it can create limitations and expectations that might not align with their true gifts.

What importance does the speaker place on encouragement in the church?

Encouragement is seen as vital; the speaker believes that fostering an environment that supports individuals in using their gifts is crucial for growth and community health.

How does the speaker suggest addressing sin within the church community?

While addressing sinful behaviors is necessary, the speaker emphasizes that it should be balanced with encouragement, allowing individuals to grow in their gifts while being corrected appropriately.

What is the significance of recognizing diverse gifts in church leadership?

Recognizing diverse gifts allows for a more vibrant and effective church community, where individuals can contribute according to their strengths and passions.

How does the speaker envision the future of church roles?

The speaker envisions a future where church roles are flexible, allowing individuals to find and utilize their unique gifts without being restricted by traditional titles.

What lesson does the speaker draw from their experiences in Hong Kong?

The experience in Hong Kong led the speaker to realize the importance of empowering various spiritual gifts, recognizing that the church's structure must evolve to support this diversity.