All Must Follow

... not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. - 1 Peter 5:3

Is the church an army? Yes. Is the church a flock? Yes. Is the church a Body? Yes, the church is all these things, and more. The church is also a building of which Christ Himself is the Cornerstone, and having served as a pastor for almost 22 years of my 37 years in vocational ministry, I have often asked myself this question, "How am I supposed to lead an army that is a flock that is a Body and also a building?

One thing that I have learned is that I would never master that which is indwelt by the Master. If the church is indeed the Body of Christ, of which He is Head, then the true church will go wherever the Head turns, and sometimes it is hard to see those turns coming.

With this in mind, the biblical church leader must know the way (by walking vitally with the Savior), go the way (by walking in His steps), and show the way (by visibly displaying His attributes). Jesus' church will ultimately follow wherever He leads, and the wise under-shepherd follows like everyone else!

Men may yearn for peace, cry for peace, and work for peace, but there will be no peace until they follow the path pointed out by the Living Christ. He is the true light of men's lives. - David O. McKay