2. Taking the Lead in the Local Church

1 Timothy 5:17a reveals that a chief function of the elders of a local church is to take the lead among the believers in that local church. Witness Lee makes it clear below that “taking the lead” does not mean ruling the local church:

The elders take the lead in the local church. In 1 Timothy 5:17a Paul says, “Let the elders who take the lead well be counted worthy of double honor.” All the elders should be able to take the lead in a local church. This means that in everything they should go ahead of the flock to take the lead. To take the lead is not to rule but to set an example in doing things first that others may follow. The elders should always do things as an example. In taking the lead they are not rulers but patterns. (2161-2162)

1.	Being Overseers in the Local Church
2.	Taking the Lead in the Local Church
3.	Teaching in the Local Church
4.	Shepherding the Local Church
5.	Not Lording It over the Church but Being Patterns of the Flock
6.	Taking Care of the Finances in the Local Church