(PROGRESSING FROM THE BOTTOM UPWARD)
| Steps | Who and what to look for. | What to do. |
7 |
Elders (or other believers) who are clearly functioning in an apostolic or prophetic gift. | Send out with a team of workers to plant new assemblies. |
|
Elders (or other believers) who have gifts and ministries that would edify other assemblies. | Release from some local responsibilities for trans-local ministry. |
|
Elders who have gifts and responsibilities that require a full-time effort. | Release from employment by providing financial support. |
|
Home group leaders who are clearly exhibiting one or more equipping gift. | Equip, test, and appoint as elders those who qualify. |
|
Deacons who are showing strong leadership abilities, a sacrificial spirit, and a potential equipping gift (of Ephesians 4:11). | Equip, test, and appoint as home group leaders those who qualify. |
|
Faithful men who are demonstrating a heart to serve and a teachable attitude. | Equip, test, and appoint as deacons those who qualify. |
|
The general
assembly of the believers. |
Teach, test, and observe believers. |
Note: This chart depicts a general pattern, not a rigid step-by-step process. There may be situations where a man is appointed as a home group leader who has not previously served as a deacon, or as an elder who has not previously served as a deacon or a home group leader. The key is that each man be required to demonstrate the qualities described in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 and prove his character over time. Serving first as a deacon and then as a home group leader seems to be a reasonable way for a man to develop his gifts and prove his character, but it may not be the only way.
