Last week I shared how important it is for group leaders to understand that they minister with authority delegated from the senior pastoral leadership. This week I want to share the other half: receiving authority from God.
This might be obvious for some, but group leaders who minister effectively know that it is God who has called and empowered them to minister. Receiving authority from the church leadership is not enough – they need to realize that it is Jesus Himself who empowers them.
Just as the early disciples were sent out in Jesus’ name, so are we! When leaders are over the hospital bed of a member, they can pray in the power and authority of Jesus’ name. When they share their faith, it is through the leading and power of Jesus. When they receive vision for their group, it is from the Lord.
When new cell leaders begin their groups, it can be an empowering experience for them to be brought forward and commissioned. The pastors can lay hands on them and pray, perhaps even giving them a symbol of their leadership role. It is also a great time for the pastors to verbally communicate to the whole congregation their confidence in the Lord’s moving in their lives. Comments?
Steve