By Vincent Omegba
The New Testament style of leadership is distributive and collegiate because all the gifts and offices of the Holy Spirit are not deposited in one person or a group of few leaders.
They are spread out according to Corinthians 12:8-10, Romans 12:3-8, Ephesians 4:11 etc on many people.
This does not mean that there are no top leaders or lead pastors but other leaders collaborate with the top leader(s).
The problem we have in the church is that rivalry between leaders and the five fold ministry officials makes many pastors to sideline other offices and gifts holders.
What is needed for churches to fully enjoy these gifts is deep teaching in inter-ministerial relations that emphasizes ministers complimenting each other instead of competing with each other.
We must have respect for each other, recognize our strengths and weaknesses.
As our brothers keepers, we must use our strengths for the benefit of ALL while we allow others to help us to deal with our weaknesses.
We need to learn how to share credit with others and acknowledge the help that we have received from others especially the younger ones.
The people who are offered the opportunity to preach in other churches must submit to the culture of the church and follow the order and instructions of the church like keeping to time.
Guest ministers should under no circumstance collect the phone numbers or contact information of the host’s church members unless with the permission of their host.
People should not use their more visible gifts to outshine others and lure members to themselves.
Each church should have a conflict resolution or interpersonal relationship teaching teams to deal with problems that’ll naturally arise when people from different cultures, perspectives and traditions worship together.