Spiritual Leadership of Anointed Men
The church's life and vitality depend on the spiritual leadership of men anointed by the Holy Ghost.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the critical role of spiritual leadership in the church, arguing that the vitality of the Christian community relies on anointed men led by the Holy Spirit. He warns against excessive democracy within church governance, suggesting that true growth and maturity require strong, spiritual leaders. Tozer acknowledges the discomfort some may feel with this perspective, particularly those from a Baptist background, but insists that effective leadership is essential for the church's success. He concludes with a prayer for leaders to be faithful and for the church to embrace godly leadership.
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Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. --Hebrews 13:17
You cannot deny that the life and vitality of the Christian church lie in the spiritual leadership of men anointed of the Holy Ghost. I dare to tell you that there is danger in too much democracy in the life of the church.
I am sure that some of you with a strong Baptist background will curl up like a burning leaf in the autumn to hear me say this, but that is all right: I am half Baptist myself!
But I do not believe that God expects the Christian church to thrive and mature and grow just on plain democratic principles. If you will check around you will find that even those who hold to democracy in their church policy never get beyond first base unless they have leaders within the denomination who are anointed men, strongly spiritual in leadership. Christ the Eternal Son, 100.
"Lord, it seems as though Christian leaders have failed so often and so visibly that now the church is paranoid. I pray that leaders today would be faithful and pure; I pray that the church today would be willing to follow Godly leadership. Amen."
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
- The Role of Leaders in the Church
- The Danger of Excessive Democracy
- Democracy can hinder spiritual growth
- The church needs strong, spiritual leaders
Key Quotes
“You cannot deny that the life and vitality of the Christian church lie in the spiritual leadership of men anointed of the Holy Ghost.” — A.W. Tozer
“I dare to tell you that there is danger in too much democracy in the life of the church.” — A.W. Tozer
“Lord, it seems as though Christian leaders have failed so often and so visibly that now the church is paranoid.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- The church needs strong, spiritual leaders to thrive and mature.
- Faithful and pure leaders are essential for the church's growth and well-being.
- The church should be willing to follow Godly leadership and pray for faithful and pure leaders.