Huduma ya Kichungaji, Misheni na Uongozi wa Kanisa wa Kibaptisti — Sehemu ya 4: Kuongoza Mabadiliko katika Kanisa la KimkutanoBaptist Pastoral Ministry, Missions, and Church Leadership — Unit 4: Leading Change in a Congregational Church

Mstari MkuuKey Verse

"Palipo na ukosefu wa mashauri makusudi hubatilika; Bali kwa wingi wa washauri huthibitika." (Mithali 15:22, SUV)"Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established." (Proverbs 15:22, NKJV)

Malengo ya KujifunzaLearning Objectives

Utakapomaliza kipindi hiki, unapaswa kuweza:When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

1. Kutofautisha kile ambacho kanisa halipaswi kamwe kukibadilisha (injili, mamlaka ya Maandiko, maagizo mawili ya Bwana) na kile ambacho linaweza kukibadilisha (mbinu, ratiba, taratibu).1. Distinguish what a church must never change (the gospel, the authority of Scripture, the ordinances) from what it may change (methods, schedules, forms).

2. Kueleza kwa nini mabadiliko katika kanisa la Kibaptisti lazima yaamuliwe na kusanyiko, kwa kutumia Matendo 6 na Matendo 15.2. Explain why change in a Baptist church must be decided by the congregation, using Acts 6 and Acts 15.

3. Kueleza njia ya hatua kwa hatua ya kuliongoza kanisa katika mabadiliko.3. Describe a step-by-step way to lead a church through change.

4. Kueleza kwa nini watu hupinga mabadiliko na jinsi mchungaji anavyojibu kwa subira na heshima.4. Explain why people resist change and how a pastor responds with patience and respect.

5. Kujibu pingamizi kwamba mchungaji anapaswa kuongoza bila kura, kwamba mapokeo hayapaswi kubadilika kamwe, na kwamba mabadiliko huleta maafikiano mabaya.5. Answer the objections that the pastor should lead without a vote, that tradition should never change, and that change brings compromise.

Sauti ya Kozi HiiThe Voice of This Course

Kozi hii imeandikwa kutoka ndani ya mapokeo ya Kibaptisti, kwa ajili ya wachungaji Wabaptisti. Ni ya kihafidhina katika mafundisho na ya vitendo katika kusudi. Wabaptisti wanapotofautiana wao kwa wao tunasema hivyo, tunaeleza kila mtazamo kwa haki, na tunatoa jibu ambalo Wabaptisti wengi wa kihafidhina wangetoa. Utawala wa kanisa unafundishwa katika Kozi ya 3; hapa tunauliza jinsi mchungaji anavyoongoza kwa vitendo kanisa linalojitawala.This course is written from inside the Baptist tradition, for Baptist pastors. It is conservative in doctrine and practical in purpose. Where Baptists differ among themselves we say so, state each view fairly, and give the answer most conservative Baptists would give. Church government is taught in Course 3; here we ask how a pastor actually leads a church that governs itself.

Aina Mbili za MabadilikoTwo Kinds of Change

Si kila kitu katika kanisa kinaweza kubadilishwa, na si kila kitu lazima kibaki vile vile. Mchungaji asiyeweza kutofautisha ataharibu kanisa au atalifanya lishindwe kusonga.Not everything in a church may be changed, and not everything must stay the same. A pastor who cannot tell the difference will either damage the church or paralyze it.

Kisichopaswa kubadilika. Yuda 3 inawahimiza waumini wapigane vita vikali kwa ajili ya "imani waliyokabidhiwa watakatifu mara moja tu." Injili, uungu wa Kristo na kazi yake ya wokovu, mamlaka ya Biblia yote, maagizo mawili ya ubatizo na Meza ya Bwana, na hali ya msingi ya kanisa kama ushirika wa waumini, si yetu kuyarekebisha. Paulo aliandika kwamba hata malaika kutoka mbinguni akihubiri injili nyingine lazima akataliwe (Wagalatia 1:8). Waebrania 13:8 inasema kwamba Yesu Kristo ni yeye yule jana na leo na hata milele. Hakuna kura ya kanisa inayoweza kubadilisha alichosema.What must not change. Jude 3 urges believers to contend earnestly for "the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." The gospel, the deity and saving work of Christ, the authority of the whole Bible, the two ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper, and the church's basic character as a fellowship of believers are not ours to adjust. Paul wrote that even an angel from heaven must be rejected if he preached another gospel (Galatians 1:8). Hebrews 13:8 says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. No vote of a church can change what He has said.

Kinachoweza kubadilika. Mambo mengi hayakuamriwa na Maandiko: wakati wa ibada, mpangilio wa ibada, mtindo wa muziki, lugha inayotumika, mpangilio wa madarasa, jengo, umbo la bajeti. Katika mambo haya kanisa hutumia hekima. Yesu aliwakemea Mafarisayo kwa kushikilia desturi za kibinadamu huku wakiacha amri ya Mungu (Marko 7:8-9). Paulo alibadilisha mbinu zake ili kuwafikia watu: alikuwa "kila kitu kwa watu wote, ili kwa njia zote niwaokoe baadhi yao" (1 Wakorintho 9:22). Katika baraza la Yerusalemu kanisa liliamua kutowawekea Wamataifa waumini desturi ya Kiyahudi ya kutahiriwa (Matendo 15:19-20, 28).What may change. Many things are not commanded by Scripture: the time of the service, the order of worship, the style of music, the language used, the arrangement of classes, the building, the form of the budget. On these the church uses wisdom. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for holding to human traditions while leaving aside God's commandment (Mark 7:8-9). Paul changed his methods to reach people: he became "all things to all men, that I might by all means save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22). At the council of Jerusalem the church decided not to put the Jewish custom of circumcision on Gentile believers (Acts 15:19-20, 28).

Kwa hiyo swali la kwanza la mchungaji ni siku zote: Je, Maandiko yanaamuru hili, au limeachwa kwa hekima yetu? Ikiwa Maandiko yanaliamuru, tunatii, kwa gharama yoyote. Ikiwa limeachwa kwa hekima, kanisa huamua kwa upendo, kwa kuzingatia injili na ndugu aliye dhaifu (Warumi 14:1, 19).The pastor's first question is therefore always: Does Scripture command this, or is it left to our wisdom? If Scripture commands it, we obey, whatever the cost. If it is left to wisdom, the church decides in love, with attention to the gospel and to the weaker brother (Romans 14:1, 19).

Jinsi Kanisa la Kimkutano LinavyoamuaHow a Congregational Church Decides

Kanisa la Kibaptisti hujitawala chini ya Kristo (Kozi ya 3, Vipindi 1 hadi 3). Kwa hiyo mabadiliko si uamuzi wa mchungaji peke yake. Kielelezo cha Agano Jipya ni kwamba viongozi huongoza na kanisa zima hushiriki.The Baptist church governs itself under Christ (Course 3, Units 1 to 3). Change is therefore not the pastor's decision alone. The New Testament pattern is that leaders guide and the whole church takes part.

Katika Matendo 6 tatizo liliibuka kuhusu wajane. Mitume waliliwekea kanisa pendekezo: "chagueni watu saba miongoni mwenu, wenye sifa njema." Kusanyiko lote liliwachagua (Matendo 6:2-5). Viongozi walipendekeza na kufundisha; watu walitenda. Katika Matendo 15 mitume na wazee walikutana, na uamuzi ulitekelezwa "pamoja na kanisa lote" (Matendo 15:22). Yesu alisema kwamba kosa lisilotatuliwa hatimaye liambiwe kanisa (Mathayo 18:17). Paulo aliandikia kusanyiko lote la Korintho kuhusu nidhamu (1 Wakorintho 5). Makanisa yalimchagua mjumbe wa kusafiri pamoja na sadaka (2 Wakorintho 8:19).In Acts 6 a problem arose over the widows. The apostles gave the church a proposal: "seek out from among you seven men of good reputation." The whole multitude chose them (Acts 6:2-5). The leaders proposed and taught; the people acted. In Acts 15 the apostles and elders met, and the decision was carried out "with the whole church" (Acts 15:22). Jesus said that an unresolved offense should finally be told to the church (Matthew 18:17). Paul wrote to the whole assembly at Corinth about discipline (1 Corinthians 5). Churches chose a messenger to travel with the offering (2 Corinthians 8:19).

Hili halimfanyi mchungaji kuwa dhaifu. Katika Matendo 6 mitume walitoa mwelekeo, na katika Matendo 15 Petro na Yakobo walisema kwa mamlaka. Lakini hawakulilazimisha kanisa. Kielelezo cha Kibaptisti ni: mchungaji hufundisha, mashemasi husaidia, kanisa huamua.This does not make the pastor weak. In Acts 6 the apostles gave direction, and in Acts 15 Peter and James spoke with authority. But they did not force the church. The Baptist pattern is: the pastor teaches, the deacons help, the church decides.

Wanahistoria na waandishi wa Kibaptisti wameeleza hili kwa njia tofauti. Wengine wameliita kanisa la Kibaptisti demokrasia, kwa sababu kila mshiriki ana sauti na kura. Wengine hawalipendi neno hilo na wanapendelea kusema juu ya utawala wa Kristo, kwa sababu kanisa halitafuti kile ambacho wengi wanapenda. Linatafuta kile ambacho Kristo anapenda. Jibu la Kibaptisti la kihafidhina ni kwamba hofu zote mbili ni sahihi. Kila mshiriki ana sauti, kwa sababu Roho anaishi ndani ya kila muumini. Lakini kura haiamui ukweli. Ukweli tayari umetolewa katika Maandiko. Kura ni njia ya kanisa ya kurekodi kwamba limemsikia Bwana na kukubaliana jinsi ya kumtii katika mambo yaliyoachwa kwa hekima yake. Kanisa linapaswa kuomba, kujifunza Neno, kuzungumza kwa uaminifu kisha kupiga kura, na linapaswa kushikilia matokeo kwa unyenyekevu.Historians and Baptist writers have described this in different ways. Some have called a Baptist church a democracy, because every member has a voice and vote. Others dislike the word and prefer to speak of the rule of Christ, because the church is not seeking what the majority likes. It is seeking what Christ wills. The conservative Baptist answer is that both concerns are right. Every member has a voice, because the Spirit lives in every believer. But a vote does not decide truth. Truth is already given in Scripture. A vote is the church's way of recording that it has heard the Lord and agreed on how to obey Him in matters left to its wisdom. The church should pray, study the Word, talk honestly and then vote, and it should hold the result humbly.

Kwa Nini Watu Hupinga MabadilikoWhy People Resist Change

Mchungaji anayependekeza mabadiliko na kukutana na upinzani mara nyingi hudhani kwamba watu wake ni wakaidi au wa kidunia. Wakati mwingine ndivyo walivyo. Mara nyingi zaidi wanaogopa, wana huzuni au wameumizwa. Mchungaji anapaswa kuuliza ni nini kilichoko nyuma ya upinzani.A pastor who proposes a change and meets resistance often thinks that his people are stubborn or worldly. Sometimes they are. More often they are afraid, sad or hurt. A pastor should ask what lies behind the opposition.

• Hasara. Mshiriki mzee anakumbuka harusi, mazishi na maombi ya miaka thelathini katika chumba kimoja. Mabadiliko yanahisi kama kupoteza sehemu ya maisha yake.• Loss. An older member remembers the weddings, funerals and prayers of thirty years in a room. A change feels like losing a part of his life.

• Hofu. Washiriki wanahofia kwamba kanisa litapoteza tabia yake, au kwamba hawatahitajika tena.• Fear. Members worry that the church will lose its character, or that they will no longer be needed.

• Majeraha ya zamani. Mchungaji wa awali huenda alilazimisha badiliko, na kanisa linakumbuka.• Past wounds. A previous pastor may have forced a change, and the church remembers.

• Ukosefu wa habari. Watu wengi husikia kuhusu mpango kutoka kwa jirani na si kutoka kwa mchungaji.• Lack of information. Many people hear of a plan from a neighbor and not from the pastor.

• Msimamo wa dhati. Mtu anaweza kuamini kwamba badiliko linapingana na Maandiko au urithi wa kanisa. Huenda yuko sahihi. 1 Wakorintho 13:7 inasema upendo "huamini yote, hutumaini yote." Mchungaji anapaswa kudhani nia njema hadi athibitishwe vinginevyo.• Sincere conviction. The person may believe that the change contradicts Scripture or the church's heritage. He may be right. First Corinthians 13:7 says love "believes all things, hopes all things." The pastor should assume good motives until proved otherwise.

Mchungaji lazima pia akubali kwamba upinzani unaweza kuwa na hekima. Mithali 15:22 inasema kwamba mipango hufanikiwa kukiwa na washauri wengi. Kiongozi anayewasikiliza wenye tahadhari mara nyingi atagundua kwamba mpango unaboreka.A pastor must also accept that the opposition may have wisdom. Proverbs 15:22 says that plans succeed when there are many counselors. A leader who listens to the cautious will often find that the plan improves.

Nehemia kama KielelezoNehemiah as a Model

Kitabu cha Nehemia ni funzo zuri la kuongoza mabadiliko. Nehemia kwanza aliomba, na akaendelea kuomba (Nehemia 1). Kisha akaitazama kuta zilizobomoka mwenyewe, kwa siri, kabla ya kusema neno lolote kwa watu (2:11-16). Baada ya hapo tu aliwaambia viongozi na kuwaeleza tatizo. Aliwaambia jinsi Mungu alivyomsaidia, nao wakajibu, "Tuinuke, tujenge" (2:17-18). Katika sura ya 3 familia na vikundi vingi walipewa kila mmoja sehemu ya ukuta, ili kazi ishirikiwe. Upinzani ulipokuja, Nehemia aliomba na kuweka walinzi (sura ya 4). Alipogundua ukosefu wa haki miongoni mwa watu, alisimama kusahihisha (sura ya 5). Kazi ilikamilika, na watu wakajua kwamba Mungu ndiye aliyeifanya.The book of Nehemiah is a good study of leading change. Nehemiah first prayed, and kept praying (Nehemiah 1). He then looked at the broken walls himself, quietly, before saying anything to the people (2:11-16). Only after that did he speak to the leaders and describe the problem. He told them how God had helped him, and they answered, "Let us rise up and build" (2:17-18). In chapter 3 many families and groups were each given a part of the wall, so that the work was shared. When opposition came, Nehemiah prayed and set a watch (chapter 4). When he found unjust treatment among the people, he stopped to correct it (chapter 5). The work was finished, and the people knew that God had done it.

Moyo wa Mchungaji MwenyeweThe Pastor's Own Heart

Mabadiliko huanza na mchungaji mwenyewe. Huenda hana subira, ana kiburi juu ya mawazo yake mwenyewe au ana hamu ya kujipatia jina. Petro anawaambia wachungaji watumike "si kwa kutaka fedha mbaya, bali kwa moyo wa nia" na kama vielelezo kwa kundi, na mtu anayelichukulia kanisa kama mradi wa kuboreshwa amesahau kwamba ni kundi la Kristo. Paulo aliwaomba Wafilipi wasiangalie mambo yao wenyewe tu bali ya wengine pia (Wafilipi 2:3-4). Mchungaji aliye tayari kusahihishwa, kukiri kosa na kuondoa pendekezo ambalo kanisa halijawa tayari kwalo atapata imani zaidi kuliko yule anayeshinda daima. Uongozi katika kanisa hupimwa kwa uaminifu wa miaka mingi, si kwa kasi ya mabadiliko.Change begins with the pastor himself. He may be impatient, proud of his own ideas or eager to make a name. Peter tells shepherds to serve "not for dishonest gain but eagerly" and as examples to the flock, and a man who treats a church as a project to be improved has forgotten that it is Christ's flock. Paul asked the Philippians to look not only at their own interests but also at the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4). A pastor who is willing to be corrected, to admit a mistake and to withdraw a proposal that the church is not ready for will earn more trust than one who always wins. Leadership in the church is measured by faithfulness over years, not by the speed of the changes.

Njia ya Kuongoza MabadilikoA Way to Lead Change

Hii ni njia ya vitendo kwa mchungaji wa Kibaptisti.Here is a practical process for a Baptist pastor.

1. Omba na uchunguze Maandiko. Uliza kama badiliko linahitajika, na kama Maandiko yanasema kitu juu yake.1. Pray and study Scripture. Ask whether the change is needed, and whether Scripture speaks to it.

2. Sikiliza na ujifunze. Ijue historia ya kanisa. Waulize washiriki wazee jinsi kanisa lilivyokuwa lilivyo. Mchungaji mpya asubiri kabla ya kupendekeza mabadiliko makubwa.2. Listen and learn. Know the church's history. Ask older members how the church came to be what it is. A new pastor should wait before proposing large changes.

3. Pata imani kwanza. Watu hukubali mabadiliko kutoka kwa mchungaji wanayemjua kuwa anawapenda. Tembelea, tumikia na uwe mwaminifu kwa msimu mrefu kabla hujaomba mengi.3. Earn trust first. People accept change from a pastor they know loves them. Visit, serve and be faithful for a long season before you ask for much.

4. Waleta mashemasi na washiriki wanaoheshimika mapema. Wasilisha wazo kwa siri na kwa uaminifu. Waombe ushauri wao. Maswali yao yataboresha mpango na uungaji mkono wao utasaidia kuubeba.4. Bring the deacons and respected members in early. Present the idea privately and honestly. Ask for their advice. Their questions will improve the plan and their support will help carry it.

5. Fundisha sababu kutoka kwa Maandiko. Hubiri na ufundishe juu ya kanuni iliyo nyuma ya badiliko kabla ya kuleta badiliko lenyewe.5. Teach the reason from Scripture. Preach and teach on the principle behind the change before you bring the change itself.

6. Toa pendekezo wazi na dogo. Eleza hasa kinachopendekezwa, kitagharimu nini na kitapitiwa lini. Inapowezekana, jaribu badiliko kwa kipindi kilichowekwa kabla ya kulifanya kudumu.6. Make a clear, small proposal. Describe exactly what is proposed, what it will cost and how it will be reviewed. Where possible, try the change for a set period before making it permanent.

7. Toa muda wa maswali. Hakuna mtu apaswa kushangazwa katika mkutano wa biashara. Fanya mikutano ya wazi au mazungumzo ya nyumbani ambapo watu wanaweza kuuliza kwa uaminifu.7. Give time for questions. No one should be surprised at a business meeting. Hold open meetings or home conversations where people can ask honestly.

8. Amua kama sheria ndogo zinavyohitaji. Fuata taratibu za kanisa (tazama Kozi ya 3, Kipindi cha 10). Tafuta makubaliano mapana, si wingi mdogo tu. Ikiwa robo ya kanisa inapinga kwa nguvu, mara nyingi ni busara kusubiri, kusikiliza zaidi na kurudi baadaye.8. Decide as the bylaws require. Follow the church's procedures (see Course 3, Unit 10). Seek wide agreement, not a bare majority. If a quarter of the church is deeply opposed, it is often wise to wait, listen further and return later.

9. Litekeleze na ulipitie. Baada ya miezi michache, uliza kinachofanya kazi na kisichofanya. Uwe tayari kurekebisha.9. Carry it out and review it. After a few months, ask what is working and what is not. Be willing to adjust.

10. Washukuru waliopinga. Endelea kuwa mchungaji na rafiki yao. Kanisa linalobadilika bila mgawanyiko ni ushuhuda kwa jamii.10. Thank those who disagreed. Remain their pastor and friend. A church that changes without division is a witness to the community.

Fanya mambo madogo kwanza. Kanisa lililoona mabadiliko mawili au matatu madogo yakishughulikiwa vizuri litamwamini mchungaji kwa badiliko kubwa.Do small things first. A church that has seen two or three small changes handled well will trust the pastor with a large one.

Pingamizi na MajibuObjections and Answers

Pingamizi la 1: "Mchungaji lazima aongoze kwa ujasiri. Kura juu ya kila kitu ni polepole na dhaifu." Baadhi ya wachungaji, na baadhi ya makanisa ya Kibaptisti, wanapendelea mfumo ambamo mchungaji au bodi ya wazee ina mamlaka makubwa zaidi ya kuamua mambo ya kawaida ya maisha ya kanisa, ikiliachia kusanyiko neno la mwisho kwa mambo makubwa tu. Wabaptisti hutofautiana juu ya kiasi cha kuwapa viongozi, na hatuwahukumu wanaochagua mpangilio mwingine ndani ya kielelezo cha Kibaptisti. Lakini jibu la Kibaptisti la kihafidhina ni kwamba uongozi wa ujasiri si sawa na udhibiti wa upande mmoja. Petro anawaambia wachungaji wasiwe watawala juu ya kundi (1 Petro 5:3), na Agano Jipya linaonyesha viongozi wakiliongoza kanisa kuelekea maamuzi ambayo kanisa linashiriki. Mwendo wa polepole hulinda. Uamuzi uliofanywa na washauri wengi hudumu zaidi, na umoja wenyewe ni jambo jema linalostahili kulindwa (Waefeso 4:3). Mchungaji aliye jasiri katika maombi, katika uhubiri na katika kielelezo atagundua kwamba kanisa linamfuata.Objection 1: "A pastor must lead boldly. A vote on everything is slow and weak." Some pastors, and some Baptist churches, prefer a model in which the pastor or a board of elders has wider authority to decide matters of ordinary church life, leaving the congregation the final word only on major matters. Baptists differ over how much to give to leaders, and we do not condemn those who choose another arrangement within the Baptist pattern. But the conservative Baptist answer is that bold leadership is not the same as unilateral control. Peter tells pastors not to be lords over the flock (1 Peter 5:3), and the New Testament shows leaders guiding the church toward decisions that the church shares. The slow pace protects. A decision made with many counselors lasts longer, and unity itself is a good thing worth guarding (Ephesians 4:3). A pastor who is bold in prayer, in preaching and in example will find that the church follows.

Pingamizi la 2: "Siku zote tumefanya hivi." Mapokeo yanaweza kuwa hazina. Washiriki wazee wamelitunza kanisa katika miaka migumu, na mchungaji lazima awaheshimu. Lakini Yesu alionya dhidi ya kuacha mapokeo yachukue mahali pa amri ya Mungu (Marko 7:8-9). Jibu zuri ni la upole: washukuru washiriki kwa kile ambacho njia ya zamani ilitoa, onyesha kwamba kusudi la njia ya zamani ni lile lile la njia mpya, na utoe muda. Kamwe usidharau yaliyopita wala watu waliyatengeneza.Objection 2: "We have always done it this way." Tradition can be a treasure. The old members have kept the church through hard years, and the pastor must honor them. But Jesus warned against letting tradition replace God's commandment (Mark 7:8-9). A good answer is gentle: thank the members for what the old way gave, show that the purpose of the old way is the same as the purpose of the new way, and give time. Never mock the past or the people who made it.

Pingamizi la 3: "Kubadilisha mbinu zetu kutatupeleka kwenye maafikiano mabaya na ulimwengu." Wabaptisti wa kihafidhina wana sababu nzuri ya kuwa na wasiwasi huu. Baadhi ya makanisa yamebadilisha mbinu kisha polepole yakabadilisha ujumbe, hadi injili na maagizo ya Bwana yakadhoofika. Jibu ni kuviweka viwili hivi mbali. Mbinu zinaweza kubadilika; ujumbe haubadiliki. Kabla ya kukubali badiliko lolote, uliza kama linaifanya injili iwe wazi zaidi au isiwe wazi, na kama linaimarisha utii kwa Maandiko au linaudhoofisha. Paulo alibadilisha mbinu zake "ili kwa njia zote niwaokoe baadhi yao" lakini hakubadilisha injili kamwe (1 Wakorintho 9:22; Wagalatia 1:8).Objection 3: "Changing our methods will lead us into compromise and worldliness." Conservative Baptists have good reason for this worry. Some churches have changed methods and then slowly changed their message, until the gospel and the ordinances were weakened. The answer is to keep the two apart. Methods may change; the message must not. Before accepting any change, ask whether it makes the gospel clearer or less clear, and whether it strengthens obedience to Scripture or weakens it. Paul changed his methods "that I might by all means save some" but never changed the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:22; Galatians 1:8).

Pingamizi la 4: "Je, ikiwa kikundi kidogo kinazuia kila badiliko?" Subira kwa kawaida ni bora kuliko kura inayolazimishwa kwa kanisa lililogawanyika. Fundisha, sikiliza na uombe, kisha leta jambo hilo tena kanisa likiwa tayari. Ikiwa hatimaye kanisa linapiga kura kupinga pendekezo la mchungaji, anapaswa kukubali matokeo kwa neema. Mchungaji asiyeweza kufanya hivyo katika jambo la dhamiri anaweza, kwa dhamiri njema, kutafuta uongozi wa Bwana kuhusu nafasi yake, lakini hapaswi kulisababishia kanisa mgawanyiko. Kipindi cha 5 kinashughulikia migogoro.Objection 4: "What if a small group blocks every change?" Patience is usually better than a vote forced on a divided church. Teach, listen and pray, and bring the matter again when the church is ready. If the church finally votes against the pastor's proposal, he should accept the result graciously. A pastor who cannot do so in a matter of conscience may in good conscience seek the Lord's leading about his place, but he must not divide the church. Unit 5 deals with conflict.

Matumizi ya KichungajiPastoral Application

Mchungaji Carlos (mfano wa kubuni) anaongoza kanisa la Kibaptisti la watu wapatao mia moja na arobaini. Jengo limejaa Jumapili asubuhi, na wageni wanasimama nyuma. Mashemasi wanapendekeza kuongeza ibada ya pili ya Jumapili. Baadhi ya washiriki ambao wameabudu pamoja kwa miongo mingi wanasema watapoteza umoja wa mkutano mmoja.Pastor Carlos (a fictional example) leads a Baptist church of about one hundred and forty. The building is full on Sunday morning, and visitors stand at the back. The deacons suggest adding a second Sunday service. Some members who have worshiped together for decades say they will lose the unity of one gathering.

Carlos anaomba na kukutana na mashemasi. Anasikiliza pingamizi kwa majuma kadhaa. Anahubiri juu ya Matendo 2:42-47 na Matendo 6:7, akionyesha kwamba ukuaji ni baraka na kwamba kanisa lipo kwa ajili ya watu ambao bado hawamo ndani yake. Anapendekeza jaribio la miezi mitatu la ibada ya pili, huku kanisa lote likikusanyika pamoja mara moja kwa mwezi kwa ushirika na Meza ya Bwana. Katika mkutano wa biashara, baada ya mazungumzo ya wazi, kanisa linapiga kura, na walio wengi sana wanakubali. Carlos anawashukuru kwa faragha, mmoja mmoja kwa jina, washiriki waliopiga kura kupinga, na anamwomba mmoja wao aongoze ushirika wa kila mwezi. Baada ya miezi mitatu kanisa linapitia jaribio hilo na kukubali kuendelea.Carlos prays and meets with the deacons. He listens to the objections for several weeks. He preaches on Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 6:7, showing that growth is a blessing and that the church exists for people who are not yet in it. He suggests a three-month trial of a second service with the whole church gathering together once a month for fellowship and communion. At a business meeting, after open conversations, the church votes, and the large majority agrees. Carlos thanks the members who voted against it by name in private and asks one of them to lead the monthly fellowship. After three months the church reviews the trial and agrees to continue.

MuhtasariSummary

Mchungaji lazima kwanza atenganishe kile ambacho Maandiko yanaamuru, ambacho hakuna kanisa linaloweza kukibadilisha, na mambo yaliyoachwa kwa hekima, ambayo kanisa linaweza kuyabadilisha. Katika kanisa la Kibaptisti mchungaji hufundisha na kuongoza, mashemasi husaidia, na kusanyiko zima huamua, kama katika Matendo 6 na Matendo 15. Wengine huliita hili demokrasia, wengine utawala wa Kristo; mtazamo wa Kibaptisti wa kihafidhina ni kwamba kanisa hutafuta mapenzi ya Kristo katika Neno na kuyarekodi kwa kura. Watu hupinga mabadiliko kwa sababu ya hasara, hofu, majeraha ya zamani, ukosefu wa habari au msimamo wa dhati, na ushauri wao unaweza kuwa wa hekima. Nehemia anaonyesha kielelezo cha maombi, uchunguzi wa kimya, maono yanayoshirikiwa na kazi inayoshirikiwa. Mchungaji anapaswa kusikiliza, kupata imani, kuwahusisha mashemasi, kufundisha, kupendekeza kwa uwazi, kutafuta makubaliano mapana, kupitia upya na kushukuru. Uongozi wa ujasiri si udhibiti, mapokeo yanaheshimiwa lakini hayawekwi juu ya Maandiko, na mbinu zinaweza kubadilika huku ujumbe usibadilike.A pastor must first separate what Scripture commands, which no church may change, from matters left to wisdom, which the church may change. In a Baptist church the pastor teaches and guides, the deacons help, and the whole congregation decides, as in Acts 6 and Acts 15. Some call this democracy, others the rule of Christ; the conservative Baptist view is that the church seeks Christ's will in the Word and records it by vote. People resist change because of loss, fear, past wounds, lack of information or sincere conviction, and their counsel may be wise. Nehemiah shows the pattern of prayer, quiet study, shared vision and shared work. A pastor should listen, earn trust, involve the deacons, teach, propose clearly, seek wide agreement, review and thank. Bold leadership is not control, tradition is to be honored but not placed above Scripture, and methods may change while the message does not.

Usomaji ZaidiFurther Reading

• J. M. Pendleton, Church Manual (Mwongozo wa Kanisa) (1867), kuhusu kanisa kama chombo kinachojitawala.• J. M. Pendleton, Church Manual (1867), on the church as a self-governing body.

• Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students (Mihadhara kwa Wanafunzi Wangu).• Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students.

• Kozi ya 3, Vipindi 1 hadi 3 na Kipindi cha 10, kuhusu utawala wa kanisa, vyama vya makanisa, mikutano ya biashara na sheria ndogo.• Course 3, Units 1 to 3 and Unit 10, on church government, associations, business meetings and bylaws.

• Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor (Mchungaji Aliyerekebishwa) (1656).• Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor (1656).

• Second London Confession (Maungamo ya Pili ya London) (1689), sura inayohusu kanisa.• Second London Confession (1689), the chapter on the church.

• James Leo Garrett Jr., Baptist Theology (Theolojia ya Kibaptisti) (2009), kuhusu kanisa na utawala wake.• James Leo Garrett Jr., Baptist Theology (2009), on the church and its government.

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