The principle of the “Setmen” and the difference of Autocratic Leadership versus Theocratic Leadership

The principle of the “Setmen” and the difference of Autocratic Leadership versus Theocratic Leadership

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Why is a “Setmen” Important?

Clarity and Responsibility: In a team, it is essential that one person holds ultimate responsibility to ensure clarity on who makes the final decisions. This prevents confusion and ensures that the vision of the church is consistently communicated and upheld. The leader serves as the central figure, providing direction, solving problems, and coordinating teams.

Unity of Vision: When multiple people work together in ministry, there can be a diversity of ideas, insights, and opinions. While this is valuable, it can also lead to division without a clear guiding voice that preserves the course. The “setman” or leader keeps the bigger picture in focus, ensuring the team remains aligned with the church’s common mission.

Strength through Collaboration: Although one person carries the ultimate responsibility, the input from the team strengthens the leader. The leader can draw upon the wisdom and gifts of others but remains the one who must make decisions and provide direction.

Is this Biblical?

Yes, the concept of a “setmen” or central leader is supported by several Biblical principles:

Moses and Joshua:
In the Old Testament, Moses was appointed as the leader of Israel. While Moses had a team of leaders (like his brother Aaron and sister Miriam, and later the 70 elders), he was the one appointed by God to lead and make decisions. In Numbers 27:15-23, Moses appoints Joshua as his successor to lead the people. Although teams of leaders existed, there was always a clear head leader appointed by God.

David and His Leadership Team:
David was king of Israel and had various military leaders and advisors around him (like Joab, the general of his army). Yet, David was the final decision-maker and the one anointed by God to reign.

Jesus and His Disciples:
While Jesus equipped His disciples and sent them out to preach the Gospel, He was always the central leader. After His resurrection, He entrusted Peter and other disciples with specific responsibilities, but Jesus remained the head of the movement, guiding His team.

Peter:
Peter is often seen as a key leader among the apostles after the ascension of Jesus. In Acts 1:15-26, Peter takes the initiative to lead the apostles in selecting a replacement for Judas. On the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), Peter stands up and delivers a sermon that leads to the conversion of thousands, demonstrating his leadership role within the early church. In Acts 10, Peter is also the first apostle to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles, marking a significant moment in the expansion of the church.

James (Brother of Jesus):
James, the brother of Jesus, became the leader of the Jerusalem church. His role as a “setmen” is evident in passages such as Acts 15:13-21, where, after hearing different opinions at the Jerusalem Council, James delivers a final decision that directs the church. He is also referred to as one of the “pillars” of the church in Galatians 2:9, showing his prominent leadership position.

Paul:
Paul is perhaps the clearest example of a “setmen” in the New Testament concerning his apostolic ministry to the Gentiles. Although he worked with many others (such as Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Titus, etc.), Paul was often the central figure in the churches he planted (Acts 13-14). His letters show that he frequently acted as a fatherly leader, providing guidance, correction, and encouragement to the churches he established (such as in Corinth, Ephesus, and Galatia). Paul was the “setmen” determining the course of these churches.

Timothy and Titus:
Paul appointed Timothy and Titus as leaders over the churches in Ephesus and Crete, respectively. In his letters (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus), Paul gave them specific instructions on how to lead. He entrusted them with authority and responsibility, acting as a mentor and apostolic leader.

Timothy in Ephesus: Paul left Timothy in charge of the church in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3), giving him guidance on how to maintain order, combat false teaching, and appoint leaders.

Titus in Crete: Similarly, Paul sent Titus to lead the churches in Crete and appoint elders (Titus 1:5), entrusting him with organizing and guiding the growing community.

John:
John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, took on a leadership role later in his life, particularly in the churches of Asia Minor. He wrote several letters (1, 2, 3 John) in which he exercised leadership, issued corrections, and demonstrated pastoral care. His influence is particularly seen in his role as a spiritual father to the churches under his care.

This does not mean we believe in Autocratic Leadership, but in Theocratic Leadership!

Autocratic Leadership:

Autocratic leadership is a style where one person has complete control over decisions, without input from others. In a church context, this would mean that the leader:

  • Decides alone: There is little to no room for input from others in the team or congregation. The leader sets the direction and execution without consultation.
  • Exercises control: An autocratic leader often tightly controls the people and processes, which can result in a culture of fear or subservience.
  • Acts independently: There is no room for collective wisdom or the gifts and talents of others on the leadership team. The team has little say and simply executes the leader’s decisions.

Theocratic Leadership:

Theocratic leadership, by contrast, is a model where the leader acts under the authority of God. The leader acknowledges that God is the ultimate leader of the church, and their decisions are always subject to God’s will and Word. This model has several characteristics:

  • God’s Will at the Center: The leader constantly seeks God’s will through prayer, Bible study, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Decisions are made with the awareness that the leader is accountable to God, not personal interests or agendas.
  • Trust in Shared Wisdom: While there is a “set-men” who leads first among equals, the leader listens to the team and community to collectively discern God’s way. We see this in the New Testament, such as at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), where leaders came together to seek God’s will in a difficult situation.
  • Servant Leadership: A theocratic leader understands that they are a servant of God, and leadership is about serving others, following Jesus’ example (Matthew 20:25-28). It is about building the church according to God’s desires, not the leader’s will.
  • Responsibility and Collaboration: In a theocratic leadership model, the “setmen” works in cooperation with other leaders, such as elders, deacons, and the congregation. While the “setmen” often bears the final responsibility, this is done in dependence on God and in consultation with other leaders.

Key Differences:

Autocratic Leadership: The leader has ultimate authority. Decisions are made by the leader alone. The team simply executes what the leader decides. The leader is accountable to themselves and controls others. The leader is often forceful, dominant, and sometimes controlling.

Theocratic Leadership: God has ultimate authority, and the leader submits to Him. Decisions are made through prayer, consultation, and seeking God’s will. The team works with the leader to discern and implement God’s plan. The leader is accountable to God and serves people through servant leadership. The leader focuses on service, humility, and dependence on God’s guidance.

Autocratic Leadership is seen in the Bible in kings like Saul, who eventually made decisions without listening to God or His prophets (1 Samuel 13:8-14). This led to his downfall.

Theocratic Leadership is perfectly exemplified in Jesus Himself, who submitted fully to the will of the Father (John 5:19, 30). Another example is Moses, who continually sought God’s direction and always acted based on what God commanded (Exodus 18:13-26).

Conclusion:
In a team, there is always a “setmen” but he or she is not a lone-ranger but rather a team-player!