Leaders
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [1]
This term has a technical significance as applied to leaders of religious classes in the original Methodist societies, and in the Methodist churches of the present day. (See Class-Meetings). The leader's office is one of pastoral help. It therefore involves great responsibility, and requires for the proper discharge of its duties a deep religious experience, combined with a capacity to instruct believers in the practical details of religious truth, to console the afflicted, to encourage the despondent, to guide the erring, and, in short, both by precept and example, to lead Christians and penitents forward in the pathway of holiness. Leaders are expected to meet the several members of their classes weekly for religious worship and conversation, to visit those who are detained by sickness, and to take all suitable means for aiding the religious life and progress of those under their care. They are also required to meet their pastors weekly, to report respecting the welfare of the members and probationers attached to their classes. (See Leaders Meetings) and (See Probationers).
In some cases women are appointed leaders, more especially of classes composed of females or of children. That the office of class-leader has been greatly helpful to the pastorate in those churches which have employed it does not admit of question. Hence it is a recognised obligation of pastors in those churches not only to select the best persons for the office, but also to aid them in acquiring the best qualifications for its useful exercise. To aid in the task of instructing leaders various tracts and small books have been published. See Tract list of the Methodist Episcopal Church. (D. P. K.)
