Following Christ's Pattern Of Leadership

While Paul could have announced apostolic directives for the Corinthian church to conform to apart from seeking to maintain and further a relationship without sinning, he chose not to. Paul imitates the incarnational pattern of ministry that Christ instituted of placing himself in the midst of people, and establishing a relationship of interdependence where all are encouraged to "follow Paul as he follows Christ." In this way, Paul models the way for each of us who has spiritual authority or influence.