Scripture References: Ephesians 1:22, Ephesians 4:15-16, Revelation 2, Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 1 Peter 5:1-4, Acts 20:28, Matthew 18
Sermon Title: Authority and Leadership in the Church
Intro:
- Recap of previous sermon: Jesus' model of submission and suffering.
- Focus shift: Moving from what submission is to how and when it is practiced.
- Series overview: Authority in the church (today), submission to one another (next week), authority in the home (following week).
- Announcement: Official establishment of elders at Radiant Church.
- Addressing the complexity of church governance: Diverse opinions and experiences.
- Key principle: Jesus Christ as the ultimate head of the church (Ephesians 1:22).
- Human leadership's role: Qualified Christians following and encouraging others to follow Jesus.
Key Points:
- Church Hierarchy:
- Jesus Christ: Supreme authority.
- Elders/Overseers: Senior leaders.
- Deacons: Leaders serving alongside elders.
- Saints/Members: Active participants in the church.
- Forms of Church Government:
- Congregational: Decision-making power with voting members (majority rule).
- Strengths: Democratic.
- Weaknesses: Popularity over pastoral leadership, pastor as employee.
- Presbyterian: Authority held by a team of elders.
- Strengths: Emphasis on local leadership and mutual submission.
- Weaknesses: (not explicitly stated in text).
- Episcopal: Senior pastor/bishop as the highest authority.
- Strengths: Quick decision-making, decisive leadership.
- Weaknesses: Prone to mistakes due to lack of checks and balances.
- Radiant Church's Model:
- Hybrid approach: Combining elements of all three forms.
- Congregational influence: Occasional all-church meetings for direction, discussion, and prayer.
- Presbyterian influence: Plurality of elders for leadership and decision-making.
- Episcopal influence: Lead elder providing primary leadership.
- Defining "Elder":
- Clarifying the role: Not just administrators or board members.
- Elders as pastors/overseers: Synonymous terms in the New Testament.
- Eldership as pastoral leadership: Caring for and leading the flock.
- Elder Responsibilities (from text and bulletin):
- Protecting the flock from false teachers (Acts 20:28-31).
- Feeding the flock with the Word of God.
- Leading the flock.
- Shepherding imagery: Providing safety, guidance, and care.
- Duties listed in bulletin: Praying, studying, managing, caring, teaching, etc.
- Elder Qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7):
- In relation to God: Must be a man (with current discussion ongoing).
- Personal character: Above reproach, able to teach, not a new convert, sober-minded, self-controlled, not a lover of money.
- Family life: Husband of one wife (fidelity), submissive children, managing family well.
- Relationship with others: Respectable, hospitable, not violent, gentle, not quarrelsome, well-thought-of by outsiders.
- Elder Appointment:
- Holy Spirit's calling: Primary qualification.
- Current elders' role: Appointing new elders after evaluation.
- Church input: Opportunity for concerns/questions.
Conclusion:
- Recognition and commissioning of current elders (Mike Young and Eric Riley).
- Eric Riley's transition: From employee to elder.
- Call for prayer: For the el
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