Sermon Notes

The Dearest Place on Earth
Week 2: Who Leads the Church?

Leadership

“If I had never joined a church till I had found one that was perfect, I should never have joined one at all; and the moment I did join it, if I had found one, I should have spoiled it, for it would not have been a perfect church after I had become a member of it. Still, imperfect as it is, it is the dearest place on earth to us.” Charles Spurgeon

The church is not a place. The church is a people.

Who leads the church?

The direction of Hope church, the spiritual growth of Hope Church, and the local and global impact of Hope Church are directly linked to who leads Hope Church.

As leaders go, so the people go.

Who leads the church?

1. Jesus Has Ultimate Authority in the Church

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” Colossians 1:15-18

2. Jesus Empowers Human Leadership in the Church

Who are the biblical leaders of the church?
1.Pastors
2.Deacons

Who a Pastor is Matters
(Character)

“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” 1 Timothy 3:1-7

“We (pastors) cannot hide what we are. Indeed, what we are speaks as plainly as what we say…Pastors are told to be models of Christian maturity.” John Stott

What a Pastor does Matters
(Competency)

“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” 1 Peter 5:1-4

What is the role of Pastors in the church?

1.Pastors are called to preserve the doctrine of the church (Feed the sheep)
2.Pastor are called to provide direction for the church (Lead the sheep)

“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7

3.Pastors are called to pursue discipline for the purity of the church (Protect the Sheep)

“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.” Acts 20:28-30


How Should the Church Relate to their Leaders?

1.Follow your pastors

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account…” Hebrews 13:17a

2.Pray for your pastors

“Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.” Hebrews 13:18

“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” Colossians 1:28-29