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Following Jesus: Submission in the Church

Radiant Church Visalia
Radiant Church Visalia
Episode • Jan 16, 2011 • 52m

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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