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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