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Join The Table Plurality in Elders
Here is the video I am showing before preaching this Sunday:
9-Leadership from 9Marks on Vimeo.
What does it mean to be “Elder Led”?
The Bible recognizes and regulates the need for leadership and authority in society, in the home and in the church. It speaks to the issue of church government. The controversy, however, has always been over exactly whom did God intend to have the authority to lead the church. There have been several answers given, even by those of us who believe in the autonomy of the local church. Some have said the authority rests in a singular local church pastor. Others say the church is properly led by a plurality of godly pastors or elders. Still others say the authority of the church is in its membership. Who is right? Who should make the important decisions in the life of the church; the pastor, an elder team or the congregation?
Before we try to answer that question, there are a few important truths to keep in mind:
1.) The Son of God
Any discussion on church government must begin with recognition of the clear teaching that Christ is the head of the church (Ephesians 5:23,24). This is not a figurehead position. Christ is actively involved in His church! (Matt 16:18, Rev 1:12,13,20)
As a result, His is the only true authority. His will is what we all want to be done in the church. His commands are the ones we joyfully follow. His glory is why the church exists. Ultimately it could be said, “Everything rises and falls on Christ!” The role of every church leader therefore is to discern the will of Christ for His church.
ESV Value Thinlines!
Crossway recently published the ESV Value Thinline to make it even more cost effective to buy an ESV for friends or those you disciple or mentor. Check out our first two designs for only $12.99 here!
The Secret of the Journey
We cannot find God without God.
We cannot reach God without God.
We cannot satisfy God without God -
which is another way of saying that all our seeking will fall short unless God starts and finishes the search.
The decisive part of our seeking is not our human ascent to God, but his descent to us.
Without God’s descent there is no human ascent.
The secret of the quest lies not in our brilliance but in his grace.
~ OS Guiness, Long Journey Home
What is the Gospel – Free Digital Version
Greg Gilbert’s What is the Gospel? is available for free this month on Amazon’s Kindle and in the iBook store! But just as the gospel isn’t only for us individually, our desire is that this content would reach well beyond those of you who download it for free!
We’d like to challenge our readers to consider others who would benefit—whether they’re hearing the gospel for the first time, growing in the gospel, or being challenged to share the gospel.
Greg Gilbert has served us all by writing this clear and helpful articulation of the good news about Jesus. We think What is the Gospel? will really serve you and your church as an evangelism and discipleship resource. Enjoy!
- from Crossway
