The Joys of Youth Ministry

by Joyce Kang

Four years ago I made the decision to serve in our youth ministry not really knowing what to expect. After spending part of my summer ministering to the youth in the Czech Republic for summer missions, I desired to continue to cultivate discipleship relationships with ladies in this age group. I can hardly believe that several years have gone by since then, and as I look back at my time with the youth I can honestly say that this ministry has been one of the greatest sources of encouragement and joy during my time at Lighthouse.

Over the years I’ve come to realize that what I love most about working with the youth at our church is their incredible passion for life. Whether it’s playing games, going out for frozen yogurt, or simply chatting in the foyer, the youth are notoriously known for their excitement and high energy. One of the greatest privileges that I have as a staff member is to witness the Lord’s work in maturing these young men and women and teaching them to channel their energies in service to God and His people. It still encourages me every week to see a group of young people take seriously the preaching of God’s word and engage in meaningful discussions afterwards about how they can practically apply what they’ve learned.

Our youth understand that the wisdom of this world is vain and that true wisdom can be found in fearing God and studying His word. In the midst of their busy lives of endless studying, participating in extracurricular activities and hanging out with friends, it’s amazing to see our youth continue to make Christ a priority.

One of my favorite memories as youth staff is being able to witness my former and current youth girls take ownership of their faith and make active steps to follow Christ in the midst of various trials. Being a teenager in today’s society is no easy task, and yet I am always amazed by the boldness of our youth in actively sharing their faith and being a witness to their friends. In fact, their countless attempts to invite a friend out to Bible study or to share the Gospel with a classmate has often served as a gentle rebuke to my own pride and laziness in evangelism.

Unfortunately youthfulness is often associated with ignorance and can often stand in the way of being taken seriously, but as we look to Paul’s advice given to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12, one should not be looked down upon because of their age. And believe it or not, there is still a lot that we can learn from those younger than us. So the next time you happen to bump into a youth member at church, I would encourage you to take a few minutes to get to know them. Chances are you will walk away from that conversation surprisingly encouraged and challenged to live and love like they do.

The Original Lighthouse Bible Church Plant

by Elder Johnny Kim

When thinking about San Diego, most people are likely to associate “America’s Finest City” with beautiful beaches, year-round great weather, and an overall laid back lifestyle. However, beyond those leisurely aspects, the second largest city in California also happens to be home to a multi-billion dollar biotechnology industry. In fact, several pharmaceutical companies literally call San Diego home, having located their headquarters here to carry out research and development of what might be the next life-saving drug. Now imagine for a moment a scenario in which any one of these companies successfully developed such a drug and shipped it all over the world, all the while neglecting to make it available in San Diego as its residents fell ill to the very disease this drug cured. Even as a hypothetical situation, it sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it?

Hopefully that would never metaphorically become the case for Lighthouse Bible Church San Diego as we strive to faithfully carry out our Vision to plant churches (Acts 1:8). After starting out as the original Lighthouse Bible Church plant, by God’s grace LBCSD has been able to plant churches and support church plants in the past couple years. However we do so while remaining just as committed to the ministries that God has given us in San Diego. For as long as there are people in San Diego who are spiritually dying, and maybe even some within the church, the call is ever present for the members of LBCSD to remain faithful to the work of the church here.

As we prepare now for the newest Lighthouse Bible Church plant in Los Angeles and anticipate members leaving, the occasion affords those of us who are staying an opportunity to evaluate our own commitment to LBCSD. There will be voids left in various ministries and the remaining members will once again need to step up and serve, not out of obligation or compulsion, but ultimately out of a love for Christ and His Church (Ephesians 1:22-23). For those of us who are not involved in the life of the church, cultivating a desire to serve in the ministries of LBCSD and invest in the members of the body starts with a commitment to LBCSD and a commitment to living out the Mission, Vision, and Passion. In the case that we are not willing to commit to LBCSD or find that it is difficult to do, we should consider if we are harboring in our hearts what I like to refer to as a “default attitude”.

Sometimes we can treat the church we attend as if it is our default church. In other words, we are simply here for lack of better options and we default to attending a church that is the closest, has the most familiar faces, or is the most comfortable. This “default attitude” hurts the church because as people choose a church based on convenience, it becomes more difficult for them to serve in any ministry or be involved in any way that might then pose an inconvenience. However, for the one who is truly committed to LBCSD, it is anything but their default choice. Rather, LBCSD is their first choice and there is no other church where they would rather be as long as God would allow. More than they want that dream job, that perfect house, that prestigious education, any of which might reside anywhere but San Diego, the committed member wants to be at LBCSD because of the people in the church and the opportunity to labor alongside them in carrying out the MVP specifically in San Diego. It is hardly ever convenient to attend all the various church events, to fellowship with fellow brothers and sisters during a busy week, or to sacrificially give of our offerings among other things, but we are called to do so because we love Christ and we love His church for which He gave His life (Ephesians 5:25).

Likewise, it is definitely not convenient to quit your job, uproot your family, and sell your home at a loss all in order to go plant a church. In fact, the prospect of church planting itself is an opportunity to consider if we indeed have a “default attitude”. After much prayer, counsel, and effort spent considering biblical principles in the Word, some members have committed to join the LBCLA church plant. Yet for those who have decided not to go to LBCLA, it can easily become just a default choice then to stay at LBCSD. If we truly desire to be committed to LBCSD in the same way, should we not also make even the decision to stay at LBCSD after much prayer, counsel, and effort spent considering biblical principles in the Word? Or could it be that we are staying at LBCSD by default simply because it is more convenient? In the same way a commitment is required by those who want to join the LBCLA church plant, a commitment is required from those who want to stay at LBCSD because ultimately, the work to be done at Lighthouse Bible Church San Jose, East Bay, or Los Angeles is no different or no more serious than the work that God is calling us to do here through the church in San Diego.

Let us not have the attitude and mindset that LBCSD is simply our default church. Rather, let us be intentional in our decisions to stay at LBCSD, to serve and worship God together with the members of LBCSD, and to reach out to the lost outside of LBCSD. Let us commit to LBCSD as if lives in San Diego depended on it, for the gospel of Christ which we have to share is the lone cure for the disease of sin in San Diego and all around the world (Romans 1:16).

Abide In Me

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

From John 15:4

Communion with Christ is a certain cure for every ill. Whether it be the wormwood of woe, or the cloying surfeit of earthly delight, close fellowship with the Lord Jesus will take bitterness from the one, and satiety from the other. Live near to Jesus, Christian, and it is matter of secondary importance whether thou livest on the mountain of honour or in the valley of humiliation. Living near to Jesus, thou art covered with the wings of God, and underneath thee are the everlasting arms.

Let nothing keep thee from that hallowed intercourse, which is the choice privilege of a soul wedded to THE WELL-BELOVED. Be not content with an interview now and then, but seek always to retain His company, for only in His presence hast thou either comfort or safety. Jesus should not be unto us a friend who calls upon us now and then, but one with whom we walk evermore. Thou hast a difficult road before thee: see, O traveller to heaven, that thou go not without thy guide. Thou hast to pass through the fiery furnace; enter it not unless, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, thou hast the Son of God to be thy companion. Thou hast to storm the Jericho of thine own corruptions: attempt not the warfare until, like Joshua, thou hast seen the Captain of the Lord’s host, with His sword drawn in His hand. Thou art to meet the Esau of thy many temptations: meet him not until at Jabbok’s brook thou hast laid hold upon the angel, and prevailed. In every case, in every condition, thou wilt need Jesus; but most of all, when the iron gates of death shall open to thee.

Keep thou close to thy soul’s Husband, lean thy head upon His bosom, ask to be refreshed with the spiced wine of His pomegranate, and thou shalt be found of Him at the last, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. Seeing thou hast lived with Him, and lived in Him here, thou shalt abide with Him for ever.

3.9p

Weekly Links (3/29/2013)

So it was necessary, since God had purposed to save his church, to transfer the punishment from them who deserved it but could not bear it, to one who had not deserved it but could bear it.

This transfer of punishment by divine dispensation is the foundation of the Christian faith, indeed of all the supernatural revelation contained in Scripture. (John Owen)

by Richard Shin

  • As we meditate on this week’s significance as Holy Week, David Mathis from Desiring God shares how every Calvary step that Jesus took was a step of love.
  • As Easter approaches, Philip Yancey reflects on his experience with the Newtown shooting, and the message of hope that comes with our faith. It’s quite powerful, and so I would encourage you to read here.
  • This is a short but powerful post about God and suffering by Randy Alcorn and John Stott.
  • Mark Altrogge has an ongoing series on the seven words that Jesus shared on his way to the cross. They begin with words of forgiveness, then salvation, relationship, abandonment, and now distress. By my count, that’s five. So stay on the lookout for two more.
  • The craze of March (half, and half-April) Madness is in full effect. In light of this, you can find the audio version of C. J. Mahaney’s book, Don’t Waste Your Sports, for free here.
  • Have you ever asked yourself, “What is the kingdom of God?” Matt Smethurst from The Gospel Coalition shares an interview of a book on this very subject.
  • C Michael Patton shares fifteen myths about Bible translation. Do you believe any of these? You can find them here.

I hope you have a happy Easter!

Coram Deo

Where will the Wind Blow this Sunday?

by Abram Kim

Children’s Ministry, like any other ministry, can have those moments when you, as a staff volunteer, can feel burned out. The wear and tear during the year can be draining physically and emotionally. The repetitive and sometimes mundane tasks of service can quench the excitement that was there at the start of the year. The prayers become rehearsed and rote. The songs are stale and dry. The lessons are familiar and contemptible. Our Christian life takes us through valleys like these, and when they do, our service suffers and Christ’s glory dulls in our lives.

What is the solution? Athletes go back to the fundamentals when they are in slumps. The Christian must also return to the fundamentals of the faith. We must remember the kindness of God to give us another day to live, a kindness that ought to lead us to repentance for taking His grace for granted (Romans 2:4). We must recall the MVP of Lighthouse Bible Church and discover once again the great purpose of our lives.

The 2013 Shepherds’ Conference once again featured powerful and timely plenary and seminar messages for my soul, even though I did not physically attend the event. Of particular impact this year were John MacArthur’s first message on John 3 and the seminar session on Children’s Ministry by Grace Community Church’s Children’s Ministry pastor, Matt White. The fundamental concept from these messages that strengthened me was that the ultimate goal of ministry, and our purpose in this world as Christians, is evangelism, yet at the same time the work of salvation is not under our control and we can add nothing to contribute to it.

The supreme purpose of the Christian is to make disciples of Christ in the context of the local church in obedience to the Scriptures out of a love for God and others (MVP of Lighthouse). This is in one sense an impossible goal. No one on our staff is capable of turning a heart of stone to a heart of flesh. No one can raise the spiritually dead, or give sight to the spiritually blind. This is a supernatural work. This is a re-creative work. This is a work that God alone can perform.

Nicodemus and the religious leaders of Jesus’ day did not understand this. Nicodemus came to Jesus and was curious at what he would say to him. He knew Jesus was from God, “for no one can do these signs that [He did] unless God is with him.” (John 3:2) Jesus, knowing what was in the heart of man and the key question that Nicodemus had on his mind (John 2:24-25), addressed the issue of salvation from sin to be a part of the Kingdom of God.

The world of the Pharisees was founded on the idea that religion earns merit in God’s economy. But Jesus shattered that notion with his earthly analogy of birth. No baby contributes to their own birth. What did you contribute to your own birth? Did you give the doctor or your mother a helping hand or an encouraging word? If anything, perhaps you complicated your mother’s labor and there were risks of injury or death. Nicodemus, the preeminent teacher of the day, understood Jesus’ analogy well, for he too taught in analogies to help people understand the truths of God’s Word. But Jesus’ analogy on how to be saved, well, this lesson undermined the core of his philosophy. There was absolutely nothing he could do to contribute or secure his own salvation in God’s Kingdom. “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” (John 3:4) Isn’t there anything you can do to contribute to your spiritual birth? There has to be something you can do, isn’t there? The answer from Scripture is clear. There is no hidden knowledge to acquire or religious action to perform to gain favor with God. Just as we contribute nothing to our physical birth, we contribute nothing to our spiritual birth. It is an act of God from beginning to end.

Jesus offers Nicodemus one more earthly analogy to help him understand the heavenly realities he pondered in his heart. The salvation of a soul is like the wind. We can hear it and see its effects, but we have no control over where it comes from or where it goes; the wind will blow where it wishes. Nicodemus’ understanding of spiritual realities is crumbling from its foundations, and all he can say is, “How can these things be?” (John 3:9) He is silent for the remainder of the conversation as Jesus continues to expound on the love of God for sending a Savior to save sinners in this wind-like manner. The task for the sinner is to believe Jesus is the Christ and the only way to be saved. But this belief (faith) will not happen unless the wind blows, until the Spirit breathes spiritual life to the spiritually dead.

The earthly analogies Jesus taught Nicodemus are helpful in understanding how we should evangelize the lost. As parents and as the church, we all must be diligent to teach the full counsel of the Word of God and to preach and model the gospel to the children in our care. But this is our duty and responsibility in obedience to Christ and the Scriptures, as ones alive in the Spirit. Knowing Scripture and the gospel will not raise the dead or direct the wind of salvation. Salvation is God’s work alone, and He alone will receive the glory for the salvation of a soul. This can certainly happen to a 5-year old, and we praise God for that, but the salvation of a soul is not and never will be dependent on the quality of a Children’s Ministry curriculum or the skills of the staff.

This of course doesn’t negate our responsibility as a church and parents to be faithful to our calling to diligently and prayerfully instruct and disciple the ways of God, as written in the Word of God. Our work is in obedience to our Lord. All the more, our work must have at its core time on our knees before the throne of grace in prayer for the wind to blow in the direction of the little ones we love and care for. And this is the chief goal of our ministry. At the same time, we must continually remind ourselves to have the perspective that salvation is not our work, lest we find ourselves as Nicodemus did at the end of his conversation with Jesus, confused and dumbfounded by our inability to contribute to salvation.

Each week as we gather, there is an opportunity for the wind to blow. Let us earnestly and eagerly pray that the wind blows today for someone we love, young or old. “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Signs of Spiritual Maturity #10: Righteousness Looks Normal and Sin Seems Strange

by Elder Peter Lim

David F. Wells defines worldliness as: “that system of values, in any given age, which has at its center our fallen human perspective, which displaces God and his truth from the world, and which makes sin look normal and righteousness seem strange. It thus gives great plausibility to what is morally wrong and, for that reason, makes what is wrong seem normal” (Losing our Virtue, page 4).

Given this definition of worldliness, the sign of spiritual maturity that I am highlighting this month is the exact opposite of worldliness. To maturing Christians, righteousness looks normal and sin seems strange.

This different perspective on life becomes very evident especially when we compare our view of entertainment to the world’s. Certainly we share some commonality as well in our sense of humor, but as we sense growth in our spirituality we become increasingly uncomfortable laughing at inappropriate topics, and indeed we recognize that there are such things as inappropriate topics. Vulgar or crude humor becomes less funny because we see how such words/topics can be offensive to God. When Jinny and I first got married in 1994, the popular TV show of the day was “Friends.” Like many others, we became hooked on the show for it’s witty sense of humor. Of course we realized that much of the show was about celebrating immorality but we excused it away as just the way things are in the world. But then we noticed that as we grew spiritually, making light of sin wasn’t as funny as it used to be. It just seemed strange that we were watching a show that depicted an immoral life as normal and a righteous life by biblical standards strange, and being entertained by it. It was apparent that shows like this had a hidden agenda, to challenge any notions of impropriety and to question morality and even the mere existence of morality. We stopped watching the show because it just became less funny to us and we didn’t want it to fill our minds with what the world considered as being normal. “Friends” of course is far from being the only show to depict sin as being normal. It seems that almost every TV show’s goal is to one-up other shows to push the bounds of immorality or further the homosexual agenda or whatever immorality of the day.

So how is a maturing Christian to respond to this? The Bible doesn’t tell us how to choose movies or TV shows to watch, does it? It does better than that. It gives us principles to live by which goes beyond simply which shows to watch:

  • Friendship with the world is hostility toward God. (James 4:4)
  • Do not love the world or its values. (1 John 2:15-17)
  • Deny ungodliness and worldly desires and live righteously. (Titus 2:12)

We need to understand that as Christians, we are inherently enemies with the world and its values. The devil is prowling about like a lion, seeking to devour us! (1 Peter 5:8) We don’t belong here in this world because our home is in heaven. We are aliens here and we live as ambassadors to represent Christ. (1 Peter 2:11, 2 Cor. 5:20) If we find that we are comfortable here and there is no struggle against the world in our own hearts, something is wrong. We are being too friendly with our enemy. We need to see sin as strange for ourselves. On the other hand, when we always seem to struggle against the world, that’s appropriate. In other words, righteousness looks normal to us.

Yea, He Is Altogether Lovely

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

From Song of Solomon 5:16

The superlative beauty of Jesus is all-attracting; it is not so much to be admired as to be loved. He is more than pleasant and fair, He is lovely. Surely the people of God can fully justify the use of this golden word, for He is the object of their warmest love, a love founded on the intrinsic excellence of His person, the complete perfection of His charms.

Look, O disciples of Jesus, to your Master’s lips, and say, ‘Are they not most sweet?’ Do not His words cause your hearts to burn within you as He talks with you by the way? Ye worshippers of Immanuel, look up to His head of much fine gold, and tell me, are not His thoughts precious unto you? Is not your adoration sweetened with affection as ye humbly bow before that countenance which is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars? Is there not a charm in His every feature, and is not His whole person fragrant with such a savour of His good ointments, that therefore the virgins love Him? Is there one member of His glorious body which is not attractive?-one portion of His person which is not a fresh loadstone to our souls?-one office which is not a strong cord to bind your heart? Our love is not as a seal set upon His heart of love alone; it is fastened upon His arm of power also; nor is there a single part of Him upon which it does not fix itself. We anoint His whole person with the sweet spikenard of our fervent love. His whole life we would imitate; His whole character we would transcribe.

In all other beings we see some lack, in Him there is all perfection. The best even of His favoured saints have had blots upon their garments and wrinkles upon their brows; He is nothing but loveliness. All earthly suns have their spots: the fair world itself hath its wilderness; we cannot love the whole of the most lovely thing; but Christ Jesus is gold without alloy-light without darkness-glory without cloud-‘Yea, He is altogether lovely.’

3.9a

Weekly Links (3/22/2013)

Jesus Christ is not merely the means of our rescue from damnation; he is the goal of our salvation. If he is not satisfying to be with, there is no salvation.

He is not merely the rope that pulls us from the threatening waves; he is the solid beach under our feet, the air in our lungs, and the beat of our heart, and the warm sun on our skin, and the song in our ears, and the arms of our beloved. (John Piper)

by Richard Shin

  • Jeremy Walker finished his series on being wisdomous on the Interweb. You can find the hub post here.
  • Paul Tautges looks at Hebrews 11 and the way faith looks forward as an inherent quality.
  • In case you didn’t know, the new pope was installed this past week. Leonardo De Chirico voices three concerns the voting conclave thought the new pope needed to address that the previous pope did not succeed in doing. You can find the three reasons here.
  • Speaking of popes, Steve Meister from the Cripplegate blog posits that a humble pope does not exist.
  • Tim Cocks from Matthias Media exposits Romans 12:1-2 in a very understandable format as the go-to alternative from living legalistically and living licentiously.
  • Church-planting is an awesome thing, and I’m glad Lighthouse Bible Churches aren’t the only churches committed to it. Christine Hoover shares 25 lessons she has learned as a church planting wife as an introduction to her book.
  • C Michael Patton shares why Charles Darwin left the faith: meaningless suffering. Find out more here.
  • Lastly, Colin Smith from the Gospel Coalition shares seven traits of false teachers and how to spot them. There’s a hilarious pic in there too, in case you’re interested.

God speed, my friends. Have a great weekend.

Coram Deo

Raising Our Children Together

by Pastor Patrick Cho

One of the great joys we experience at Lighthouse is the number of babies that are born into our church family. It seems almost customary now that I would announce some pregnancy before the sermon on Sunday morning. As a body, we are able to experience this joy together, and some are even able to track their history at the church by the life of a little one. These gifts from God are a reminder of His amazing grace to our families and to the church.

Pastor Chris Mueller once pointed out the importance of raising your family in the church. Since no one person possesses every spiritual gift, a single parent is incapable of demonstrating fully what it means to represent Christ in this world. In a real way, parents need the members of the church to show what is lacking in their presentation of Christ to their kids. Only together can our children see what it really means to love one another, serve one another, and be committed to one another. As our children mature physically, hopefully they are able to witness the church maturing spiritually.

This has been one of the chief focuses of the children’s ministries at LBC. We are constantly thinking through how we can come alongside parents and encourage them in the great responsibility to raise their children in the Lord. In this way, Grace Life and the various children’s ministries will always be vitally connected. The church is not an adequate substitute for godly parenting but can serve as a tremendous help to our families.

When we have our parent/child dedication services, the point is not only for the parents to dedicate their children to the Lord or even to pray for the children; it also includes the church’s commitment and involvement in the lives of the babies. The church holds the parents accountable to their responsibility to be godly parents, but a mutual agreement is also understood that there is a church-wide responsibility to show Christ to the next generation.

When we gather together in corporate worship or enjoy some fellowship activity, we need to remember that at any given moment, two little eyes might be studying our actions, speech, and behavior. Any parent can tell you how scary it is that their children pick up on their mannerisms and adopt their speech. Our children are watching you and want to follow you. They look up to you and admire you. All the more, it should emphasize the importance of living godly lives and serving as examples to the rest of the flock. Let’s demonstrate godliness and not worldliness, and let’s be sure to show our children what an amazing thing it is to live for Jesus.

The Work of a Shepherd (Part 1)

by Pastor Patrick Cho

Earlier this month, a number of the men of the church attended the Shepherds’ Conference hosted by Pastor John MacArthur and Grace Community Church. Each year, the conference proves to be a wonderful time of equipping and encouragement. It is always a blessing to attend the conference because of the nature of the gathering. This year, over 3500 men registered, and the atmosphere was electric as always. Imagine thousands of men singing praise to the Lord at the top of their lungs! The keynote speakers presented urgent challenges to the pastors and leaders in attendance and skillfully delivered soul-stirring exposition of God’s Word. There were hundreds of volunteers seeking to make the week as pleasant as possible for the men who came. This was my thirteenth year going to the conference and each year has been special and well worth the time.

One of the passages that continually came to mind throughout the three days we were there was 1 Peter 5:1-4. This is the instruction the Lord gives to elders of the church to shepherd the flock of God. It is an interesting metaphor since shepherding was not held in high esteem in Jesus’ day. Shepherding was a dirty business and sheep were dirty animals. But the metaphor is certainly appropriate given the relationship of sheep to their shepherd. Sheep are utterly dependent upon the shepherd. They need the shepherd to lead them to pasture and water, and they depend on the shepherd’s protection from thieves and wild predators. This finds obvious parallels to pastoral ministry as elders are called to nourish God’s flock with the sustenance of His Word, and they are to protect the sheep from spiritual wolves who would seek to lead them astray and destroy them.

Three different words are used in the passage to describe pastoral ministry. The first is “elder” (Gr. prebuteros). The word simply means elder, as opposed to younger, but came to be used as a title for leadership. Back in the Old Testament, God would appoint the elders of the tribes of Israel to provide leadership for His people (cf. Exod. 19:7). The qualification had more to do with one’s character than one’s age. This is evident in that Paul refers to Timothy as a young man (1 Tim. 4:12). The qualifications of spiritual leadership really have more to do with the kind of person you are than the abilities or skills you possess as evidenced in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. In 1 Peter 5:1, Peter identifies with the leaders of the church as a “fellow elder.”

The second word used is the verb “shepherd” (Gr. poimaino). This word speaks more towards the function of elders and can be translated “pastor.” Paul uses the noun form of the word in Ephesians 4:11 to speak of those who help provide teaching in the church. God is understood in Scripture as a shepherd (Ps. 23) and Christ the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14). As Christ is the chief Shepherd, those in pastoral leadership serve as under-shepherds tending to the flock. It is important to recognize that Peter refers to the people as “the flock of God” (1 Pet. 5:2). This is Christ’s church (cf. Matt. 16:18) and so ministry ought to be conducted His way. They are His people, so they ought to be cared for in the way He desires. God does not leave it to pastors to get cute with His ministry. Pastors are called to shepherd His flock according to the instructions and principles set forth in His Word.

The final word is “oversight” (Gr. episkopeo). The word literally refers to the spiritual leadership the elders give to the church. This is the official title given to elders in 1 Timothy 3:1, the office of overseer (cf. Phil. 1:1). This is a delegated authority (Acts 20:28) and those who serve in this role are to submit to the Chief Overseer, who is Christ (cf. 1 Pet. 2:25).

1 Peter 5:1-4 is a helpful passage to study to understand God’s plan for providing leadership for His church. Watching 3500 leaders of the church come together to worship God in one place was a wonderful reminder of the awesome responsibility we have to care for the flock of God. Please pray for the elders of this church, that we would be faithful to the task and able to persevere by the strength of the Spirit. Ministry has its share of difficulties and challenges, but we know that by leaning on the Lord and depending upon Him, He will carry us through to the end.