Our Leaders

Jesus is not a typical leader. He did not come to earth the first time to rule with might and power, although He could have. Instead, He first came as a servant. He was willing to do the work of God the Father, live a perfect life, and die on a cross to pay the penalty for humanity’s sins. He was humble, obedient, loving, selfless, and sacrificial. This is not the way the world describes a leader, but it is the kind of person we need to follow. Jesus did not come to call the richest, smartest, or prettiest people. He first called ordinary people like you and me, to follow Him. There was nothing special about them except that they responded, when Jesus called them. He did amazing things through those that followed Him. He gave them a world mission, and He has given us the same responsibility. He is the perfect leader of His church. He uses those who follow Him, to carry His life changing Truth, to a world in desperate need of it.

These loving and Christ-like men model for us what it looks like to become someone who has both the desire and humility of Paul as he wrote in Philippians 3:10-14, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

These men are safe, loving, and full of grace and truth. Their relationship with God is their standard for their relationship with you. Their goal is for all of us to become the image bearers of God we were created to be. Their intent is to help us not be deceived by the world and false teaching. They provide opportunities to help us be transformed into the image of Christ.

The evangelist proclaims the good news about salvation in Christ. The two most common examples of evangelists are preachers and missionaries. Whether it is preaching in a local congregation or traveling from place to place, their purpose is to preach the gospel and encourage people to repent from a life of self-will rather than living for God’s will.

Ephesians 4:11–13, “Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

Without question, the role of responsibility for teachers is absolutely essential for the spiritual health and development within the body of Christ. There are spiritual principles, concepts and truths that God expects us to understand. There are instructions He expects us to follow. There are promises we need to know, that God will fulfill in our lives.

Teachers are essential to helping people grow in their knowledge of Scripture and in their walk with God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Without teachers who are serious students of God’s Word, disagreements, lack of maturity and unity, errors and false teaching will flourish.

These are gracious and caring servants of God. As needs arise they are prepared to accept the responsibility to seek a solution. They have accepted the responsibility of making sure no need goes unnoticed or unmet. Some take care of our finances. Others take care of our physical tools like the building, the grounds and our bus. At times they step in to assist with meeting certain needs at the homes of our widows or others in need. Our deacons are hardworking and dedicated servants of God and His people. 1 Timothy 3:13, “For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”