Title of Message: Leadership in God’s Church
Key Verse: Jeremiah 23:1-6, Ephesians 4:11-14
Sermon Notes:
What is the purpose of leaders in God’s church?
1. To equip the church for the work of service. (Ephesians 4:12)
2. To protect the unity of the Spirit. (Ephesians 4:13)
3. To build up the family of God to maturity. (Ephesians 4:13)
4. To protect the journey of our faith from false teaching. (Ephesians 4:14)
What are the requirements of Church leaders?
1. They have to be motivated by love for Christ (John 21:15)
2. They have to be people who live out godly character. (1 Timothy 3:1-7)
How should the church respond to church leaders?
1. Honor them. (1 Timothy 5:17)
2. Appreciate them. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
3. Listen to them. (Hebrews 13:17)
Follow-up Questions from Sunday:
Getting to Know You:
Who are the most impactful Christian leaders that God has brought into your spiritual life?
Quick Review: Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Digging Deeper:
1. As you read Jeremiah 23:1-6, what is God’s opinion of His leaders and what does He say He is going to do?
2. Read Ephesians 4:11-14. What from this “job description” do you think would be the hardest part to achieve as a Christian leader and why?
3. Have you ever witnessed a person being “tossed around” by bad teaching? If so, how did it affect their life?
4. Why do you think doctrine/spiritual truth is so important in the church?
5. Read 1 Peter 5:1-5, what are some of the words that jump out at you from this text? Are there any words that surprise you? Why do you think humility is so important in a leader?
6. Have you ever had a leader let you down? How should we respond to leaders that do this in the Church?
7. Read Hebrews 13:17 and James 3:1. How do you think these verses should affect the hearts of leaders in God’s Church?
Taking it Home:
Pray and thank God for bringing Pastor Graham and BJ to our church. Pray for the leaders of Woodbridge Community Church this week that they will continue to grow closer to Jesus and that they will hear His voice and sense where He is leading God’s Church at WCC.