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VISALIA FIRST CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH
SUNDAY EVENING, JANUARY 3, 2010
Installation & Lord’s Supper 2010--Sermon: George G. Vink
Scripture Reading: I Timothy 3: 1-13
Sermon: SERVING IN CHRIST’S CHURCH
Dear Followers of Jesus Christ,
We begin a new year with a changed Council. Ten of the twenty-seven men are new and five have not served previously. Our staff is fully complemented and we’re implementing prescriptions from the A-Team.It’s an exciting and challenging time as we seek God’s leading for our congregation, believing that He’s doing so by way of church leaders. Leadership is vitally needed for and among God’s people.
As a Consistory, we’ve regularly profited the material in Rev. Louis Tamminga’s book, A Handbook For Elders-Guiding God’s People in a Changing World. We’ll be using a revised edition. It’s a helpful book from a wise pastor. In Chapter 2, he echoes the installation form, calling elders and deacons the leaders who are “Christ’s Gift to the NT Church.”
Whether deacons, elders, pastors, or ministers of youth/ music/children, these leaders have an awesome calling. Rev. Tamminga wisely warns them, “As you perform your duties, remind yourself again and again of the reality that your mandate is from heaven.” Serving Christ’s church is a God-given task, a divine appointment! However you were selected, you are called to serve Jesus as He served you. God sets the standards and expectations! Not the leaders! Not the congregation! The question is, “Do you believe that…God himself is calling you to this office?”
A Handbook for Elders and Deacons put it well: “As deacon/elder, you neither represent the membership of the congregation, nor are you beholden to them….You do not govern the body by popular opinion or referendum though you should be sensitive to what the congregation thinks.” Leaders have to be prepared to make decisions that aren’t all that popular, doing what others find difficult to appreciate.
God provides the needed leaders. “We celebrate God’s gift of leadership …faithful leadership of his people, …thankful for all who’ve served as such.” Leaders have an awesome responsibility. They need an intimate relationship with Jesus. He is the head of His church. He stated it clearly, “I will build MY church.” We are Christ’s church, and he exercises His leadership by way of anointed office bearers. That’s why high standards for the office are to be maintained.
Pastors, staff, elders and deacons have responsibilities, but members do too. “Obey your leaders and submit to them; they are keeping watch over your souls as those who will give account.” Both account to Jesus!
Leaders keep watch over the spiritual well being of those entrusted to their care! There will be an accounting to the Lord Himself. Jesus equips leaders and asks, “How well did you do, Elder_________ or Deacon __________ ? Tell me about your faithfulness! Leaders, be prepared to explain to Jesus why you didn’t make a needed call. Ultimately we give account to Jesus. He knows if you’ve done your best or let it slide.
All of us want to hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant!” We may get a “Thank you” from members but ultimately, we’re after Christ’s approval, “Well done my good and faithful servant!” And, only you will really know if you have actually done your very best for Him!
Scripture teaches that leadership involves serving. Serving by way of making a visit, finding out what’s happening, sharing the joy of a birth, bringing words of comfort, inquiring why someone’s missing from worship, and more. The real work of the office bearers isn’t done at meetings! Similar to football huddles, the plans and plays get reviewed there, but the work gets done by doing, not just by planning.
First Church needs leaders who’ll serve. Leaders who’ll read God’s Word and His people, designing and doing ministries that nurture them in being and reaching God’s people, in the church and our community.
Let’s remember that we hold the office of believer, an office of serving, not consuming. We serve Christ with the gifts we’ve been given. If not, we sin. True leading comes as people follow those whom they trust will serve them and lead them, working together to please Jesus.
Serving well is a lofty goal for leaders desiring to please the Lord. God sets the standards pretty high. There’s no room for those who will not exercise their gifts of the Spirit! Whether handling money, comforting families, or setting out a vision, leaders need to conduct themselves as those bearing the name of Christ. Vows made included, “We will be a Christ-like example, give cheerful guidance, hold in trust, and be compassionate, respecting people and knowing the scriptures!” There are so many ways to serve our Lord!
Remember, we’ve all vowed to “take their counsel seriously, sustain them in prayer and encourage them as God’s servants among us, God helping us.” We’re in this together! Yet, those serving are called to sacrifice. Elder, deacon, you will not have as much time for games or socializing. You’ll have to re-arrange priorities. You’ll have to watch your words!
Leaders in Christ’s church must exercise self-control and temperate behavior. Called to serve, you’re not in it for the honor. Recall Jesus’ admonishing the mother of Zebedee’s sons, “You don’t know what you’re asking!” She wanted a special place of honor for them. Instead she got a lesson on what it means to serve.
Jesus puts it, “You better be prepared to serve, and not think about ruling by lording it over anyone!” Leaders serve by serving! They serve God by serving others. They serve without concern about getting the credit. They have the needs of the people in mind along with the well-being of the church. It’s certainly not power, pride or position! It’s desiring God’s blessing and not the honor of others.
Jesus expects us to serve Him, showing us how when He gathered His disciples for a last meal, took of his outer garments, and as a servant, washed their dusty feet. He did the lowly task and remained their leader. Serving, he paid the price and remained the leader. That’s still the norm. He’s our example. We really don’t have a choice. There’s a lot at stake.
Amen.
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