Strengthening Disciples: Appointing and Leading Leaders

2. Appointing Leaders (Acts 14:21-28)

3. Quick Review Ups and downs in Lystra: • Crippled man healed • Look it’s Zeus and Hermes! • “We’re just men like you!” • They had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them • Jews from Antioch and Iconium came and won the crowd over • They stoned Paul, dragged him out of the city, left him for dead

4. (Acts 14:21-28)

5. Strengthening disciples • vs. 22 They encouraged them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” • The word “many” (pollon) expresses not merely quantity or number but variety.

6. Strengthening disciples • vs. 22 They encouraged them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” John 16:33 (NLT) “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

7. Strengthening disciples • vs. 22 They encouraged them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” 1 Peter 4:12(NIV) Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.

8. Strengthening disciples • vs. 22 They encouraged them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” James 1:2-4(NIV) 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

9. Strengthening disciples • vs. 23 They appointed elders for them in each church. • The appointing of leaders had a direct correlation to strengthening the disciples, getting through hardships, and remaining true to the faith.

10. Strengthening disciples • vs. 23 They appointed elders for them in each church. Hebrews 13:17 (NASB) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

11. Biblical Functions of Elders 1 Peter 5:1-31 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

12. Biblical Functions of Elders 1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. • protect the church from false teachers (Acts 20:17, 28-31), contend for the faith, refuting and rebuking false teachers (Titus 1:9-16)

13. Biblical Functions of Elders • exhort and admonish the saints in sound doctrine; which combines encouragement, comfort, persuasion, counseling, teaching, rebuking, etc. (1 Tim 4:13; 2 Tim 3:13-17; Titus 1:9) • pray for the sick(James 5:14) • judge doctrinal issues and behaviors (Acts 15:1-22) • Church discipline (Matt 18:15-18; 1 Cor. 5:1-13)

14. Specific Functions of Elders for Church at Whistling Pines • A desire and calling to shepherd the congregation as a whole (may or may not include the special ability to do so with individuals as well) • Be an example to the flock • Strive to hit the mark in every respect of Biblical elder qualifications • Active member of a life group • Faithfully tithe • Serve in areas of strength and giftedness • Oversee specific area of ministry and/or team

15. Specific Functions of Elders for Church at Whistling Pines • Spiritual oversight and governing authority: • Consistent prayer for members, ministries, etc • Be involved with judging doctrinal issues, Church correction and discipline • Provide protection • Sharing in development of forward direction for CWP • Provide counsel in determining executive decisions. Elders cannot be saddled with making every decision or carrying out every practical matter of the church [Acts 6:4]

16. Selection • An elder is selected by the other serving elders as the candidate has proven themselves to have the character, maturity, and giftedness for the role. This determination occurs through observation of the individual within the church as well as preparation and training. We give a title to someone who is already functioning and bearing fruit in that given role.

17. Selection • Ordinationto Christian ministry is a process of recognizing, examining, and credentialing one whose life’s work is to serve in vocational ministry. • A designation is given to someone who is already functioning and bearing fruit.

18. Commission • Headed to New Zealand June 17th • Youth with a Mission Family Ministries • Leading outreach teams to the South Pacific Islands • Spring 2015 traveling to work with Jose & Ivannia Roman in China

19. Commission • A commissioning gives our church the opportunity to say a resounding "YES" to the Elmatti’scommitment to bring the gospel to a lost world. • It cements an accountability relationship • It gives church members a chance to affirm not only their missionaries’ call, but their commitment as senders to pray for them and over them.