Where We Are and Where We’re Going – Sunday, May 23, 2021
Ephesians 1:20-23 (MSG) All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ’s body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.
Who We Are, Where We’ve Been, and Where We Are:
- Our Mission: “to see people transformed by Jesus”
- Our Values: The Word, Relationship, Generational, etc.
- Leadership Covenant: Honor, Unity, Trust
- We agree to submit to and not undermine God-given, God-appointed authority. [ Romans 12:10, Hebrews 13:17 ]
- We commit to further the Kingdom of God and not build our own. [ Philippians 2:20-21; Matthew 6:33 ]
- We will not participate in nor be a party to church splits. [ Ephesians 4:1-3 ]
- We bind together relationally in which divorce is no option. [ Psalm 133:1-3 ]
- We will remain open to correction from those who love us. [ Proverbs 19:20; Luke 17:3-4; Proverbs 27:5-7; Proverbs 9:7-9 ]
- We will not receive accusations against one another. [ Revelation 12:10; 1 Timothy 5:19 ]
- We commit to the “5 Day Rule” concerning offenses. [ Matthew 18:15 ]
- Senior Elders
Proverbs 16:19 (NLT) We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
Pastor Jacob’s Role: “Senior Lead Pastor”
- Leading our church in the mission, vision, and structure
- Shepherding through the ministry of the Word
- Leading and Developing the Campus Lead Pastors
Pastor Duane’s Role: “Senior Founding Pastor”
- Prayer and Ministry of the Word
Acts 6:2-4 (NKJV) “Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
- Senior Elder — oversight, accountability, checks and balances.
- Apostolic authority over campuses
Our Partnership:
- Plurality of Leadership, but a Singular Headship.
- Both hands are on the “baton” of leadership
Hebrews 13:17-18 (MSG) Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them? Pray for us. We have no doubts about what we’re doing or why, but it’s hard going and we need your prayers. All we care about is living well before God. Pray that we may be together soon.