Over the past few weeks we've been looking at Baptist distinctives. We've looked at the role of biblical authority, the importance of believer's baptism, and our cooperation with other Southern Baptist Churches for the purpose of missions. We are Southern Baptist because we participate with other churches financially to send missionaries around the world to share the name of Jesus with those who have never heard it. This Sunday we looked at our church polity. We are Southern Baptist, but there is no authoritarian Southern Baptist hierarchy that tells GracePointe what to do. We have a plurality of pastors (elders) that lead the church in sharing Jesus and building up believers to maturity in Christ.
If our church is going to function like a healthy church should, we have to heed the call of Hebrews 13:17, Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:17 ESV
The church is here to make disciples. Jesus reassured us that He has authority over all things in heaven and on earth. Through His command and encouragement to us, we get to tell others what they were created to be - disciples of Jesus. However, when we hear obey and submit to our leaders, for most of us, caution flags spring up. Remember the entire point the church exists – to do what Jesus has set us here to do. In our church culture it’s easy to become distracted into thinking the church is here to meet your needs, sing the songs you like, or listen to a soothing word from the preacher. You are here to share the Gospel and meet others needs. It’s not about you being served it’s about you serving. It's easy to miss our purpose and assume the church is designed to meet our needs. If you believe in Jesus, you are called to serve others and meet their needs. Be a servant rather than one demanding to have your needs met. When we hear the Gospel, we hear the call to serve with our brothers and sisters.
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