Step Up! The Matter of Leadership
Good morning, Westside Church family! Today, we’re kicking off a new series called “Step Up!” I believe that God is calling each of us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the roles He has designed for His church. Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore why church leadership is essential and how roles like Elders, Deacons, and Deaconesses contribute to a thriving faith community.
Leadership: God’s Idea
In times of confusion or challenge, leadership steps up and makes a difference. This isn’t a new concept; it’s God’s design. In Acts 20:28, we see that the Holy Spirit appoints leaders—overseers—to shepherd the church that Jesus purchased with His own blood. Leadership in the church is not just a human strategy but a divine plan to care for God’s people, protect the truth of the gospel, and build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12).
The Role of Elders and Deacons
Elders and Deacons are critical to the health of the church. According to 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Elders are responsible for spiritual oversight, teaching, and protecting the church from false teachings, while Deacons serve the practical needs, freeing Elders to focus on prayer and ministry. Both roles work together to support the mission of making disciples, as seen in Matthew 28:19-20.
Why Leadership Matters
Leadership matters because it’s God’s way of caring for His church. For over 30 years, Westside Church has thrived without an Elder, but imagine the impact if we followed God’s design and appointed godly leaders to shepherd and serve. Will we step into this design and embrace God’s plan for leadership?
Want to dive deeper? Watch the full sermon on YouTube to learn more about stepping up into God’s design for leadership. Click below to watch now!
Let’s embrace God’s call to leadership and step up. Amen!