Elders and the Church

Elders and the Church

Weekly Update – September 8th, 2022

Last Sunday, we took a look at Titus 1:1-4 and Paul’s introduction of his letter to another disciple in the faith, Titus. Paul said that he had been entrusted by the command of God to preaching the hope of eternal life for the sake of the faith of God’s people (Titus 1:1-3). Then, with this knowledge, Paul tells Titus that God’s people will be pressed towards living a life of godliness before others.

As you keep reading Paul’s letter to Titus, you find that there are a lot of problems within the church at Crete, just like there were within the church at Ephesus in 1st and 2nd Timothy. What Titus has before him are issues of unholy living (1:12-13) from the teaching of unsound doctrine (1:13-14). There are some men who need to be rebuked (1:13, 2:15), others who need to be encouraged (2:15), and many who need to be discipled (2:1-8). Therefore, notice his first order of action in order to accomplish these necessary goals in order to bring about greater health in the church: elders. Here is what Paul writes to Titus about his purpose in Crete, “This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you” (1:5).

Over the next three weeks, we are going to slowly walk our way through this purpose in Titus 1:5 and look at Paul’s further explanation of it in the following verses (1:5-9) to understand the why behind elders, who should be an elder, why it matters to the church, and what that means in how the church functions. Ultimately, this was important for the life and health of the church, therefore, we must understand this command and how we as a church should function in light of it.

After these three weeks, at our quarterly members’ meeting, I will be proposing a revision to our church constitution to reflect the scriptural teaching that we will see here in Titus. Lord willing, these three upcoming weeks will help explain the purpose behind these revisions. Then, to further aid in understanding what we will be looking at in Titus, specifically concerning elders, there will be a Q&A time after each service. I have never done anything like this before, but I believe that what Paul tells Titus here is not only important for the church at Crete, but for our church too. Therefore my desire is that we would seek to live in light of God’s truth.

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson

Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson

Fighter Verse for the Week

"[For] God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." - John 3:16-17

Announcements:

Church Work Day:  On Saturday, September 10th from 8:00am-noon, we will have a day to clean and work on minor projects around the church. A light breakfast will be provided.

Missouri Missions Offering: Every year, along with nearly 1,800 other churches, our church partners to pray and give concerning the Lord’s work in our state. The statewide goal is $740,000 this year. Our church goal is $4000. I hope that you will consider praying and giving to this effort throughout this month. As with your normal offering, you can give in person, by mail or online. Just mark MMO when you do give. Check out more information about this effort HERE.

Ladies Bible Study: Ladies, join us for a Bible study through the book of Exodus starting on Tuesday, September 13th at 6:30pm. The study will be a video based study led by Sheryl Nelson. There is a sign up sheet in the hallway, or sign up by contacting the church office. You can learn more about this 10 week Bible Study HERE

Wedding Invitation: The entire church is invited to attend the wedding ceremony of Rachel Blankenship and Kamto Eze. The wedding will be held at the church at 3pm on Saturday, September 17th. A cake and punch reception will follow in the Faith Center.

Home Groups: New home groups will be forming on Sunday, September 18th. Sign up in the hallway for a group. You can find more information about home groups HERE.

Members’ Meeting: On Sunday, September 25th, we will have our regularly scheduled quarterly members’ meeting at 6:30pm. There will be a potluck dinner beforehand at 5:30pm. Come and be encouraged through hearing updates regarding various ministries and participate in making decisions regarding the life and direction of the church.

Child Protection Meeting: On Sunday, September 25th, following our Members’ Meeting, there will be a brief child protection meeting. This is required for all who regularly work with children.

Awana Bible Club: Awana opening night is scheduled for Wednesday, September 28th. Dinner will be held at 6:00pm and Awana will be held 6:30-8:00pm. If you are interested in volunteering, talk with Amy Blankenship.

Bible Study

Join us in the Sanctuary at 9:15am on Sunday mornings for a study titled “The Pursuit of Holiness.” A women’s Bible Study also meets at the same time at the end of the hall near the nursery.

Giving

To Give Online, Go HERE

You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030

Home Groups

Home Groups meet 5:30pm-7:30pm on Sundays through the summer. You can find more information about home groups HERE.

Prayer

An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE

Prepare for Sunday

Guide for Worship can be found HERE

Worship Service

Worship Service begins at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. Nursery care for children ages 0-3 years is available during the worship hour. 

Livestream

Continue to join us at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. 

Facebook live:  HERE

YouTube: HERE

Join us and invite a friend or family member to watch with you.   

Sunday School

Children and Youth Sunday School take place at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. 

Ages 0-4 meet in the nursery suite.

Pre-K and Kindergarten meet in the nursery suite.

Grades 1st-3rd meet upstairs in U-5.

Grades 4th-6th meet upstairs in U-6.

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