Weekly Update – March 3rd, 2022
In the big picture of Paul’s letter to Timothy, we have quickly seen that all is not right in the Ephesian church where Timothy is stationed. False doctrine is being taught with an emphasis being placed upon “myths and endless genealogies” (1:4). These so-called teachers were teaching what is “contrary to sound doctrine” (1:10), so much so that some were making “shipwreak of their faith” (1:19). One of the ways that the apostle Paul tells Timothy to counter this (among many that we have seen), is to properly care for elders (pastors).
In 1 Timothy 5:17-25, Paul tells Timothy to honor and protect elders, keep them accountable, have patience in selecting them, and that with the rest of the church, elders should strive for purity. But before we even consider this call that is given to Timothy on behalf of the Ephesian church, we must step back and ask, “Why Elders?”
On Sunday, we said that the New Testament is filled with examples of individual churches being led by multiple elders. Some of these examples include the Jerusalem church in Acts 15, the churches in Derbe, Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, according to Acts 14:23, as well as the churches at Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and in Bithynia in 1 Peter 1:1. All that to say, anytime you see the mention of elders in a church, it is always with multiple elders serving together in one individual church. The question still remains, “Why Elders?”
To answer that question, let me give you four practical reasons why the church should be led by a group of men who all meet the qualifications for elder (pastor) in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9:
- First, elders serving together help to balance each other’s weaknesses. One man is not gifted deal with every decision and every crisis that occurs. Shared leadership recognizes this and allows for multiple men to lead together as they balance out each other’s weaknesses with the gifts that God has given to them.
- Second, elders serving together provide accountability. It is never a good idea to lead alone. Serving with others provides a check against sin, encouragement in ministry and greater commitment to the vision and mission of the church.
- Third, elders serving together lighten the load. In a single pastor system of leadership, the burden of teaching, vision casting and leading fall upon one man. With shared leadership, there is a team of biblical qualified men shepherding the church together, ensuring that the church move forward in accordance with the mission of God.
- Lastly, elders serving together share authority. An elder, serving alone, can be tempted to lead with his own agenda in mind. Shared leadership allows a group of elders to lead a more well-rounded ministry as they collectively provide direction for the church.
The call to Timothy was to lead by keeping a close watch on himself and on his teaching, for when he did this, he would ensure salvation for both himself and his hearers (4:16). This doesn’t mean that Timothy will save himself or others through what he does, but that through faithful leadership, in accordance with the word of God, the church would not be led astray. Shared leadership among multiple, biblically qualified men, or elders (pastors), allows for the church to best be served in its proclamation of sound doctrine and its display of godliness before a watching world.
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Announcements:
Funeral Services: Mildred Smith passed away on Tuesday, February 22nd. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00pm on Sunday, March 6th. The Funeral will follow at 2:00pm. Both services will be held at Serenity Funeral Home in Kansas City.
RightNow Media: RightNow Media exists to provide resources that will inspire you to champion the mission Jesus gave to his people—making disciples of all nations. First Baptist Church wants to make these resources available to you. There is a sign up sheet in the hallway that asks for your name and email address. Sign up and gain access to the world’s largest library filled with Biblically-based videos on topics like marriage, parenting, youth, recovery, leadership, finances and much more.
Ladies Bible Study: Ladies, join us on Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm, for a Bible study through the book of Exodus. The study is 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
Clothes Closet: On Saturday, March 19th, from 8:00am-11:00am, First Baptist Church will open the clothes closet for the community. For this event, masks are required and children are not allowed. If you would like to help, come that Saturday at 8:00am.
Young Adult Home Group: Starting on March 9th, there will be a new home group called, “The Young and Relentless.” Single, married, or engaged, 18-30ish are welcome to join. The group will be going through “Adulting” by Jonathan Pokluda. You can find a preview of the study HERE.
Members’ Meeting: On Wednesday, March 23rd, we will have our regularly scheduled quarterly members’ meeting at 7:00pm. Come and be encouraged through hearing updates regarding various ministries and participate in making decisions regarding the life and direction of the church. The meeting will be in person, but also available virtually through zoom too. For the zoom link for this evening, contact the church office.
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering: Every year at this time, we raise funds to support missionaries all over North America who are serving with the North American Mission Board (NAMB). This year, our goal at First Baptist Church is to raise $7500. You can give on Sunday mornings through one of our offering boxes located in the foyer or the welcome center. Just mark your envelop as “missions” or “Annie.” Or you can give online HERE and choose “missions” under the Fund tab. You can find more information about this offering HERE.
Help Box: In the welcome center there is a new “Help Box” located on the right counter, under the book store. This box is designed to provide you with a form of communication if there is anything physical or practical that you might need help with. The box will be checked on a fairly regular basis and help will be organized as needed. There are communication cards on the side of the box.
First Wednesday Prayer: Join us on Wednesday, April 6th at 7:00-8:00pm in the sanctuary for an hour of prayer. On these evenings, we will have a mixture of structured and less structured times of prayer as we seek the Lord to move for our sake, the sake of our church, as well as the sake of our community and world.
Fighter Verse for the Week
"As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more." Psalm 103:15-16
Awana
Every Sunday at 5:45pm, children ages 3 years to 6th grade are invited to join us for Awana.
Bible Study
Join us in the Sanctuary at 9:15am on Sunday mornings for a study in the Spiritual Disciplines. A women’s Bible Study meets at the same time at then end of the hall near the nursery.
No Sunday Evening Bible Study this week.
Giving
To Give Online, Go HERE.
You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030
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.
Guide for Worship can be found 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.
Pre-K and Kindergarten meet in the nursery suite.
Grades 1st – 5th meet upstairs in U-5.
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