We are in a season where God is speaking to us, two weeks in a row now, about what it means to shepherd people who are lost or hungry. We are also in a season where we are seeking the church's affirmation of "elders", leaders who take spiritual responsibility for our local church family.
When Jesus appointed his first leaders, he did it very personally, on a beach (sound familiar!?):
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” - John 21:15-17
I spoke on this passage a couple of weeks ago on the beach. While I believe this principle of feeding and tending to other "sheep' is Jesus' call to all his followers, it's very explicitly for those who would lead his church.
This week, I'm sharing another related, challenging teaching of Jesus on leadership from Matthew 20:20-28. In this passage, Jesus teaches, "Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant". This is the perfect practical illustration of tending and feeding his sheep. Leaders of Jesus' church serve because their priority is the same as Jesus' priority - his sheep. Their priority is not to strive for performance or prominence but to provide what his followers need.
As the leadership team and I seek affirmation for Paul Lanham and Dan Hill to join me in the role as elders, we must begin appointing leaders with a clear mind regarding what Christ says leadership is about. This is important not just for this decision, but for the culture we begin to form for the future of our church and children!
Thanks for being willing to be guided by Jesus Christ in all things. This includes not just his teachings, but his example and person!
If you've not signed up as a member, and would like to be, please apply to be a member!
Prayer
Thanks for those praying for Brad White's dad, Bob. He has had more complications and another visit back to SCUH, but is home again now.
Please pray he can recover some autonomy for himself in his day to day life.
Become a Member
As above, we need a group of people willing to become members. Please check out what's required (it's not hard or tricky!) and join us!
Why not re-read 1st John this month :)
We are encouraging each other to read the book of 1st John in the Bible this month. As I said on Sunday I am loving it, especially in light of a whole year studying the teachings and person of Jesus. The more I know of Jesus, the more the more beautiful and powerful the whole Bible becomes to me!
Coming Up
November
Sun 26 Nov 4pm Moffat Gathering
December
Sun 03 Dec 4pm Worship @ City Life + our first AGM afterwards!
Sun 10 Dec 4pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 17 Dec 4pm Moffat + Baptisms Anyone?
Sun 19 Dec Dan + Martine on holidays with family for about 2 wks!
Sun 24 Dec 4pm Moffat Gathering
Mon 25 Dec 9am Christmas in the Park - Simple Celebration at Moffs
Sun 31 Dec 4pm Moffat Gathering
Our Mission
To help people find and follow Jesus
Our Rhythms
Know Jesus: how are you getting to know Jesus this week?
Invite people into your life: who can you bless this week?
Gather and get involved: How can you connect, listen, share or pray with others this week?
Our Giving
If there is someone in need around you we'd encourage you to team up with another Christian friend and ask God to show you how to meet their need directly. You can also get started with giving to Open Road to meet needs as a church or get in touch with any questions you may have.
Last month's giving: $9,003
Last month's expenses: $8,338
Balance: $21,177
"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." - Proverbs 19:17
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