Building a Healthy Church: Truth, Leadership, and Community
Summary
In today's exploration of 3rd John, we delved into the dynamics of church leadership and the importance of maintaining a healthy church community. The Apostle John, writing from exile on Patmos, addresses a personal letter to Gaius, a commendable figure in the early church known for his truthfulness and hospitality. Gaius exemplifies the kind of Christian we should all strive to be—one who walks in truth and serves others selflessly. However, the letter also introduces Diotrephes, a church leader whose pride and misuse of authority serve as a cautionary tale. Diotrephes' actions highlight the dangers of self-centered leadership and the potential for internal strife within the church.
The American church today faces similar challenges, with declining attendance and internal scandals often overshadowing its mission. The rise of celebrity pastors and the Hollywoodization of church culture have contributed to this decline, as leaders become more focused on personal fame than on serving their congregations. To counteract this trend, we must prioritize the development of passionate and productive church members who are committed to the truth and to each other. Church membership is not just a formality but a commitment to being known and knowing others, fostering a community where accountability and spiritual growth can thrive.
To prevent the rise of leaders like Diotrephes, churches must ensure that their leadership structures promote transparency and accountability. Members should be actively involved in the life of the church, understanding its governance and holding leaders accountable. By promoting godly leaders like Demetrius, who have a good testimony and are committed to the truth, we can build a church that honors God and serves its community effectively.
Key Takeaways:
- The Importance of Walking in Truth: Gaius is commended for his commitment to truth and hospitality, serving as a model for all believers. Walking in truth involves living a life of integrity and being actively involved in the church community. This commitment to truth is essential for personal spiritual growth and the health of the church. [12:27]
- The Dangers of Self-Centered Leadership: Diotrephes exemplifies the pitfalls of pride and misuse of authority within the church. His actions serve as a warning against the rise of celebrity pastors and the focus on personal fame over service. Churches must be vigilant in promoting leaders who prioritize the well-being of the congregation over their own interests. [24:10]
- The Role of Church Membership: Membership is more than a formality; it is a commitment to being known and knowing others within the church. This mutual accountability fosters a healthy church environment where members can grow spiritually and support one another. Active participation in church life is crucial for maintaining a vibrant community. [19:30]
- Promoting Godly Leaders: The church must be proactive in identifying and promoting leaders who have a good testimony and are committed to the truth. This involves a thorough evaluation of potential leaders to ensure they align with the values and mission of the church. By doing so, the church can prevent the rise of leaders who may lead it astray. [44:09]
- Maintaining Accountability and Transparency: Churches must have clear structures and policies in place to ensure transparency and accountability in leadership. Members should be informed and involved in the governance of the church, holding leaders accountable to prevent abuses of power. This transparency is essential for building trust and maintaining the integrity of the church. [37:55]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [00:58] - Introduction to 3rd John
- [02:01] - The Apostle John's Context
- [02:56] - Gaius: A Model Christian
- [03:57] - Diotrephes: A Cautionary Tale
- [04:57] - Lessons for the American Church
- [06:18] - Internal Challenges in the Church
- [07:48] - The Rise of Celebrity Pastors
- [09:21] - Village Bible Church's Growth
- [10:46] - Characteristics of a Healthy Church
- [12:27] - Walking in Truth
- [14:06] - Being Known in the Church
- [15:46] - The Importance of Small Groups
- [17:15] - Gaius' Other-Centered Perspective
- [19:30] - The Role of Church Membership
- [22:21] - Diotrephes' Characteristics
- [24:10] - The Dangers of Self-Centered Leadership
- [27:12] - Imitating Good, Not Evil
- [28:50] - Preventing Leadership Failures
- [31:44] - The Church Belongs to Christ
- [33:15] - Avoiding Pedestal Worship
- [34:54] - The Importance of Transparency
- [37:55] - Understanding Church Structure
- [39:29] - The Problem with Green Rooms
- [41:01] - Being Among the People
- [42:33] - Promoting Godly Leaders
- [44:09] - Evaluating Potential Elders
- [45:45] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Exploring 3rd John
Bible Reading:
- 3 John 1:1-12
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Observation Questions:
1. What commendable qualities does John highlight about Gaius in 3 John 1:1-8? How does John describe Gaius' commitment to truth and hospitality? [12:27]
2. How does John characterize Diotrephes in 3 John 1:9-10, and what specific actions does he take that are problematic? [22:21]
3. What role does Demetrius play in the letter, and what is said about his character in 3 John 1:12? [42:33]
4. According to the sermon, what are some of the internal challenges facing the American church today, as illustrated by the example of Diotrephes? [06:18]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Gaius' example of walking in truth and serving others selflessly challenge the modern church's approach to community and service? [12:27]
2. In what ways does the behavior of Diotrephes serve as a warning against self-centered leadership in the church? How might this relate to the rise of celebrity pastors? [24:10]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of church membership and mutual accountability in fostering a healthy church environment? [19:30]
4. How can the church proactively promote godly leaders like Demetrius, and what criteria should be used to evaluate potential leaders? [44:09]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own involvement in the church. Are you known by others, and do you know others in a meaningful way? What steps can you take to deepen these relationships? [15:46]
2. Consider the qualities of Gaius. How can you strive to walk in truth and serve others selflessly in your daily life? What specific actions can you take this week to embody these qualities? [12:27]
3. How can you help ensure that your church's leadership remains transparent and accountable? What role can you play in promoting a culture of openness and integrity? [37:55]
4. In what ways can you contribute to preventing the rise of self-centered leadership within your church community? How can you support and encourage leaders who prioritize the well-being of the congregation? [24:10]
5. Reflect on the concept of church membership as a commitment to being known and knowing others. How can you actively participate in this commitment, and what benefits might it bring to your spiritual growth? [19:30]
6. How can you discern and support godly leaders within your church? What qualities should you look for, and how can you encourage those who exemplify them? [44:09]
7. Think about the potential distractions or temptations that might lead a leader astray. How can you pray for and support your church leaders to remain focused on their mission and calling? [31:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Walking in Truth and Integrity
Walking in truth is more than just a personal commitment; it is a lifestyle that reflects integrity and authenticity in every aspect of life. Gaius, as mentioned in 3rd John, is commended for his dedication to truth and hospitality, serving as a model for all believers. His life exemplifies how living in truth involves being actively engaged in the church community and serving others selflessly. This commitment to truth is not only essential for personal spiritual growth but also for the overall health and vitality of the church community. By walking in truth, believers can create an environment where honesty and integrity are valued, fostering a community that supports and uplifts one another. [12:27]
"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out." (Proverbs 10:9, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to walk in truth and integrity? How can you take a step today to align your actions with your beliefs?
Day 2: The Perils of Self-Centered Leadership
Diotrephes serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of pride and self-centered leadership within the church. His actions highlight the pitfalls of prioritizing personal fame and authority over the well-being of the congregation. In today's church culture, the rise of celebrity pastors and the focus on personal recognition can lead to internal strife and a departure from the church's true mission. It is crucial for church communities to be vigilant in promoting leaders who prioritize service and humility over personal gain. By doing so, they can ensure that the church remains focused on its mission to serve and uplift its members. [24:10]
"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." (Philippians 2:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced self-centered leadership. How can you contribute to fostering a culture of humility and service in your church community?
Day 3: The Commitment of Church Membership
Church membership is not merely a formality but a profound commitment to being known and knowing others within the church community. This mutual accountability fosters a healthy environment where members can grow spiritually and support one another. Active participation in church life is crucial for maintaining a vibrant community that encourages spiritual growth and accountability. By committing to church membership, individuals can create a space where they are both supported and challenged in their faith journey, leading to a more robust and dynamic church community. [19:30]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you deepen your commitment to your church community this week? What steps can you take to be more actively involved in the life of your church?
Day 4: Identifying and Promoting Godly Leaders
The church must be proactive in identifying and promoting leaders who have a good testimony and are committed to the truth. This involves a thorough evaluation of potential leaders to ensure they align with the values and mission of the church. By promoting godly leaders like Demetrius, who have a good testimony and are committed to the truth, the church can prevent the rise of leaders who may lead it astray. This proactive approach ensures that the church remains focused on its mission to honor God and serve its community effectively. [44:09]
"Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money." (1 Timothy 3:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: What qualities do you believe are essential in a church leader? How can you support and encourage the development of these qualities in your church community?
Day 5: Ensuring Accountability and Transparency in Leadership
Churches must have clear structures and policies in place to ensure transparency and accountability in leadership. Members should be informed and involved in the governance of the church, holding leaders accountable to prevent abuses of power. This transparency is essential for building trust and maintaining the integrity of the church. By fostering an environment of openness and accountability, churches can create a community where trust is built, and the mission of the church is upheld. [37:55]
"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)
Reflection: How can you contribute to promoting transparency and accountability in your church? What steps can you take to ensure that your church's leadership is held accountable in a loving and constructive manner?
Quotes
1) "You see, for American churches and American evangelicalism, we are in a rough spot. Collectively as churches, we need to know and recognize that attendance at churches is dropping precipitously. Membership and participation in churches from 1992 has lost almost a quarter of its juice. involvement. Now that's before the COVID pandemic, which saw what recent numbers say another additional 15 to 18 percent. Church involvement is at an all-time low. In fact, over the last 10 years, I heard about a local study that was done through some members of World Relief, and they found out in the Chicagoland area alone, in the last 10 years, 4,000 churches have closed their doors. Just in the Chicago metro area in the last 10 years. Church is at a rough place." [05:06] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "You see, one of the reasons why is within our American culture, we have Hollywoodized everything, including the church. And so what we've done is, as churches have gotten bigger, as pastors' reach has become broader, as churches have grown, so has this label of a pastor becoming a celebrity. We live in this culture of celebrity pastors, and we love to talk about them, but then when they fall, it is disastrous. So 3 John gives us this picture of what we're experiencing now." [07:48] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "So the first thing we're going to see is that to be a healthy church to be a vibrant church church that I believe God wants us to be. We need to be a church that has people becoming productive and passionate church members. That's the first point this morning. And it comes from the first eight verses of 3 John. The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoice greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." [10:46] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "Now, I added a word onto that first point that is so important. And that's the word member. They're passionate and productive. They're active church members. And that's something we need everyone to become. And the reason why I added that word member is because Village Bible Church believes very passionately about church membership. We believe passionately about it because our church membership isn't just a club to be a part of. It doesn't just give you a right to have a vote or attend certain meetings. What church membership is all about is a commitment. And it is a commitment as diocese to the brothers and sisters of the faith that I am willing to commit to be known and to know other members so that they may be able to pass judgment." [19:30] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "So this is what John is worried about in the church, and this is what he communicates to Gaius. And he says, notice here, he says, I do not want you to imitate evil, but to imitate good. For whoever does good is from God, and whoever does evil has not seen God. In essence, what he's saying is, Gaius, you keep being faithful. And Diotrephes, what he's communicating is, I'm not sure Diotrephes has even seen God. What a glaring accusation that the pastor of the church might in fact not even be a believer. And that could be the case. That could be the case, in some churches." [27:12] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "The reason why Village Bible Church and any other biblical church exists today is solely on the grace of God and the work of Jesus Christ on his cross. Jesus died for this church. Jesus gave his life so that Village Bible Church could exist. Jesus gave this church the Holy Spirit. Jesus gave spiritual gifts to the people of this church for it to exist. Jesus himself is the one who moves in the hearts of people to give generously so this ministry can happen. I'm going to tell you something. I can't do any of that humanly. I don't care how gifted of a pastor you might think I am or anybody else is. I am finite, and we worship the one who this church is always to be established on, Jesus Christ, who's able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever ask for or imagine." [33:15] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "And so, friends, I tell you this because there will be a time, there will be a place where you'll be at another church, or God forbid, you'll be here, and Pastor Tim will start believing his own press. Because can I just be really honest with you? There's a lot of diatrophies in your pastor. Fleshly speaking, I want to be first. Fleshly speaking, I want to be known as the greatest pastor in the world. But by the Holy Spirit, I've got to be reminded that I'm not just that I am a treasure in a jar of clay. And that God has used, listen to me, no joke, God has used donkeys to carry his truth. And each Sunday, he uses a donkey to preach to you fine people. And so I'm a beggar telling another beggar where to find bread." [41:01] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "So what we need to do as a church is be proactive in promoting godly leaders. At our members meeting, we introduced two new potential elders, Sam and John. And they came up here with their wives and they introduced themselves and they spoke about their love for the Lord and their love for this church. And now for the next handful of weeks into a month's time, the job of the members of this church is to discern, are they a Gaius and a Demetrius? Or are they a Diotrephes? We don't need Diotrephes. People that are out for themselves. We need godly leaders who will lead." [44:09] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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