Embracing Leadership and Faithfulness in Ministry
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, Reach City Church! Today, we celebrate four years of ministry, a testament to God's faithfulness. Reflecting on our journey, we remember setting a date in 2019, unaware of the impending COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, God has been faithful, allowing us to impact lives in ways we never imagined. As Psalm 13:6 says, "I will sing the praises of the Lord, for he has been good to me." This verse reminds us that acknowledging God's goodness should produce praise within us, even when we struggle to find reasons to praise Him.
We also celebrated a beautiful wedding yesterday, highlighting the importance of submission to leadership. The couple trusted their leaders, receiving both challenges and support, which led them to their desired destination. This brings us to the core message: the importance of being submitted to leadership and the local church. In today's culture, many people pursue their callings independently, often neglecting the foundational role of the local church and elder co-signership. However, true ministry involves more than just preaching or serving in church programs; it means being out in the world, advancing God's kingdom.
Reflecting on my journey, I remember joining my pastor's church in 2013, seeking to learn how to be a shepherd. I told him that in three years, my wife and I would start our own ministry. When 2016 arrived, he told me I wasn't ready. He emphasized that while I could preach and teach, I hadn't yet learned to nurture people into the faith. This was a pivotal moment for my development, not a rejection of my calling. It was about ensuring my character was proven and my faith was solid before taking on the responsibility of shepherding God's people.
As we continue in our series, we must ask ourselves if we are faithful to the gospel, if our character is proven, and if we are submitted to our leaders. Sound leadership desires to see many sons and daughters in the faith, understanding that the kingdom cannot be carried on the back of one individual. We need to be Timothys, true sons and daughters in the faith, who are trusted with the co-sign because our character and submission are proven.
It's crucial to understand that while the call of God is the most critical co-sign, there is also a biblical process for kingdom deployment that involves the co-sign of the local church. This process ensures that when we are released into ministry, we do so with care and effectiveness. We must be patient and go through the developmental process, even when it feels like a delay. This is not about control but about ensuring we are ready for the assignment God has for us.
In closing, I want to emphasize the importance of having a local church and trusted leadership. Too many people are pursuing their callings independently, without the covering and support of a local church. This often leads to challenges that could have been avoided with proper guidance. As leaders, we want to see you thrive and be successful in what God has for you. So, let's invite leadership into our journeys, allowing them to bless and co-sign the work we are doing for God's kingdom.
Thank you for believing in us and supporting this ministry. We are excited about the future and the innovative ways God will use us to advance His kingdom. Let's continue to trust in His faithfulness and work together to make a significant impact.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Faithfulness in Uncertainty: Reflecting on our four-year journey, we see God's faithfulness even through unexpected challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Psalm 13:6 reminds us that acknowledging God's goodness should produce praise within us, even when we struggle to find reasons to praise Him. This teaches us to trust in God's faithfulness and to praise Him for His goodness in all circumstances. [44:59]
2. The Importance of Submission to Leadership: The wedding we celebrated highlights the importance of submission to leadership. The couple trusted their leaders, receiving both challenges and support, which led them to their desired destination. This teaches us that true growth and success in our spiritual journey often come through submission to godly leadership and the local church. [01:35:36]
3. Character Development Before Deployment: My journey of seeking to be a shepherd under my pastor's guidance emphasizes the importance of character development before taking on significant responsibilities. Even when it feels like a delay, this process ensures that our character is proven and our faith is solid, preparing us for effective ministry. [50:03]
4. The Role of the Local Church in Kingdom Deployment: While the call of God is the most critical co-sign, there is also a biblical process for kingdom deployment that involves the co-sign of the local church. This process ensures that when we are released into ministry, we do so with care and effectiveness, highlighting the importance of being part of a local church and submitting to its leadership. [54:14]
5. Trusting Leadership for Effective Ministry: As leaders, we want to see you thrive and be successful in what God has for you. This requires inviting leadership into our journeys, allowing them to bless and co-sign the work we are doing for God's kingdom. This partnership ensures that we are ready for the assignment God has for us and that we do it honorably, advancing His kingdom effectively. [01:41:45]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [44:06] - Celebrating Four Years of Ministry
3. [45:55] - Trivia and Acknowledgements
4. [47:16] - My Journey to Shepherding
5. [50:03] - Character Development Before Deployment
6. [51:32] - The Role of the Local Church
7. [54:14] - Timothy's Assignment and Co-Sign
8. [01:32:04] - Proven Character and Submission
9. [01:35:36] - Importance of Submission to Leadership
10. [01:41:45] - Trusting Leadership for Effective Ministry
11. [01:55:18] - Acknowledging Early Supporters
12. [01:58:03] - Future Vision and Reach Fest Announcement
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 13:6: "I will sing the praises of the Lord, for he has been good to me."
2. 1 Timothy 1:2: "To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord."
3. Philippians 2:22: "But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 13:6 suggest about our response to God's goodness, even in challenging times? ([44:59])
2. How did the pastor's experience with his own pastor in 2016 illustrate the importance of character development before taking on significant responsibilities? ([48:03])
3. According to 1 Timothy 1:2, what relationship did Paul have with Timothy, and how does this relate to the concept of a "true son in the faith"? ([54:14])
4. What role did submission to leadership play in the couple's journey to their wedding, as mentioned in the sermon? ([01:35:36])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How can Psalm 13:6 help us maintain a posture of praise during uncertain times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic? ([44:59])
2. Why is it important to have proven character before being deployed into ministry, according to the pastor's story and 1 Timothy 1:2? ([50:03])
3. What does Philippians 2:22 reveal about the qualities that make someone trustworthy for ministry, and how does this apply to our own lives? ([01:32:46])
4. How does the concept of "elder co-signership" and submission to leadership ensure effective ministry, as discussed in the sermon? ([54:14])
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Psalm 13:6, can you identify a specific instance where you struggled to find reasons to praise God? How did you overcome it, or how can you apply this verse to your current situation? ([44:59])
2. Think about a time when you felt ready for a new responsibility but were advised to wait. How did you handle that situation, and what did you learn from it? ([48:03])
3. In what ways can you demonstrate proven character in your daily life, especially in areas where you feel called to serve? ([50:03])
4. How can you actively invite and submit to godly leadership in your spiritual journey? What steps can you take to ensure you are open to guidance and correction? ([01:32:46])
5. Reflect on a time when you pursued a goal independently. How might the outcome have been different if you had sought the co-sign and support of a local church or trusted leaders? ([54:14])
6. How can you cultivate a relationship with a mentor or leader who can help guide you in your spiritual growth and ministry? ([01:35:36])
7. What specific actions can you take this week to show that you are trustworthy and submitted to the leadership in your church? ([01:32:46])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God's Faithfulness in Uncertainty
Reflecting on our four-year journey, we see God's faithfulness even through unexpected challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Psalm 13:6 reminds us that acknowledging God's goodness should produce praise within us, even when we struggle to find reasons to praise Him. This teaches us to trust in God's faithfulness and to praise Him for His goodness in all circumstances. [44:59]
Psalm 13:6 (ESV): "I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did you see God's faithfulness in that situation, and how can you praise Him for it today?
Day 2: Submission to Leadership for Spiritual Growth
The wedding we celebrated highlights the importance of submission to leadership. The couple trusted their leaders, receiving both challenges and support, which led them to their desired destination. This teaches us that true growth and success in our spiritual journey often come through submission to godly leadership and the local church. [01:35:36]
Hebrews 13:17 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Consider a leader in your life who has guided you spiritually. How can you show appreciation and further submit to their guidance today?
Day 3: Character Development Before Deployment
My journey of seeking to be a shepherd under my pastor's guidance emphasizes the importance of character development before taking on significant responsibilities. Even when it feels like a delay, this process ensures that our character is proven and our faith is solid, preparing us for effective ministry. [50:03]
1 Timothy 3:10 (ESV): "And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your character that God is currently developing. What steps can you take today to grow in this area?
Day 4: The Role of the Local Church in Kingdom Deployment
While the call of God is the most critical co-sign, there is also a biblical process for kingdom deployment that involves the co-sign of the local church. This process ensures that when we are released into ministry, we do so with care and effectiveness, highlighting the importance of being part of a local church and submitting to its leadership. [54:14]
Acts 13:2-3 (ESV): "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off."
Reflection: Are you actively involved in your local church? How can you seek the church's guidance and support in your ministry calling today?
Day 5: Trusting Leadership for Effective Ministry
As leaders, we want to see you thrive and be successful in what God has for you. This requires inviting leadership into our journeys, allowing them to bless and co-sign the work we are doing for God's kingdom. This partnership ensures that we are ready for the assignment God has for us and that we do it honorably, advancing His kingdom effectively. [01:41:45]
Proverbs 11:14 (ESV): "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."
Reflection: Think about a ministry or project you are involved in. How can you invite your leaders to provide guidance and co-sign your efforts to ensure its success?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We are here today, and we get to celebrate four years of being in ministry, four years to celebrate the faithfulness of God, four years, yeah, man, four years just to celebrate His faithfulness. Hadassah said it already. You know, when we set out on this journey, my wife and I, we did not know COVID was coming. We set a date in 2019. We had no clue that COVID was coming when we set that date, but COVID came, and obviously that shook the whole world by surprise, and it caused a lot of people to have to really reevaluate different things and try to figure out ways that we can do things. And so we had to kind of figure that same thing out, but the reality was, the truth was, man, I don't know how to make it, right? But God has been just so faithful to us in that process. He has allowed us to do a lot of things over these last four years. He has, man, allowed us to have impact in people's lives that we never thought we would even be able to touch and be able to have relationships with." [44:06]
2. "Psalms 13, 6 says that I will sing the praises of the Lord for he has been good to me, right? And one of the things that we just talked about in the teaching cohort is that that tells us that if we acknowledge the goodness of God, it produces in us a praise, right? Even when we don't know what we can praise God for, we reflect on how good God has been. If we find that one thing that God has done in our life that has been good to us, it should produce within us a praise. And today, our praise can be for many things, but in addition to that, we are praising God because he has been good to us in this ministry." [44:59]
3. "Because everybody, we're in this age where everybody's starting stuff, everybody don't have a movement, everybody, it's the entrepreneurial age and Christianity has become the greatest thing that people have now attempted to monetize, right? Everybody wants to start a movement, everybody wants something that's going to be for kingdom advancement. And the question that I want to ask for you guys today is, but are you or can you be trusted with the cosign?" [51:32]
4. "Being in ministry should be being out in the world on assignment to advance the kingdom of God and or strengthen the body of Christ. Which means you can be released and co-signed in ministry and not serve in a program. Amen? But I know that that's been conflated. And even as a pastor, I don't like saying it. Because... Somebody going to take that and run with it the wrong way. And be like, I ain't got, you know, I say the need, but you know, ministry is... But though these perversions and stuff exist, what I want you guys to hear me talk about today, man, is just really looking at it through the lens of what the word of God says and seeing the truth of what scripture teaches. Because at the end of the day, when we wait for the co-sign, there is a blessing that is attached to it. When we do things the way that God has called us to do it, there is a blessing that is attached to it." [53:07]
5. "I know it's some weird. They're doing some weird stuff with that language now. But just to me, am I trustworthy? Right? I feel like God is. But am I, have I done the things that I need to do to receive the cosign? And here's the thing, by the way, that I want to say as I close. It's also, I was on a call with a person recently who has interest in the ministry. And one of the questions that this person said to me was, hey, who your pastor? Right? Which is a beautiful question. Why? Because every leader should be a Timothy. Right? Right? Who in the world? Cosigned you. Who in the world said your character is proven? Right? You should be looking at me and being like, who said you was good to go, tanks? Who do you submit to, tanks? Who developed you, tanks? Everybody should be a Timothy. Right? Because that is where the development takes place. That is the process in which we are developing." [01:38:07]
### Quotes for Members
1. "If you want to be trusted with the cosine, ask yourself, am I faithful to the gospel? Is my character proven? And am I submitted to the people I want me to give the cosine? Some of these are to be done perfect. But where there is lack, are we willing to do the developmental work in those areas? Right? Just because you conform a little don't mean that you can't learn to know what it means to stand firm. Right? Just because you got some character issues don't mean we can't work on that. Just because you ain't never seen healthy. Leadership to understand what healthy submission looks like don't mean you can't see the example and begin to do it now." [01:36:01]
2. "Sound leadership wants many sons and daughters. I'll give you a secret. I want a lot of Timothys and whatever the female version of Timothy is. Timothys. Timothy. Why? Because sound leaders understand that the weight of the kingdom cannot be carried on the back of one individual. So, hey, with everything we got to do, I need all of the sons and daughters that are true in faith that I can count. Trust words. I tell people all the time, I say, listen, it's a season coming. And all that I want. I want every, it's a whole bunch of people that I can be like, go, go, go, go, go, kill it." [01:37:34]
3. "And so the question is, can you be trusted to stick to the assignment and to do it honorably? I know where you are. I don't know where everybody is at, but, but, and I don't know what God has in the hearts of everyone, but I encourage you not to follow the trends of the culture and forsake leadership as you pursue. what God has placed on your heart. Invite leadership in if you have trusted leadership and allow them to be a part of launching you. Lay hands on blessing and to give you the cosign for the work that you're doing. And so that requires, one, that you need a local church and that you need local church with leadership that you can trust and that you're willing to submit to, right?" [01:40:29]
4. "And the funny thing that when we think about Reach City Church and its existence is I remember it was me and my wife, we had just got married. We had just joined the church because we had went and looking, seeking out a man of God that can shepherd me in the church. And I remember the pastor because we felt that that was where God was calling me or I felt it. And my wife was just like, yep, okay. And so I remember in 2013, I'm walking into my pastor office and I'm talking to him and I said, I'm here to learn how to be a shepherd from you. And in three years, my wife and I are going to start our own ministry. And he said, okay. 2016 comes around and I go to him and I say, man, you know what I'm saying, three years is coming. You know, we're about to go ahead and get ready to do this thing. And he was like, yeah, no. And I was like, no, he was like, yeah, I don't, I don't, I don't think, I don't think you're ready." [47:16]
5. "And the reality was, he was like, you, you're, you can't pastor people. He's like, you can preach well, you can teach well, but you have not learned what it means to nurture people into the faith. Right. I didn't know gentleness. I didn't know grace. I didn't know. I knew servanthood, but it had a caveat to it. Like, like I'm serving if you serve it. Right. And, and he was like, man, if you're going to shepherd people, there's some character things that are flawed in you that need to be developed. So. So that when God entrusts you with his people, you will know how to handle them and steward them well. And even with all of that, I still fumble the bag sometimes. Right. They are not the bag, but that's just the saying that we say it. Right. Probably shouldn't have said the bag. That's just a bad clip. They going to have me on K-Dub. Right. But at the end of the day, his, his, his, his cause to pause was a dilemma. It was a dilemma for my development, not a rejection of my assignment, not to try to stop what God was doing, but it was really to make sure that when it was time that I was set up for the most success possible because my character had been proven. My faith had been proven and I had did the work to learn some things in order to do this work." [49:20]
6. "And so, what I want to get into is last time we looked at Paul's thing and we stressed that, if you all remember, we stressed that no man can close or open the door that God has called you to. Remember that? And I'm still holding on to that. But I don't want us to misunderstand. I don't want us to misunderstand that while the most critical cosign that you need is the call of God on your life, it is also an undeniable biblical fact that God has a process for kingdom development, I mean kingdom deployment, that involves the cosign of your local church. While God is the most critical cosign that you need, it is an undeniable fact that God has a process for kingdom deployment that involves the cosign of your local church." [54:58]
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