Empowered by the Spirit: Embracing Growth and Unity
Summary
### Summary
Today, we celebrate the incredible work of the Holy Spirit in saving and transforming lives across the globe and within our community. The Spirit is actively reconciling relationships, calling people to pastoral ministry, and empowering us to do great things. We should be filled with anticipation and fascination about what God will do next in our lives and our church.
We introduced Tom Black as our new Executive Director for Operations, highlighting the importance of character, competency, calling, capacity, and chemistry in our hiring process. We also acknowledged Leah Mock for her invaluable contributions in her interim role.
We then set apart Jeff Essary and Jonathan Pierce as deacons, emphasizing the importance of servant leadership. Deacons are called to be leaders, shock absorbers, and examples of dignified living. Their roles are crucial in maintaining unity and serving the church's material and spiritual needs.
Looking ahead, we have three major initiatives: strengthening our international partnerships, planting a new campus in Charlestown, and potentially building a connector building to better serve our New Albany campus. These initiatives are aimed at reaching more people for Christ and ensuring our church remains vibrant and mission-focused.
Finally, we reflected on the joy that comes from seeing lost people found and believers growing in holiness. We should never tire of this work, just as God never tires of His creation. Our prayer is for God to continue doing amazing things through us, and we commit to being reliant on the Spirit for all that lies ahead.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Active Work of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is continually at work, saving and transforming lives. This should fill us with anticipation and fascination about what God will do next in our lives and our church. We must remain open and expectant for the Spirit's movement in our midst. [19:29]
2. Importance of Character in Leadership: When hiring for ministry roles, character is paramount. Competency is important, but without character, it can lead to failure. We seek leaders who are not only skilled but also embody the virtues of humility, integrity, and a tireless spirit. [47:52]
3. Servant Leadership and Unity: Deacons are called to be servant leaders, shock absorbers, and agents of unity within the church. Their role is to absorb potential disunity and maintain a harmonious environment, reflecting the servant leadership modeled by Jesus. [56:20]
4. Future Initiatives for Growth: Our church is committed to expanding its reach through international partnerships, planting a new campus in Charlestown, and potentially building a connector building. These initiatives are designed to reach more people for Christ and ensure our church remains mission-focused. [01:03:48]
5. Joy in God's Work: Joy is the business of heaven, and it comes from seeing lost people found and believers growing in holiness. We should never tire of this work, just as God never tires of His creation. Our prayer is for God to continue doing amazing things through us. [01:14:22]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[19:29] - The Work of the Holy Spirit
[46:42] - Introduction of Tom Black
[47:17] - Acknowledging Leah Mock
[47:52] - Importance of Character in Hiring
[48:21] - Chemistry in Team Building
[50:43] - Staff Growth and Encouragement
[51:49] - Setting Apart Jeff Essary and Jonathan Pierce
[54:15] - The Role of Deacons
[55:25] - Leadership and Influence
[56:20] - Deacons as Shock Absorbers
[01:02:02] - Future Initiatives
[01:03:48] - International Partnerships
[01:06:19] - Planting a Campus in Charlestown
[01:07:23] - Potential Connector Building
[01:14:22] - Joy in God's Work
[01:17:16] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 6:1-4
2. Philippians 1:1
3. 1 Timothy 3:8
#### Observation Questions
1. What roles and responsibilities are described for deacons in Acts 6:1-4?
2. According to Philippians 1:1, what are the two offices in the church?
3. How does 1 Timothy 3:8 describe the character and behavior expected of deacons?
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of the Holy Spirit's active work in our community? [19:29]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for deacons to be servant leaders and "shock absorbers" within the church? [56:20]
2. How does the character of a leader impact their effectiveness in ministry, according to the sermon? [47:52]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between joy and God's work in our lives? [01:14:22]
4. How do the future initiatives mentioned in the sermon align with the church's mission to reach more people for Christ? [01:03:48]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Spirit working in your life. How did it change your perspective or actions? [19:29]
2. How can you cultivate the virtues of humility, integrity, and a tireless spirit in your own life to better serve in your community? [47:52]
3. In what ways can you act as a "shock absorber" in your church or community to help maintain unity and harmony? [56:20]
4. What steps can you take to support the church's future initiatives, such as international partnerships or planting a new campus? [01:03:48]
5. How can you find joy in the seemingly monotonous tasks of daily life, knowing that God never tires of His creation? [01:14:22]
6. Identify one area in your life where you can rely more on the Holy Spirit for guidance and empowerment. What practical steps will you take this week to do so? [19:29]
7. Think of a person in your life who is far from God. How can you be a part of their journey towards faith, reflecting the joy of seeing lost people found? [01:14:22]
Devotional
Day 1: The Active Work of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is continually at work, saving and transforming lives. This should fill us with anticipation and fascination about what God will do next in our lives and our church. We must remain open and expectant for the Spirit's movement in our midst. The Spirit is actively reconciling relationships, calling people to pastoral ministry, and empowering us to do great things. As we celebrate the incredible work of the Holy Spirit, we should be filled with anticipation and fascination about what God will do next in our lives and our church. We should remain open and expectant for the Spirit's movement in our midst, trusting that God has amazing plans for us.
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you saw the Holy Spirit at work. How can you remain open and expectant for the Spirit's movement in your life today? [19:29]
Day 2: Importance of Character in Leadership
When hiring for ministry roles, character is paramount. Competency is important, but without character, it can lead to failure. We seek leaders who are not only skilled but also embody the virtues of humility, integrity, and a tireless spirit. Character is the foundation upon which effective and godly leadership is built. It is essential to prioritize character over competency, as a lack of character can lead to failure and harm within the church community. Leaders should embody humility, integrity, and a tireless spirit, reflecting the character of Christ in their actions and decisions.
1 Timothy 3:2-3 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Reflect on a leader you admire. What specific character traits do they exhibit that you can strive to develop in your own life? [47:52]
Day 3: Servant Leadership and Unity
Deacons are called to be servant leaders, shock absorbers, and agents of unity within the church. Their role is to absorb potential disunity and maintain a harmonious environment, reflecting the servant leadership modeled by Jesus. Servant leadership is crucial in maintaining unity within the church. Deacons play a vital role in absorbing potential disunity and ensuring a harmonious environment. By embodying the servant leadership modeled by Jesus, deacons help to meet the material and spiritual needs of the church, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.
Mark 10:43-45 (ESV): "But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your church or community where there is potential for disunity. How can you act as a servant leader to help maintain harmony and unity? [56:20]
Day 4: Future Initiatives for Growth
Our church is committed to expanding its reach through international partnerships, planting a new campus in Charlestown, and potentially building a connector building. These initiatives are designed to reach more people for Christ and ensure our church remains mission-focused. By strengthening international partnerships, planting new campuses, and considering new building projects, the church aims to reach more people for Christ and remain vibrant and mission-focused. These initiatives reflect a commitment to growth and the spreading of the Gospel, ensuring that the church continues to thrive and impact lives.
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: Consider how you can support your church's future initiatives. What specific actions can you take to contribute to the growth and mission of your church? [01:03:48]
Day 5: Joy in God's Work
Joy is the business of heaven, and it comes from seeing lost people found and believers growing in holiness. We should never tire of this work, just as God never tires of His creation. Our prayer is for God to continue doing amazing things through us. The joy that comes from seeing lost people found and believers growing in holiness is a reflection of God's heart. We should never tire of this work, as it brings glory to God and fulfills His purpose for us. By relying on the Spirit, we can continue to experience the joy of participating in God's amazing work.
Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV): "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent moment of joy you experienced in God's work. How can you cultivate a heart that never tires of participating in God's amazing work? [01:14:22]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "And one of the things that we celebrate, we celebrate that the Holy Spirit has been saving and converting thousands of people. He's doing it even now, all across the world, even in our midst. He's saving people. He's reconciling marriages, kids and grown kids that were far from God. He's bringing back, I was once lost, I was found. There are people who are experiencing God's grace, God's grace." [19:29] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Joy is the business of heaven. G.K. Chesterton said that joy is the business of heaven. G.K. Chesterton had a book where he talked about how kids have this vitality, they're fierce, they're free, and they will have you do things over and over again, right? Have you ever had your kids or grandkids say, do it again, do it again? And you're like, I've done it 40 times. I'm tired of doing it again. Do it yourself." [01:11:38] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you look at the Bible, the joy is the language and the tone and the business of heaven. What brings God joy? When lost people are found, there's much rejoicing in heaven. The Bible says in the book of Philippians that God, who is at work in you for his what? Good pleasure. He finds pleasure when you grow and mature in holiness." [01:13:48] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We want to be about lost people being found. And we want to do it again. Do it again. Do it again. And we want to see people who know Jesus grow up and mature in Jesus. And if we can hang on to that and be reliant upon the Spirit, what is God going to do? Amazing things. Amazing things." [01:14:46] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Shame on us when we don't expect the God of the universe to do it again, do it again, do it again. All right. Let me pray. God in heaven, thank you so much for what you have done, what you're doing. And we pray that you would do it again, do it again, do it again." [01:16:21] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The most persistent barrier to leading like Jesus is a heart motivated by self-interest. People with hearts motivated by self-interest put their agenda, safety, status, and gratification ahead of those things, and as we've observed in the process, we've observed Jeff, Essary, and Jonathan Pierce, that is not the case with them. They do put Jesus first in their lives for their neighbors." [51:49] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "To be a leader, to be particularly a deacon is to be a shock absorber. Our church is really blessed with a palpable sense of unity. We don't get everything right as leaders. We get some things wrong. I think that we get more things right than we get wrong. If you have a pattern of getting more things wrong than right, you probably don't need to be a leader, but when we get things wrong, there's sometimes murmuring complaints, and we don't have a lot of that, but one of the tasks and responsibilities of deacons, particularly, is to be a shock absorber that actually absorbs sometimes the disunity or the potential disunity, so you are called to be an agent of unity." [56:20] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We want to continue to pour gasoline on the fire of international partnerships. Amen. When a church is planted, God's heart is always for the nations. It's always for the nations. And we have had a long history of being committed to the nations. And you've heard a lot about Ukraine. You've heard a little bit about India. You've heard some about Newfoundland, Canada. You've heard some about Scotland." [01:03:48] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We want to send the message to our New Albany campus, which is the Sydney campus, which makes things happen. That though we want to go to Scotland and Newfoundland and India and Honduras, and though we want to plant campuses, we've not forgotten about New Albany. They're key and integral, so perhaps we might build a building. You're gonna hear more about that in the months to come." [01:10:17] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We want to see New Albany continue to grow as we have an other-oriented posture. And I don't want us to get tired of the monotony and the familiarity of people coming to faith in Jesus and then growing up in Jesus. And I just want to say, like we said. I say every week. Maybe this is a phrase that we should adopt. As Pastor Ryan says, you're loved and you're sent. And then I say, be gone. Maybe we don't need to adopt that. You're loved and you're sent. And then maybe just say, God, do it again. God, do it again. God, do it again." [01:15:45] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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