Empowered Leadership: Serving with Integrity and Humility

The church is not defined by tradition or human expectations, but by the living presence and power of the Holy Spirit. From its birth in Acts 2, the church has been called to reflect God’s glory, to live as a family of faith, and to declare the truth of Jesus Christ to the world. As brothers and sisters, we are to encourage, support, and even lovingly hold each other accountable, recognizing that no family—spiritual or biological—is perfect. Our imperfections only highlight the perfection of our Savior, who unites us and calls us forward together.

Today marks a significant moment as we set apart five men as elders, recognizing that leadership in the church is a gift from God. These leaders are not chosen because of their perfection, but because of God’s grace and calling. The qualifications for elders, as outlined in Scripture, are humbling and remind us that character matters deeply. Elders are to be above reproach, faithful in their marriages, self-controlled, hospitable, and able to manage their households well. These qualities are not a mask to be worn, but a life to be lived with integrity, especially when no one is watching.

Leadership in the church is not about titles or privileges, but about servanthood. Just as Jesus came not to be served but to serve, so must our leaders model sacrificial love and care for the flock. Elders are called to shepherd the church: to feed, protect, and guide God’s people, standing as the first line of defense against false teaching and spiritual danger. Their public ministry must be rooted in private devotion, for only a life anchored in Christ can sustain the weight of spiritual leadership.

The process of setting apart these elders has been bathed in prayer, mentorship, and discernment, involving both the men and their wives. This is a shared calling, requiring the support and partnership of their families. Ultimately, it is Jesus who calls, equips, and sustains those who lead His church. As we celebrate this moment, we look to Him as the true head of the church, trusting that He will provide all that is needed for these men to shepherd well and for our church to shine as a beacon of Christ’s love and truth.

Key Takeaways

• 1. True spiritual leadership is rooted in character, not charisma or credentials. The call to be above reproach, faithful, and self-controlled is not about outward appearances but about who we are when no one is watching. Integrity in private life is the foundation for public ministry, and growth in Christlikeness is expected, not perfection. [09:19]
• 2. The first ministry of any leader is to their own family. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that if a man cannot care for his own household, he cannot care for the church. Prioritizing the spiritual and relational health of one’s spouse and children is not only a qualification for leadership but a living testimony to the gospel’s power at home. [10:45]
• 3. Leaders in the church must remain lifelong disciples, never assuming they have “arrived.” The temptation to rest on a title or past spiritual achievements is real, but true leaders are those who continue to pursue Christ, study His Word, and cultivate a vibrant prayer life. Public effectiveness flows from private devotion, and humility keeps leaders teachable and dependent on God. [16:36]
• 4. Elders are called to be guardians of sound doctrine and shepherds who protect the flock from false teaching. In a world where confusion and error abound, leaders must be anchored in Scripture, able to instruct and, when necessary, to rebuke. Their vigilance ensures that the church remains on the narrow road, centered on the truth of Christ. [18:45]
• 5. Servant leadership is the model Jesus gave, and it is the standard for elders. Leadership is not about status or special privileges, but about sacrificial service, setting the tone for the entire church. Elders are to lead by example, caring for the wounded, feeding the hungry, and standing guard against spiritual threats, always pointing others to Christ by their actions. [21:10]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:59] - The Church as God’s Family
• [01:38] - Setting Apart Elders: A Unique Day
• [02:52] - The Gift and Responsibility of Leadership
• [07:33] - The Humbling Qualifications of Elders
• [09:19] - The Call to Character and Integrity
• [10:45] - Family as First Ministry
• [16:36] - Lifelong Discipleship and Sound Doctrine
• [18:45] - Guarding Against False Teaching
• [21:10] - Servant Leadership: Following Christ’s Example
• [24:45] - The Shepherd’s Role: Caring and Protecting
• [27:34] - The Weight and Support of Leadership
• [29:34] - Looking to Jesus, the True Head
• [32:19] - The Process of Selecting Elders
• [36:00] - Laying on of Hands and Prayer
• [55:55] - Introduction of New Elders
• [61:08] - Dedication and Closing Prayer
• [62:08] - Final Announcements and Dismissal

Bible Reading

Acts 2:42-47 (ESV) — > And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

1 Timothy 3:1-7 (ESV) — > The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 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. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

Titus 1:5-9 (ESV) — > This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Observation Questions

1. According to Acts 2, what were some of the key practices and characteristics of the early church community?
2. In 1 Timothy 3:1-7, what are the specific qualifications Paul lists for someone who desires to be an elder or overseer?
3. What does Titus 1:5-9 add about the role and character of elders, especially regarding their family and their ability to teach and guard doctrine?
4. In the sermon, what is emphasized as the foundation for public ministry and leadership in the church? ([09:19])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul places such a strong emphasis on the character and private life of church leaders, rather than just their abilities or charisma? ([09:19])
2. The sermon says, “The first ministry of any leader is to their own family.” Why is this so important, and what might happen in a church if this is neglected? ([10:45])
3. The elders are described as “the rails” that keep the church on the narrow road. What does this metaphor suggest about the responsibility and influence of church leaders? ([16:36])
4. The sermon highlights that leadership is about servanthood, not status. How does this challenge common ideas about leadership, both inside and outside the church? ([21:10])

Application Questions

1. The sermon says, “Integrity in private life is the foundation for public ministry.” Are there areas in your private life that you feel God is calling you to grow in, so that your public witness is stronger? What is one step you can take this week? ([09:19])
2. For those who are parents or spouses: How are you prioritizing the spiritual and relational health of your family? Is there a specific way you can serve or encourage your spouse or children this week as your “first ministry”? ([10:45])
3. The sermon warns against relying on titles or past achievements. In what ways might you be tempted to “rest” on your past spiritual growth instead of pursuing Christ today? What would it look like for you to take a fresh step of discipleship this month? ([16:36])
4. Elders are called to guard against false teaching and keep the church centered on Christ. How can you personally grow in discernment and knowledge of Scripture, so you can recognize truth from error? Is there a topic or doctrine you want to study more deeply? ([18:45])
5. Servant leadership means putting others’ needs before your own. Can you think of a recent situation where you had the opportunity to serve someone in the church or your community? How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time? ([21:10])
6. The process of setting apart elders involved prayer, mentorship, and family support. Who are the people in your life that support and encourage your spiritual growth? How can you thank or involve them more intentionally? ([32:19])
7. The sermon reminds us that “no family—spiritual or biological—is perfect.” How can you extend grace to others in your church family this week, especially when you see their imperfections? ([01:38])