Empowering Leadership Through Trust and Courage in God
Summary
### Summary
Today is a momentous occasion as we gather to install Reverend Tim Barton as the new lead pastor of the Vine Community Church. This transition is a significant event, ordained by God, and we are grateful for His guidance. Drawing from Deuteronomy 31, we reflect on Moses' farewell address to Joshua, where Moses, nearing the end of his life, passes the leadership baton to Joshua. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that while leaders may change, the same God continues to guide His people.
Moses' words to Joshua, "Be strong and courageous," resonate deeply as we encourage Tim to lead with the same strength and courage. This strength is not merely physical but spiritual, rooted in reliance on God. Tim is called to lead the congregation with the Lord's strength, to equip others for ministry, and to make critical decisions with wisdom and guidance from God. Just as Moses handed off leadership to Joshua, Tim is encouraged to empower others within the church, recognizing that ministry is a collective effort.
The essence of leadership, as demonstrated by Moses and Joshua, is a deep trust in God and an acknowledgment of our powerlessness without Him. Tim is reminded to continually seek God's guidance, knowing that God goes before him and will never leave or forsake him. This trust in God dispels fear and instills confidence, as perfect love casts out fear.
As Tim steps into this new role, the congregation is called to support him through prayer, recognizing the weight of leadership and the need for divine strength. We pray for Tim, his family, and the entire church community, asking God to protect, guide, and empower them. This sacred transfer of leadership is a testament to God's faithfulness, and we look forward to the continued growth and unity of the Vine Community Church under Tim's leadership.
### Key Takeaways
1. Strength and Courage in Leadership: Tim is called to lead with strength and courage, not just physically but spiritually. This strength comes from relying on God, who is our help and shield. As Tim leads, he must continually draw from the Lord's strength, recognizing that apart from God, he can do nothing. [23:08]
2. Empowering Others for Ministry: Effective leadership involves equipping others to serve. Tim is encouraged to continue the practice of empowering the congregation to use their gifts for ministry. This approach ensures that the work of the church does not revolve around one person but is a collective effort. [26:35]
3. Critical Decision-Making: While many decisions in the church can be made by anyone, there are critical moments that require the wisdom and guidance of the lead pastor. Tim is called to lead in these moments with the support of the elders and the congregation's prayers, seeking God's wisdom in all decisions. [31:09]
4. Trusting God in Powerlessness: True leadership acknowledges our powerlessness without God. Tim is reminded to trust in God's presence and guidance, knowing that God goes before him and will never leave or forsake him. This trust dispels fear and instills confidence in God's provision. [33:06]
5. Focus on Jesus: The ultimate focus of Tim's leadership should be on Jesus Christ. By pointing the congregation to Jesus, Tim ensures that the church remains centered on the perfect love that casts out fear. This focus on Christ is essential for the spiritual growth and unity of the church. [35:29]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:22] - Opening Prayer
[21:00] - Moses' Farewell Address to Joshua
[23:08] - Be Strong and Courageous
[25:01] - Strength in the Lord
[26:35] - Empowering Others for Ministry
[28:22] - Handing Off Leadership
[31:09] - Critical Decision-Making
[33:06] - Trusting God in Powerlessness
[35:29] - Focus on Jesus
[37:16] - Prayer for Tim and Family
[43:09] - Installation Prayer
[48:55] - Final Blessing and Declaration
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Deuteronomy 31:7-8 (ESV): "Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, 'Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Moses give to Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:7-8?
2. According to the sermon, what qualities are emphasized for Tim Barton as he steps into his new role? [23:08]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of the congregation in supporting Tim Barton? [31:09]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the importance of empowering others for ministry? [26:35]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Moses tells Joshua to "be strong and courageous"? How does this apply to Tim Barton’s new role? [23:08]
2. What does it mean to lead with spiritual strength rather than just physical strength, as discussed in the sermon? [25:01]
3. How does the concept of "handing off leadership" reflect the biblical model of ministry? What are the potential benefits and challenges of this approach? [28:22]
4. In what ways does trusting in God’s presence and guidance help dispel fear and instill confidence in a leader? [33:06]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to rely on spiritual strength rather than physical strength. How did that experience shape your faith and leadership? [25:01]
2. How can you support Tim Barton and other church leaders through prayer and encouragement? What specific actions can you take this week? [31:09]
3. Think about your own role in the church. How can you use your gifts to serve and support the ministry? What steps can you take to become more involved? [26:35]
4. Identify a critical decision you are facing in your life. How can you seek God’s wisdom and guidance in making that decision? [31:09]
5. Consider a situation where you felt powerless. How did trusting in God help you through that time? How can you apply that trust to current challenges? [33:06]
6. What distractions in your life prevent you from focusing on Jesus? How can you minimize these distractions to strengthen your relationship with Him? [35:29]
7. How can you encourage and empower others in your community to take on leadership roles? What practical steps can you take to mentor and support them? [28:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Strength and Courage in Leadership
Leadership in the church requires more than just physical strength; it demands spiritual fortitude. This strength is not self-derived but comes from a deep reliance on God. As leaders, we are called to draw from the Lord's strength, recognizing that apart from Him, we can do nothing. This spiritual strength enables us to face challenges with courage, knowing that God is our help and shield. In moments of doubt or fear, we must remember that God goes before us and will never leave or forsake us. This assurance dispels fear and instills confidence, allowing us to lead with boldness and faith.
Tim, as the new lead pastor, is encouraged to embody this strength and courage. His leadership should be marked by a continual dependence on God, seeking His guidance in all decisions. By doing so, he sets an example for the congregation, demonstrating that true strength comes from a relationship with God. This reliance on God not only empowers Tim but also inspires the church to trust in God's provision and guidance in their own lives. [23:08]
Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV): "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on God's strength rather than your own? How can you begin to trust Him more deeply today?
Day 2: Empowering Others for Ministry
Effective leadership in the church involves equipping others to serve. This means recognizing and nurturing the gifts within the congregation, encouraging members to use their talents for ministry. By empowering others, the work of the church becomes a collective effort rather than revolving around a single individual. This approach fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility, allowing the church to thrive and grow.
Tim is encouraged to continue this practice of empowering the congregation. By doing so, he not only lightens his own load but also helps others to grow in their faith and service. This collective effort ensures that the church can accomplish more together than any one person could alone. It also creates a culture of participation and engagement, where everyone feels valued and important in the mission of the church. [26:35]
Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."
Reflection: What gifts has God given you that you can use to serve others in your church? How can you encourage someone else to use their gifts for ministry?
Day 3: Critical Decision-Making
While many decisions in the church can be made by anyone, there are critical moments that require the wisdom and guidance of the lead pastor. These decisions often have significant implications for the direction and health of the church. It is in these moments that the lead pastor must seek God's wisdom, supported by the prayers of the congregation and the counsel of the elders.
Tim is called to lead in these critical moments with discernment and humility. By seeking God's guidance and relying on the support of the church community, he can make decisions that align with God's will and benefit the entire congregation. This collaborative approach ensures that the church remains united and focused on its mission, even in times of uncertainty or challenge. [31:09]
James 1:5 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Reflection: Think of a recent decision you had to make. Did you seek God's wisdom in that decision? How can you involve God more in your decision-making process?
Day 4: Trusting God in Powerlessness
True leadership acknowledges our powerlessness without God. It is a recognition that, apart from Him, we can do nothing. This humility leads to a deep trust in God's presence and guidance. Knowing that God goes before us and will never leave or forsake us dispels fear and instills confidence. This trust is essential for effective leadership, as it allows us to lead with faith and assurance, even in the face of challenges.
Tim is reminded to continually seek God's guidance, trusting in His provision and presence. This trust not only empowers Tim but also sets an example for the congregation. By demonstrating a reliance on God, Tim encourages the church to place their trust in Him as well. This collective trust in God fosters a sense of unity and confidence, allowing the church to move forward with faith and purpose. [33:06]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel powerless? How can you trust God more in those areas and rely on His strength?
Day 5: Focus on Jesus
The ultimate focus of leadership in the church should be on Jesus Christ. By pointing the congregation to Jesus, leaders ensure that the church remains centered on the perfect love that casts out fear. This focus on Christ is essential for the spiritual growth and unity of the church. It reminds us that our ultimate goal is to follow Jesus and to help others do the same.
Tim is encouraged to keep Jesus at the center of his leadership. By doing so, he helps the congregation to stay focused on what truly matters. This Christ-centered approach fosters a sense of purpose and direction, guiding the church in its mission to love and serve others. It also creates a foundation of faith and trust, allowing the church to navigate challenges with confidence and hope. [35:29]
Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: How can you keep Jesus at the center of your daily life? What practical steps can you take to focus more on Him and less on your own worries or fears?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You see, as you rely on God, he will strengthen you, and he will help Tim to lead the vine. Community church. You see, Moses began with telling Joshua to be strong and courageous. He basically was saying, I'm calling you, Joshua, to keep God's covenant promises and lead his people into the promised land. And Tim, he's calling you to lead the vine community church. He's calling you to be the shepherd leader of this congregation." [23:08] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Tim, I know you know this, but as our new lead pastor, you will have the opportunity to know this even more. The Lord is your help and shield. Apart from him, you can do nothing. As strong as you are, and you are a strong brother, you need the Lord desperately. So be strong in his strength. And please lead us in relying on God and pointing us to Jesus." [25:01] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Tim, you are so well loved by this congregation, our leaders, elders, staff, and ministry leaders, and your dear family, who loves you so much and are for you. And I love you very much. But there is one who loves you even more, the Lord Jesus Christ. died for you. He's praying for you. He will never, never leave nor forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not fear. Do not be dismayed. The Lord is with you." [36:28] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The secret to Moses and Joshua's leadership was they trusted God. They trusted this, that they knew, I'm never alone. God is with me. If he has called me, he will supply me with everything I need, and he is with me at all times. If God is for me, this is in the New Testament. Paul says this, if God is for me, who can be against me? Again, a great leader is confident of one thing. I'm powerless, powerless to lead on my own. I need to constantly seek God, and his leading, because he is with me." [33:06] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "May the Lord help you, and may he help us, all, to be strong in the Lord's strength, to realize our powerlessness, and to trust God and not fear. Tim, you are so well loved by this congregation, our leaders, elders, staff, and ministry leaders, and your dear family, who loves you so much and are for you. And I love you very much. But there is one who loves you even more, the Lord Jesus Christ. died for you. He's praying for you. He will never, never leave nor forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not fear. Do not be dismayed. The Lord is with you." [36:28] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "You know, I grew up with a model of pastoring that they basically said, the pastor, like, you go do the work. And the people are kind of like, the spectators. You come and listen and watch the pastor and the pastors or the staff do all the work. Thankfully, this is not true at the Vine. So many of you are just engaged ministers of the gospel. And you know the importance of every one of us as God's people ministering and serving in our giftedness." [26:35] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Tim, I hope and pray that you will continue as you do so well to equip, others to do a ministry and that you will do this equipping others even more comprehensively than I have done. May you prepare God's people for the work of the ministry that will outlast you as the lead pastor of the Vine. You see, Moses couldn't do everything and you can't either. And again, I know you know this, but the Lord works through those who don't try to do it on their own. But they are constantly saying, I need to employ others to do the work and hand off leadership to others." [28:22] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Tim, may the Lord give you strength and courage as you continue to trust and empower others. And I love how you're pouring into others like Andrew as a pastor and seeking to raise up people. And I love how you're bringing up our elders and leaders who are raising up other leader shepherds of God's people. And keep relying on the Lord and hand off that leadership to others." [30:27] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And Moses continues to say, Moses continues here in verse 8 when he says, it is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not leave or forsake you. So I'm just going to encourage you to trust God and realize your powerlessness. We've thought a lot about that this last year, especially. Of course, we know from Scripture that Moses didn't lead God's people again into the promised land. It was Joshua. And Joshua led God's people in the promised land, but it looks like in Scripture that he failed to bring up the next generation of leaders." [32:31] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I've seen it in your life, and I know how you look to God daily, to his word and to prayer. I know that you're following the leading of the Holy Spirit, and that your heart is to be very sensitive to God's prompts. And brother, I'm praying for you, and this congregation, this congregation is praying for you, that you will hear and know God's guidance for this church. I thank God that your lifeline is his word, and every day you are coming and saying, I need you every hour, every moment, every day, Lord. I need your presence. I need your power. And of course, we will all continue to pray for you." [33:43] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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