Mobilizing the Church: Unity and Purpose in Transition

Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the essential elements of how a New Testament church should function, especially during a transitional period without a pastor. We began by acknowledging the unique nature of today's service, which is not a duplicate of the later service where new deacons will be ordained. This underscores the importance of understanding church polity, or the way a church governs itself, particularly in times of transition.

We delved into the concept of polity, emphasizing that a church is not just a gathering of like-minded individuals but a family united by the blood of Jesus Christ. This unity is crucial for the church's mobility and mission. The church is not a place to sit and sour but a place to be mobilized for impact. We discussed the importance of having a world vision, starting from our local community and rippling outwards.

Using the analogy of a grease factory, we highlighted the danger of becoming inward-focused. Just as a factory that uses all its grease internally fails to fulfill its purpose, a church that focuses only on internal matters misses its mission to impact the world. We also touched on the challenges churches face today, where the culture often impacts the church more than the church impacts the culture.

We then examined the roles within the church, focusing on the terms used in the New Testament like shepherd, elder, and overseer, which all describe the office of a pastor. A pastor is to lead, feed, guide, and protect the congregation. We also discussed the role of deacons, who serve the church by handling practical matters, allowing the pastor to focus on spiritual leadership.

The church should be pastor-led, deacon-served, committee-functioned, and congregationally approved. Each member has unique gifts and talents that should be used to serve the church and fulfill its mission. Unity is the key to a church's effectiveness, much like an orchestra that plays in harmony under the direction of a conductor.

In conclusion, a New Testament church functions best when it is led by a pastor with a God-given vision, served by deacons who handle practical needs, organized by committees committed to specific tasks, and approved by a unified congregation. This structure allows the church to make a significant impact on its culture and fulfill its mission.

### Key Takeaways

1. Understanding Church Polity: Church polity is the way a church governs itself, emphasizing unity in the blood of Jesus Christ. This unity is essential for the church's mobility and mission, ensuring that it is not just a place to sit but a place to be mobilized for impact. [31:09]

2. The Danger of Inward Focus: Like a grease factory that uses all its grease internally, a church that focuses only on internal matters misses its mission to impact the world. The church must strive to influence the culture rather than be influenced by it. [33:49]

3. Roles within the Church: The New Testament uses terms like shepherd, elder, and overseer to describe the office of a pastor. A pastor's role is to lead, feed, guide, and protect the congregation, while deacons serve by handling practical matters, allowing the pastor to focus on spiritual leadership. [53:02]

4. The Importance of Unity: Unity is crucial for a church's effectiveness. It is not merely about getting along but about working together harmoniously, like an orchestra playing in sync under the direction of a conductor. This unity enables the church to make a significant impact on its culture. [12:43]

5. Pastor-Led, Deacon-Served, Committee-Functioned, Congregationally Approved: A New Testament church functions best when it is led by a pastor with a God-given vision, served by deacons who handle practical needs, organized by committees committed to specific tasks, and approved by a unified congregation. This structure allows the church to fulfill its mission effectively. [59:44]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[25:04] - Unique Nature of Today's Service
[25:59] - Importance of Understanding Church Polity
[30:43] - Defining Church Polity
[31:55] - Mobilizing the Church for Impact
[32:34] - World Vision and Local Impact
[33:49] - The Grease Factory Analogy
[35:37] - Challenges Facing the Church
[37:26] - New Testament Church Structure
[38:49] - Evangelism and Discipleship
[41:08] - Roles within the Church
[42:36] - Strengthening and Edifying Disciples
[43:03] - Ordained Offices: Pastor and Deacon
[45:41] - Personal Experience with Ordination
[47:06] - The Role of Elders
[49:48] - Paul's Missionary Strategy
[51:17] - Appointing Elders in the New Testament
[53:02] - Pastor's Role: Shepherd, Elder, Overseer
[55:02] - Qualifications for Church Leaders
[59:44] - Church Structure: Pastor-Led, Deacon-Served
[01:02:27] - Servant Leadership
[01:02:43] - Committee Functions
[01:06:12] - Importance of Spiritual Gifts
[01:09:08] - Unity and Harmony in the Church
[01:12:43] - Impacting the Culture
[01:14:37] - Conclusion and Prayer
[01:15:31] - Invitation and Commitment

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Acts 14:21-23 (ESV)
> "When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed."

2. 1 Peter 5:1-4 (ESV)
> "So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."

3. 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."

### Observation Questions
1. What are the key roles and responsibilities of a pastor as described in 1 Peter 5:1-4?
2. According to Acts 14:21-23, what steps did Paul and his companions take to establish and strengthen new churches?
3. What qualifications for church leaders are listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7?
4. In the sermon, what analogy was used to describe the danger of a church becoming inward-focused? ([33:49])

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the role of a pastor as a shepherd, elder, and overseer contribute to the unity and mission of the church? ([53:02])
2. Why is it important for a church to have a structure that includes pastor-led, deacon-served, committee-functioned, and congregationally approved elements? ([59:44])
3. How can the analogy of the grease factory help us understand the importance of a church's outward mission? ([33:49])
4. What does it mean for a church to be "mobilized for impact," and how can this be achieved in practical terms? ([31:55])

### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the role of a pastor, how can you support your church's leadership during times of transition? ([25:59])
2. In what ways can you contribute to ensuring that your church remains outward-focused and not just inward-focused? ([33:49])
3. How can you use your unique gifts and talents to serve your church and help fulfill its mission? ([31:09])
4. Think about a time when you felt the church was more influenced by culture than influencing it. How can you help reverse this trend? ([35:37])
5. How can you foster unity within your church, ensuring that it functions harmoniously like an orchestra under a conductor? ([12:43])
6. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your church's committees are functioning effectively and in alignment with the church's mission? ([01:02:43])
7. How can you personally be involved in evangelism and discipleship within your local community, starting from where you are? ([32:34])

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in the Blood of Jesus Christ
Understanding church polity is crucial for the church's mission and mobility. Church polity refers to the way a church governs itself, emphasizing that the church is not just a gathering of like-minded individuals but a family united by the blood of Jesus Christ. This unity is essential for the church to be mobilized for impact, ensuring that it is not merely a place to sit and sour but a place to be active and engaged in its mission. The church's unity in Christ allows it to move forward with a shared vision and purpose, impacting the world around it.

The unity in the blood of Jesus Christ is what binds the church together, making it more than just a social club or a community group. It is a spiritual family with a divine mission. This unity is not just for the sake of harmony but for the effectiveness of the church's mission. When the church is united, it can move forward with a clear vision and purpose, impacting the world for Christ. [31:09]

Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of your church family today? What specific actions can you take to promote peace and harmony within your congregation?

Day 2: Avoiding Inward Focus
A church that focuses only on internal matters misses its mission to impact the world. Using the analogy of a grease factory, we see the danger of becoming inward-focused. Just as a factory that uses all its grease internally fails to fulfill its purpose, a church that focuses solely on its internal affairs misses its mission to impact the world. The church must strive to influence the culture rather than be influenced by it. This means looking outward and engaging with the community and the world, sharing the love and message of Jesus Christ.

The church is called to be a light in the world, not just a place of comfort for its members. When a church becomes inward-focused, it loses sight of its mission and purpose. It is essential for the church to look beyond its walls and engage with the community and the world, sharing the love and message of Jesus Christ. This outward focus helps the church fulfill its mission and make a significant impact on the culture. [33:49]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: In what ways can you and your church reach out to your local community this week? How can you be a light in your neighborhood or workplace?

Day 3: Roles within the Church
The New Testament uses terms like shepherd, elder, and overseer to describe the office of a pastor. A pastor's role is to lead, feed, guide, and protect the congregation. Deacons serve by handling practical matters, allowing the pastor to focus on spiritual leadership. This division of roles ensures that the church functions effectively and that the needs of the congregation are met. The pastor provides spiritual guidance and oversight, while the deacons take care of the practical aspects of church life, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

Understanding the roles within the church helps to create a well-functioning and harmonious community. The pastor, as the shepherd, elder, and overseer, is responsible for the spiritual well-being of the congregation. The deacons, on the other hand, handle the practical matters, allowing the pastor to focus on spiritual leadership. This division of labor ensures that the church can effectively meet the needs of its members and fulfill its mission. [53:02]

1 Peter 5:2-3 (ESV): "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."

Reflection: How can you support your pastor and deacons in their roles? What practical steps can you take to assist them in their ministry?

Day 4: The Importance of Unity
Unity is crucial for a church's effectiveness. It is not merely about getting along but about working together harmoniously, like an orchestra playing in sync under the direction of a conductor. This unity enables the church to make a significant impact on its culture. When the church is united, it can move forward with a shared vision and purpose, effectively carrying out its mission and making a difference in the world.

Unity in the church is not just about avoiding conflict but about working together towards a common goal. When the church is united, it can move forward with a shared vision and purpose, effectively carrying out its mission and making a difference in the world. This unity is like an orchestra playing in harmony under the direction of a conductor, creating a beautiful and impactful symphony. [12:43]

Colossians 3:14-15 (ESV): "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

Reflection: What steps can you take to promote unity within your church? How can you work together with others to achieve a common goal?

Day 5: Pastor-Led, Deacon-Served, Committee-Functioned, Congregationally Approved
A New Testament church functions best when it is led by a pastor with a God-given vision, served by deacons who handle practical needs, organized by committees committed to specific tasks, and approved by a unified congregation. This structure allows the church to fulfill its mission effectively. Each member has unique gifts and talents that should be used to serve the church and fulfill its mission. Unity is the key to a church's effectiveness, much like an orchestra that plays in harmony under the direction of a conductor.

The structure of a New Testament church is designed to ensure that it functions effectively and fulfills its mission. The pastor provides spiritual leadership and vision, the deacons handle practical needs, committees take care of specific tasks, and the congregation approves and supports these efforts. This structure allows the church to move forward with a clear vision and purpose, making a significant impact on its culture and fulfilling its mission. [59:44]

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."

Reflection: What unique gifts and talents do you have that can be used to serve your church? How can you contribute to the mission and vision of your congregation?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "A church is not a group of people that comes and just sits and sours week after week after week. We come for worship, for Bible study, for training, for all sorts of things. We do that to have a church to help mobilize us. See, that is what we as pastors have a hard time getting people to understand from time to time. You're not just here to sit and hear; you are here to be mobilized to make an impact." [31:55] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Underwood Baptist Church is a world vision church. I know it's a part of the United States, but we just had a team come back from Alaska. We have teams going to Honduras. I represent us in Africa. We have a world vision that's good, but our goal is to impact our culture starting here and rippling all out the rest of the world." [32:34] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The problem that the church worldwide is having is we're not impacting our culture; our culture's impacting us. The world is not more like Jesus; Jesus people are more like the world. But that's another day and another time." [35:37] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Unity is an army marching in cadence. Unity is you ever been to a big event they have a huge 50, 75, 100 piece orchestra you got there early get a good seat and those that orchestra is warming up and this group is doing this everybody's doing their own thing they're tuning up their instruments they're doing this drum cymbal sound like a cat sucked up in a vacuum cleaner it just doesn't sound but when Maestro stands up there he comes down and that orchestra all comes together on the same page playing the same note at the same time but with a different sound from each instrument that's unity." [01:12:06] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "What is the polity of a New Testament church? Well, first of all, I need to define polity because perhaps for many of you that would be a new word. What does the word polity mean? Politics or equality is the way an organization governs itself. You have people who are like minded in us. We are not only like minded as a church, we are kin to each other in the blood of Jesus Christ." [31:09] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "God shares things with a pastor that he doesn't share with anybody else. God shares vision with a pastor and nobody else because it's to be pastor led. Now when that pastor gets that vision and again I'm not talking some you know some hippie experience you know been eating mushrooms or whatever I'm talking about God gives you a vision it don't mean you're asleep it means you just you know." [55:40] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "A church is to be pastor led, deacon served, committee functioned, and congregationally approved. When you read in the book of Acts, you'll find words like this: they scatter preaching, the hand of God was on the phone, we're talking about the congregation, they believed, they turned to the Lord, they encouraged everyone with purpose of heart, they continued with the Lord, great many souls added, assembled, taught, first called Christians at Antioch." [01:09:22] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "When I'm in Africa they have little boys 12, 13, 14 years old their job they got these big old cows they sort of look like Brahmins but they're different they got these big old horns that come out and they kind of look like a long horn from Texas but a little different than that those boys got a little stick in the back and they'll take 8, 10, 12, 20 cows they'll drive them down the road they graze all up down the side of the road they don't have any program that cuts the grass and that probably came from a poor family they don't have a lot of land to pasture their cows so they graze all up down the side of the road and those little boys take that stick they drive big old huge cows I mean huge and he drives them down the road moves them from one location to another well a shepherd is not one from behind who drives with a rod he's one out front who leads." [01:13:24] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Pastor led, deacon served, committee functioned, congregation approved in unity and harmony and it impacts the culture. Father, I pray in Jesus name you would help us to be a New Testament church by being a New Testament citizen right now who we are that can honor you with our lives we evangelize and we strengthen the brethren and that we approve your will for our lives." [01:14:37] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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