Preparing for Harvest: Embracing Servant Leadership and Unity
Summary
Today, we gathered as a church family to seek God’s will, celebrate His faithfulness, and prepare for the future He is calling us into. We began by interceding for the Middle East, especially for Israel and Iran, asking for God’s peace, protection, and revival in a region marked by turmoil. In moments when we don’t know exactly how to pray, we simply surrender to God’s will, trusting that His plans are higher than ours.
A significant part of our gathering was the installation of Kelly and Robin Schubert as new elders. This is a sacred and weighty responsibility, rooted in the biblical model of church leadership. Elders are called to shepherd, guide, and protect the spiritual health of the church, providing accountability, counsel, and direction. We reflected on the scriptural qualifications for elders, emphasizing character, faithfulness, and a heart for God’s people. The process of selecting elders is not taken lightly; it involves prayer, discernment, and the affirmation of the church body. We affirmed that leadership in the church is not about power, but about servanthood, humility, and a willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit.
We also discussed the importance of plurality in leadership. No one person is meant to carry the weight of the church alone. Through unity, prayer, and wise counsel, elders discern God’s direction for the church. We shared a testimony of how, even when faced with difficult decisions—like whether to accept government funds during the pandemic—we chose unity and the leading of the Spirit over expediency.
Looking ahead, we sense God preparing us for a great harvest. The vision is not just about numerical growth, but about making disciples and equipping people to reach a hurting world. To that end, we are expanding our facilities and structures, launching new ministries, and inviting everyone to participate through prayer, service, and sacrificial giving. The “Making Room for the Harvest” campaign is not just a building project; it’s a step of faith in response to God’s call. We believe that as we sow generously, God will provide and multiply the impact for generations to come.
Key Takeaways
- Biblical eldership is rooted in servanthood, spiritual maturity, and a willingness to be accountable to God and the church. Elders are not figureheads, but shepherds who care for the flock, provide counsel, and help maintain the spiritual health and order of the church. Their authority is exercised in humility and unity, always seeking the Lord’s direction together. [13:45]
- Unity in leadership is essential for discerning God’s will. When faced with major decisions, it is better to wait for consensus and the peace of the Holy Spirit than to move forward in division or haste. True spiritual authority is marked by a commitment to prayerful agreement, even if it means sacrificing personal preferences or immediate gain. [38:10]
- The mission of the church is twofold: to go and make disciples. This requires both evangelism and intentional discipleship, mobilizing every believer to participate in God’s redemptive work. Leaders are called to equip, organize, and release people into their God-given callings, always keeping the Great Commission at the center. [44:00]
- God’s work is generational, and we are building on the faithfulness of those who have gone before us. The fruit we see today is often the result of seeds sown by others, and our obedience now will impact future generations. We are stewards of a legacy, called to invest in what God is doing beyond our own lifetimes. [01:08:47]
- Preparing for a harvest requires both spiritual and practical readiness. As we sense God bringing growth and revival, we must respond by strengthening our structures, expanding our capacity, and stepping out in faith through sacrificial giving. God honors those who prepare in faith, and He provides for every need as we align with His purposes. [01:20:30]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Prayer for Israel and Iran
[03:10] - Introduction to Eldership and Today’s Agenda
[06:30] - Biblical Foundation for Eldership
[10:55] - The Role and Responsibilities of Elders
[15:20] - Qualifications for Eldership
[22:00] - The Importance of Plurality and Unity in Leadership
[29:45] - The Mission: Go and Make Disciples
[36:00] - Testimony: Decision-Making in Unity
[44:00] - Vision for the Future and the Harvest
[49:11] - Commissioning Kelly and Robin Schubert
[53:04] - Elders Share Their Hearts
[01:08:47] - Generational Faithfulness and Legacy
[01:16:09] - Prayer for the Church
[01:19:03] - Preparing for the Harvest: Expansion Plans
[01:23:41] - God’s Direction for Building Expansion
[01:32:03] - Giving and Pledge Instructions
[01:37:55] - Prayer Over Offerings and Closing Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
1. 1 Timothy 3:1-7
_“Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.”_
2. Titus 1:5-9
_“The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”_
3. Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission)
_“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”_
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### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the specific qualifications for elders listed in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1?
2. According to the sermon, what is the main role of elders in the church? [[10:55]]
3. How did the elders at Resonate Life Church handle a situation where they were not in agreement about accepting government funds? [[36:00]]
4. What is the twofold mission of the church as described in Matthew 28 and repeated in the sermon? [[29:45]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes character and family life so much in the qualifications for elders? How might this impact the health of a church?
2. The sermon described eldership as a role of servanthood and humility, not power. Why is this distinction important for church leadership? [[13:45]]
3. When the elders at Resonate Life Church faced a major decision and lacked unity, they chose to wait and pray rather than move forward. What does this teach about discerning God’s will in leadership? [[36:00]]
4. The sermon mentioned that God’s work is generational and that we are building on the faithfulness of those before us. How does this perspective affect the way we serve and give today? [[01:08:47]]
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### Application Questions
1. The process of selecting elders at Resonate Life Church involved prayer, discernment, and input from the church body. How can you personally support and pray for your church leaders in their responsibilities? [[15:20]]
2. Elders are called to shepherd, guide, and protect the spiritual health of the church. Is there an area in your life where you need spiritual guidance or accountability? How could you seek that out this week? [[10:55]]
3. The elders chose unity and the leading of the Holy Spirit over expediency when making a difficult financial decision. Have you ever faced a situation where you had to wait for unity or God’s peace before moving forward? What did you learn from that experience? [[36:00]]
4. The church is preparing for a “harvest” by expanding facilities and launching new ministries. In what practical ways can you participate in this vision—through prayer, serving, or giving? [[01:20:30]]
5. The sermon emphasized that the mission of the church is to “go and make disciples.” Who is one person in your life you could intentionally reach out to or disciple in the coming month? [[44:00]]
6. God’s work is generational, and our obedience now impacts future generations. What is one step you can take to invest in the spiritual legacy of your family or church community? [[01:08:47]]
7. The “Making Room for the Harvest” campaign is described as a step of faith. Is there an area where God is calling you to step out in faith, even if it feels risky or sacrificial? What might that look like for you? [[01:20:30]]
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Close in prayer, asking God for unity, wisdom, and a heart to serve and reach others as a church family.
Devotional
Day 1: The Biblical Foundation and Role of Elders
Elders are appointed to provide spiritual authority, oversight, and order in the church, ensuring its health and direction. From the earliest days of the church, elders were set in place through prayer and fasting, entrusted with the responsibility to shepherd, guide, and protect the body of believers. Their role is not just organizational but deeply spiritual, as they discern God’s direction, provide accountability, and care for the needs of the congregation. Elders serve as a team, seeking unity and the leading of the Holy Spirit in every decision, so that the church may flourish and remain faithful to its mission. [07:40]
Acts 14:23 (ESV)
"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."
Reflection: Who in your life has provided spiritual guidance or oversight, and how can you express gratitude or seek their counsel in a new way this week?
Day 2: The Qualifications and Character of Spiritual Leaders
Spiritual leaders are called to live above reproach, demonstrating integrity, self-control, hospitality, and a strong faith, as their lives set the tone for the church family. The qualifications for elders are not about perfection but about a consistent, godly character that is evident both in their homes and in the community. Their ability to teach, manage their households, and maintain a good reputation reflects their readiness to care for God’s church as a family, not just an organization. These standards remind us that leadership in God’s house is a noble calling, requiring humility, discipline, and a heart for people. [17:55]
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."
Reflection: Which of these qualities do you most need to cultivate in your own life, and what is one step you can take this week to grow in that area?
Day 3: The Power of Unity and Wise Counsel in Leadership
God’s design for church leadership is a plurality of elders who seek unity and make decisions together, ensuring safety, wisdom, and spiritual health for the whole body. When leaders operate in agreement, seeking the Lord together, the church is protected from division and rash decisions. The wisdom of many counselors brings stability and direction, especially in challenging times, and models for the congregation how to listen for God’s voice and wait for His peace before moving forward. This unity is not just organizational but spiritual, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide every step. [36:10]
Proverbs 11:14 (ESV)
"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."
Reflection: Is there a decision you are facing where you need to seek wise, godly counsel instead of going it alone? Who can you reach out to for prayer and advice this week?
Day 4: Preparing for the Harvest—Faithful Stewardship and Readiness
God calls His people to prepare for growth and harvest by faithfully stewarding resources, building systems, and making room for new believers, trusting that He will provide and bless their obedience. Preparation is not just about physical expansion but about spiritual readiness—discipleship, mentorship, and creating space for people to encounter Jesus. Even when the way forward seems unclear, God provides wisdom and unlocks solutions as His people pray, fast, and listen for His direction. Faithful stewardship means acting in faith, giving sacrificially, and believing that God will multiply what is sown for His kingdom. [01:23:41]
2 Corinthians 9:10 (ESV)
"He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness."
Reflection: What is one area—time, talent, or treasure—where God is prompting you to make room for others or invest in His kingdom, and how can you take a step of faith this week?
Day 5: Generational Vision—Sowing for a Future You May Not See
God’s work spans generations, and the seeds sown in faith today may bear fruit in the lives of people you may never meet, as each generation builds on the faithfulness of those who came before. The church is a family, and its legacy is shaped by those who pray, serve, and give, even when they do not see the full harvest. Recognizing that God never does all His work in one generation inspires us to invest in others, mentor the next generation, and trust that our obedience will impact families and communities for years to come. [01:08:47]
Psalm 78:4-7 (ESV)
"We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments."
Reflection: Who is one younger person or family you can encourage, pray for, or invest in this week, trusting God to multiply your influence beyond your own lifetime?
Quotes
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