Thanking Our Leadership Council

Last Sunday we thanked God for our Leadership Council and their wives. Years ago they were asked to provide our pastoral team with an alternative voice of council and accountability. Yesterday they handed off this role to our new Church Council.

Why do we remember people?

God deserves all the glory. It's true that God is the one who causes his church to grow. It's also true that every gift, skill, or resource employed in these purposes is from Him as well. So when we remember those who have served us...and we thank God for them...we are in essence glorifying God. The Apostle Paul did this all the time.

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (Philippians 1:3-5 ESV)

Why did we make this transition?

Our church is reaping the benefits of our Leadership Council's work. They did what they were called to do. They did it well. This was a temporary provision until such a time as now, when we have ordained deacons and a growing pastoral team. All of them will continue to lead in various capacities throughout our church.

Our new Church Council, on the other hand, is a permanent feature in how we organize our local church. This is where the pastors and deacons interface. This is where ministry is coordinated and where the pastoral team will receive the kinds of aid we read about in the New Testament.

"In those days when the number of disciples was increasing...the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:1ff ESV)