Spiritual Gifts of Leadership: June 1, 2025
Stepping Up and Stepping Out: How Leaders (and All of Us!) Can Grow the Church Together
Hey everyone!
This past Sunday at Baptist Church, Pastor Michael continued our exciting series on what it truly means to be the church. It's been a journey of discovery, moving us beyond the idea of just doing our own thing to understanding how we're all connected in God's grand plan.
He reminded us of the beautiful pictures the Bible paints of the church:
God's Bride and Household: We're not just individuals; we're family, brothers and sisters in Christ.
Christ's Building: Each of us is a vital part of a larger structure, building on Christ as our foundation. Our individual efforts really do matter!
God's Physical Body: We each have unique roles and gifts, working together as different members of one body.
This understanding naturally led us to the topic of spiritual gifts. If you were here last week, you might have even picked up one of those papers to explore what gifts God might have given you. Pastor Michael mentioned how encouraging it's been to hear about your experiences – and if you haven't tried it yet, there are still copies in the back. Go for it!
This past Sunday, the focus shifted to the spiritual gifts of leaders and what that means for our church. While this message was for everyone, Pastor Michael really leaned into what it means if you identify as a leader (or aspire to be one!).
Leaders Lead in Obedience
Our main passage was Ephesians 4:7-13, and it set the stage for a powerful truth: leaders lead in obedience. Pastor Michael shared a personal story from when he was 16, a chaotic youth group, and a moment with his youth pastor, Johnny. He learned that true leadership isn't about telling people what to do; it's about leading by example in obedience to Christ.
He emphasized that this obedience is specifically connected to our spiritual gifts. Ephesians 4:11 highlights five key leadership gifts:
Apostles: Not just the original twelve, but "sent ones" – think missionaries and church planters who go out and establish new gospel work. Pastor Michael reminded us that even planting a church here in our community is an apostolic call, and we, as the church, should surround and support those leaders.
Prophets: Not fortune-tellers, but those who hear God's voice and speak His truth to people, guiding them towards maturity and deeper relationship with God and each other.
Evangelists: Individuals like David, who are exceptionally gifted at sharing the gospel. The goal isn't just for them to do it, but for us to be inspired to follow their lead and share the good news ourselves.
Pastors: Those with a deep heart for people who are hurting, recognizing needs and bringing people together. We shouldn't just rely on them, but emulate their care for others.
Teachers: People devoted to God's Word, letting it guide every aspect of their lives. Pastor Michael, as our pastor, exemplifies this, but he encouraged us to let the Bible be our guiding principle too.
The profound takeaway? God's design is for leaders to use their special gifting, and for the entire church to step into and emulate that spirit-led obedience.
Character and Calling: What it Means to Lead
Pastor Michael then took us to 1 Timothy 3, where Paul lays out the character qualities of an overseer (what we often call a pastor). This isn't a list for us to judge our leaders by, but rather a blueprint for us to aspire to ourselves. Things like: above reproach, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not quarrelsome, and managing one's own household well. The hope is that we see these qualities in our leaders and say, "I want to grow in those areas too!"
He then beautifully connected this to 2 Timothy 4, where Paul, near the end of his life, charges Timothy to "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season... do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." It's a call to continue the work, to step up and serve faithfully because the laborers are few.
Will You Help?
Pastor Michael humbly acknowledged that he's not perfect, but he is striving to be obedient and faithful. He wants us to look at scripture and follow, recognizing that we can't be obedient to Christ alone. We are a body, and when one part isn't functioning, the whole body suffers.
He challenged us: as he endeavors to draw near to Christ, will we do the same? As he tries to be an evangelist, will we follow his lead? As he strives for hospitality, will we be hospitable? His personal plan is to be so poured out in ministry that when he's old, he can say he's thoroughly given everything God has given him.
The sermon ended with a powerful declaration of confidence, not in human strength, but in the Holy Spirit and the unyielding nature of the church. Even in trials, the church doesn't buckle; the gospel moves forward. We are God's house, and together, we can be a house that brings the gospel forward.
It was a truly inspiring message, calling us all to a deeper level of obedience and participation in God's work. What did you take away from Sunday's sermon?
