Two Ministry Priorities of Healthy Churches

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Timothy 5:3-18

How can we have healthy churches? This passage covers two important priorities that are part of a healthy church ethos.

Did Paul Want to Make Chauvinist Churches?

Gary DeLashmutt

Romans 16:1-3

\r\nFormer leaders of the Ephesian church had fallen into gnostic false teaching. They were actively seeking to deceive some of the women in the church and take advantage of their weaknesses. Paul writes Timothy to temporarily not allow women to teach, so that false teaching would not be spread and the women could be equipped not to fall into false teaching. This is an exceptional situation that must be interpreted based on the historical context in which the letter was written. False teaching and unedifying behavior is to be forbidden in the church.

Uniformity & Diversity in Ministry

Gary DeLashmutt

Acts 13:2

In the church, there are ministry roles that all members should play, which can be referred to as ministry uniformity. This includes evangelism, discipleship, loving one another, financial stewardship and corporate prayer. But there is also ministry diversity, ministry strengths and roles that vary between Christians. This includes both spiritual gifts and specific ministry field passion. We should seek a healthy balance between these in our church, and here we discuss what that looks like and how a body of Christ can move toward that balance.

Ministering Because I Matter

Mateo Williamson

Philippians 1:9

In order to approach God's ministry from the way He wants you to, you must know who you are and why you matter. What God says about you and your identity will guide you in how to love. There are many signs and symptoms that arise when you minister from your own self effort. They are all self-focused and fear based. When you minister from your identity, you come from a place of humility and gratitude. The result is bearing fruit for God and experiencing His love.

A Disciple and Teacher

Gary DeLashmutt

John 8:12

Jesus address the area of influence authority figures have on those who follow them. He teaches that we have a choice in who influences us spiritually and we should choose those people carefully. If we choose to be a follower of Christ we should expect persecution and mistreatment by those who oppose Christ. He also applies this to the area of greatness and that true greatness is serving others the way Jesus has served you.

A Shepherd's Heart

Scott Risley

Acts 20:1-38

Paul encourages the elders from Ephesus. He lays out characteristics of being a Good Shepherd in this speech to the Ephesians. There are also risks when pursuing being a Good Shepherd to God's flock, and there's a responsibility that comes with serving in this way.

God's Strategy in Human History Part 2

Conrad Hilario

Deuteronomy 18:9-11

Keep your eyes peeled for the person of peace. We are engaged in a fierce spiritual battle and we must maintain an attitude of joy and hope. God can use even the worst circumstances or suffering for His purpose.

God's Strategy in Human History

Conrad Hilario

Galatians 1:21-23

Paul and Silas travel to Philippi to share the Gospel message. God enlists us to carry out His mission as soon as we accept Christ. Some principles of our ministry include: 1) sharing Christ while being sensitive to the culture; 2) discipleship is the way to do this; 3) the Holy Spirit will lead.

Bright Lights in a Dark Culture

Ryan Lowery

Daniel 1:1-20

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged Jerusalem and demanded the best of the Jewish boys to be trained in Babylonian culture. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were among the boys to be assimilated. Although they each had a name change, they requested to continue obeying God's Law by not partaking of the king's assigned meals. They obtained permission to follow their dietary laws and ended up healthier than the rest. The boys choose to be a light in another culture by being like the Babylonian culture when they could but choosing to be separate where it counts.