Charge to the Congregation

My authority to speak to you and give a charge, even though I am a pastor of a different congregation it is the same authority any man of God has in addressing any person or group of people. It is the Bible, the Word of God; if I give you that, then what I say is worth receiving.

1 Corinthians 16:15-16
•In subjection to servant leaders (support their service)

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
•Know them (Respect them)
•Esteem them

Hebrews 13:7, 17
•Watch their walk and imitate their godliness
•We should be in submission to our spiritual leaders because they have to give an account

•We should attempt to be a blessing not a burden

Romans chapter 12
•Vs.1-2 – daily commitment to God
•Vs. 3-8 – doing your job well, answering the call to service with diligence, don't fret over theirs, focus on yours
•Vs.9-21 – devotion to one another. Several times in this passage, believers are told to humble themselves, restrain their egos, and to act in love to one another.

This gives us a blueprint for a healthy church. Let a congregation do these three things – daily commit yourself to God, do your job well, and love one another – and most of a church's problems will disappear. If you do these things, the deacons will do well. This church will become a leading light in this community. You will know it, the people of this community will know it, and I will know it, and most importantly God will know it.