Sermons on Elder Qualifications:

Appointed, Not Hired Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 20, 2015

Elders (Overseers) are appointed by God. They are not hired to do a job; they are appointed to serve the One who appoints and to serve His holy people.

“I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher.” [1] His face was red and his eyes were narrow slits as he raged, “We hired you, and we can fire you.” I was equally determined as I asserted with a firm, steady voice, “No one hired me; God appointed me.” ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:11

Denomination: Baptist

The Meaning Of Baptism

Contributed by John Oscar on Aug 1, 2023

A message on the biblical truth, qualifications, and importance of baptism (given during a baptismal service)

The Meaning of Baptism CCCAG, July 9th, 2023 Scripture: Matthew 3:11-17 1993 was a big year for Tammie and me. It started with the birth of our oldest daughter in May. In July I decided to follow Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior. In September, Tammy followed me in that decision. Then it was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:11-17

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Making Of A Deacon Part 2 Series

Contributed by Doug Fannon on Aug 12, 2019

When looking at the qualifications for a deacon we see that these are things that all Christians should aspire to.

For far too many churches, the deacons appear to be group that runs and directs the activities of a church, whereas last week we discussed how deacons were set up to be the servants of the church. In fact that is what the title of deacon means, a servant, not a ruler, taskmaster, or overseer. The ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:8-13

Denomination: Baptist

God's Pattern For Fatherhood

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 18, 2002

God is very interested in men becoming good fathers. Here in this passage we find some of the leading characteristics of a successful father.

ILLUSTRATION: (From "It Was On Fire When I Lay Down On It" by Robert Fulghum) It was Molly’s, age 7, job to pack the lunches for her family. She would put in the sandwiches, cookies, fruit and so on in a paper bag. One day, in addition to the paper bag she usually packed for her father, she gave ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Answer Is! Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jan 15, 2010

A study of chapter 14 verses 1 through 23

Ezekiel 14: 1 – 23 ‘The answer is!’ “1 Now some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat before me. 2 And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 3 “Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their hearts, and put before them that which causes them to stumble into iniquity. Should I let ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 14:1-23

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

This Could Be The Start Of Something Big: Think Small, Grow Big Series

Contributed by Johnny Creasong on Mar 24, 2010

What would happen if you just added a “+” to your life? The “+” for Spiritual Leadership = “-“!

This Could Be the Start of Something Big: Think Small, Grow Big I Peter 5:2-6 1 Peter 5:2-6 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers— not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:2-6

Denomination: Church Of God

The Strength Of A Man

Contributed by Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid on Dec 6, 2013

Nelson Mandela, a man of strength in the fight for freedom that dealt with poverty and disparagement in South Africa which resonated to the lands of the peoples of the world.

The Strength Of A Man by Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid (12/6/2013) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report” (Hebrews 11:1-2, King James Version [Faith in the fathers of old]). Greetings in ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-40

Denomination: Friends

Servant Leadership And The Upside-Down Church

Contributed by Arthur Miller on May 5, 2015

To be great we need to understand greatness from God's perspective. To be a great church we must give up on the worlds top down organizational structure.

Introduction Good morning Church! Turn to the person next to you and say, “I’m glad you’re here.” Find a Bible and open to Luke 22. Today’s lesson is going to build upon the lesson given by Austin two weeks ago on God’s definition of who is the greatest. As ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:24-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Age & Praise

Contributed by Alvin Hathaway, Sr. on Mar 21, 2009

Age enhances praise because of authentic experiences.

Age & Praise Psalm 63: 3 “Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.” Age is maturity gained though wisdom Praise is acknowledging the sovereignty of God I met with a childhood friend of mine the other day for lunch. He looked at me and said; man you have a lot ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 63:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

So You Call Yourself A Pastor 1 Series

Contributed by Jason Jones on Feb 9, 2009

Exposition of Acts 20:17-24. First of a three part series on Paul’s charge to the elders of Ephesus at Miletus. This message is about Paul’s example of how ministry should be done.

Text: Acts 20:17-24, Title: So Call Yourself a Pastor I, Date/Place: NRBC, 2/8/09, AM A. Opening illustration: Bad preachers on God Stuff—youtube.com 30 second intro, pause it B. Background to passage: Paul is on his way back to Jerusalem to deliver an offering that he has taken up for the famined ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:17-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Throne Room Of God Series

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Feb 18, 2016

We are going through the Book of Revelation. Today we'll be looking at Revelation chapter four and the throne room of God. We'll look at heaven, the 24 elders, the Godhead, and the four living creatures and their praise of God.

The Book of Revelation “The Throne Room of God” Revelation 4 I find it interesting that today is Super Bowl Sunday. The reason why is because what we’re going to be looking at over the next several weeks is kind of like one of those programs you pick up when you go to a sporting ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 4:1-11

Denomination: Foursquare

What Is The Church?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 7, 2020

What is the church? Why the church? How is the church governed? What are the most important rituals of the church? What does the church do?

What is the church? Why the church? How is the church governed? What are the most important rituals of the church? What does the church do? What is the church? The Greek Term The early church borrowed a Greek term, meaning a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into a public place. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:2, Acts 9:31, Ephesians 4:11

Denomination: Baptist

Spiritual Leadership In The Church And In The Home Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jul 15, 2019

God has created men and women with equal status and value, but with different roles. God has given the primary role of spiritual leadership in the church and in the home to men. God has very high expectations for the kind of leadership men employ in the home and in the church.

Introduction: A. The story is told of two police officers who responded to a call from the dispatcher concerning a bad traffic accident. 1. When they arrived on the scene, they found a father, mother and two children who were all unconscious inside the wrecked car. 2. After the ambulances arrived ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:25-28, Matthew 23:1-7, 1 Peter 5:1-4, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15, Ephesians 5:25-31, Colossians 3:19, 1 Peter 3:7, Hebrews 13:4, Deuteronomy 6:6-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Spiritual People Don't Cause Divisions/Factions (1 Corinthians 3:1-23) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Jan 28, 2022

Paul couldn't teach the Corinthians cool Spirit things because they were fleshly-- and still are. How should we view ourselves, and our leaders?

In chapter 3, Paul seems to be responding to a criticism made against him by the Corinthians. The Corinthians are upset with Paul, because there are Spiritual things that he didn't teach them. Instead, they apparently learned them from Apollos. Let's reread 2:12-14: (12) Now, we ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:1-23

Laying The Foundations Series

Contributed by John Oscar on Apr 27, 2022

Teaching on the 5-fold ministry gifts

Laying the Foundations CCCAG, April 24, 2022 Scripture: Ephesians 4:7-14 There was a man who knew nothing about cars. He brought his car to the mechanic because it was shaking. It was a busy day in the garage, so he was told to sit in the waiting room until one of the mechanics was available. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:7-14

Denomination: Assembly Of God