About this Video

• Video Title: HOW TO FOLLOW: SUBMITTING TO PASTORAL LEADERSHIP|MDWK| 19TH OCT| Celebration Church International
• Channel: Celebration Church Global
• Speakers: The transcript doesn't name the speaker(s). It refers to "pastor" and "Apostle" but doesn't provide names.
• Duration: 01:54:37

Introduction

This video sermon focuses on the importance of submitting to pastoral leadership within a church. The speaker uses biblical passages and relatable examples to explain why having pastors is essential for spiritual growth, protection, and equipping for ministry.

Key Takeaways

1. Pastors provide spiritual nourishment: The speaker emphasizes that a primary role of a pastor is to feed the flock with knowledge and understanding, ensuring spiritual growth and maturity. Choosing a church based on the quality of teaching is paramount.

2. Pastors offer protection and guidance: Pastors protect the flock from false teachings and harmful influences, acting as shepherds who watch over their spiritual well-being. They provide guidance and accountability, helping members stay on track spiritually.

3. Pastors equip for ministry: Pastors are instrumental in training and equipping members for service, enabling them to confidently share their faith and participate actively in the church's ministry. This involves a structured approach to learning and development.

4. Submitting requires patience, consistency, and support: The speaker highlights that spiritual growth takes time and requires patience. Consistent participation and following through with church programs, along with supporting pastors financially and emotionally, are crucial aspects of submission.

5. Being known and counted: Active participation in the church community is stressed, emphasizing the importance of being known by the pastoral leadership and being a visible part of the congregation. This allows for greater care and accountability.

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Expanded Summary of "HOW TO FOLLOW: SUBMITTING TO PASTORAL LEADERSHIP"

This sermon powerfully argues for the necessity and benefits of submitting to pastoral leadership within the church, using extensive biblical support and illustrative analogies. The speaker structures the sermon around the key roles of pastors: feeding the flock, protecting the flock, and equipping the flock for ministry. Each role is explored with detailed biblical references and practical applications.

I. The Pastor's Role in Feeding the Flock (Spiritual Nourishment):

The core argument emphasizes the church's primary purpose as a place of spiritual nourishment and growth. The speaker challenges the notion of choosing a church based on superficial factors, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the quality of teaching. Several scriptures are cited to reinforce this point:

• Jeremiah 3:15: "And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." This verse establishes that pastoral leadership is divinely ordained, not a human invention. The pastors' role is specifically to feed the congregation with knowledge and understanding.

• Matthew 9:36-38: Jesus observes the multitudes scattered as sheep without a shepherd and calls for laborers to be sent into the harvest. This parable underscores the need for shepherds (pastors) to guide and care for believers.

• John 21:15-17: Jesus' three-fold repetition of "Feed my lambs, feed my sheep" to Peter emphasizes the paramount importance of this pastoral responsibility. The speaker interprets this repetition as a powerful emphasis on the significance of spiritual feeding.

• 1 Peter 5:1-3: Peter, himself an elder, instructs elders to shepherd God’s flock, not by compulsion, but willingly and eagerly, and to serve as examples. This passage further reinforces the responsibility and the necessary attitude of a shepherd (pastor).

The speaker uses the metaphor of sheep versus goats to illustrate the benefits of having a shepherd. Sheep, under the care of a shepherd, are better nourished and protected than goats, which forage independently and are more vulnerable. This analogy highlights the pastor’s role in providing the necessary spiritual sustenance for growth. The speaker cautions against prioritizing superficial qualities over sound biblical teaching. The choice of a church should be primarily based on the quality of spiritual instruction and nourishment it offers.

II. The Pastor's Role in Protecting the Flock:

This section delves into the pastor's responsibility to safeguard the congregation from false teachings and harmful influences. The speaker emphasizes the need for discernment and vigilance against those who present themselves as shepherds but are wolves in sheep's clothing.

• 1 Timothy 1:2-3: Paul instructs Timothy to combat those who teach false doctrines. This highlights the pastoral responsibility of protecting the flock from doctrinal errors.

• 2 Corinthians 11:2-15: Paul expresses his jealousy for the Corinthians’ purity and undivided devotion to Christ, fearing that they might be led astray by false teachers. This emphasizes the protective role pastors play in guarding against deception.

• Acts 20:28-30: Paul warns the Ephesian elders that savage wolves will infiltrate the church, urging them to be vigilant and protective of the flock. This underscores the protective role of shepherds and the danger of false teachers.

The sermon emphasizes that pastors should actively protect the flock from those who teach false doctrines or manipulate for personal gain. The speaker notes that a key element of this protection involves the pastor's ability to effectively discern truth from falsehood.

III. The Pastor's Role in Equipping the Flock for Ministry:

This section focuses on the pastor's duty to train and equip members to actively participate in the church’s ministry. The speaker highlights the importance of growth beyond simple knowledge acquisition, emphasizing the importance of being equipped for practical service and evangelism.

• Ephesians 4:11-14: This passage identifies the gifts given to the church (Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) and their purpose in building up the body of Christ so that believers mature and aren't tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine.

• Philippians 2:25: Paul expresses his desire to remain with the Philippians for their progress and joy in the faith, illustrating the collaborative nature of spiritual growth under pastoral leadership.

• 2 Timothy 2:15: Paul advises Timothy to "study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." This reinforces the importance of pastors possessing solid theological knowledge and ability to teach effectively.

The speaker stresses that a church's success should not be measured solely by numerical size but by the spiritual maturity of its individual members. A mature Christian is one who resembles Christ, demonstrating spiritual growth and actively participating in the work of the ministry.

IV. How to Submit to Pastoral Leadership:

The final section offers practical advice on submitting to pastoral leadership. The key elements emphasized are patience, consistency, support, being known, and availability.

• Patience: Spiritual growth is a gradual process; expecting immediate results is unrealistic.

• Consistency: Regular attendance, participation in church programs, and persistent effort in spiritual disciplines are vital.

• Support: Providing financial and emotional support to the pastor and the work of the church demonstrates commitment and partnership.

• Being Known: Active participation in church life, fostering relationships with leaders, and seeking accountability enhances the pastor's ability to guide and protect.

• Availability: Being open to mentorship and guidance, and actively engaging with pastoral leadership strengthens the relationship and facilitates spiritual growth.

The sermon concludes with a call to prayer and reflection, encouraging listeners to commit to a life of submission under their pastoral leaders for their own spiritual benefit and the furtherance of the church's mission.

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