Joy in Serving: Devotions From Time of Grace MinistryNäide

My Church: Build up your leaders Much of the Christian life involves stringing your hammock between two seemingly contradictory ideas. Are we sinners or saints? Well, er, the truth is we’re both. Should we plant and build for the next one thousand years or assume that the world could end tomorrow. The answer is yes. Are we kings and priests of God, free to serve him as we will, or part of an authority structure? You know the answer--both are true. A congregation is a family of ministers who gives leadership roles and a promise of loyalty and cooperation to certain qualified people in their organization. How you treat them shows what you think of God. “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you” (Hebrews 13:17). Leaders can’t lead if people will not choose to follow.