Remember Your Leaders

Hebrews 13:7-8

As we take an opportunity today to honour two outstanding leaders who have served faithfully here at Rosedale, God’s Word outlines three commands for us to obey as those who have been under Pastor Ron’s spiritual care:

1) Remember, 2) Consider, 3) Imitate

I. Remember Your Leaders

1)     Godly leaders are a gift of God to His Church    (cf. Ephesians 4:11-14)

2)     Leaders enjoy a tremendous privilege

a.   Shepherding the Flock

• Prayer
• Pastoral Care
• Discipline

b.  Preaching the Word

c.   Administering the Ordinances

d.  Equipping the Saints for Ministry

3)     Leaders bear a tremendous responsibility

a.   They are ‘undershepherds’ of the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:1-4)

b.  They are held to a high standard (vv. 17-18)

• Moses (Numbers 20:10-13)
• The Ephesian Elders (Acts 20:26-27)
• James’ Warning  (James 3:1)

c.   They carry the burden of the Church family entrusted to their care  (2 Corinthians 11:28)

II. Consider the Outcome of their Way of Life

1)     Personal “Outcomes” of a Godly Lifestyle

a.   Walking by Faith –> Trust in God’s character

b.  Prayer –> Reliance on God’s provision

c.   Bible Study –> Knowledge of God

d.  Evangelism –> Compassion for Lost People

2)     Corporate “Outcomes” of a Godly Ministry

a.       Centrality of the Word of God

b.      Priority of Prayer

c.       Unity within the Body of Christ

• Inside the Church
• With other Bible believing Churches

d.      Passion to fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandment

e.       New Spiritual Life

f.        Equipping New Leaders

III. Imitate their Faith

1)     Goal is the imitation of Christ:  “Imitate me as I imitate Christ”  (1 Corinthians 11:1)

2)     No greater joy for a Pastor than seeing his spiritual children walking in the truth

(3 John 1:4;  2 Corinthians 3:2)