The New Testament piles up metaphors for the relationship between Christ and His church. He is the chosen Cornerstone of a spiritual house made up of living stones. He is the Great High Priest who exercises His priestly role through a royal priesthood of all believers. He is the Head of the body made up of many parts which, when each is working properly, builds itself up in love.

This Sunday we get another one from 1 Peter. Christ is the Chief Shepherd and we are his flock. And how does the Chief Shepherd lead His dear children along? Through under-shepherds. “Appoint elders in every town,” Paul instructs Titus (Titus 1:5). After gathering new flocks throughout Asia Minor, Paul and Barnabas “appointed elders for them in every church.” (Acts 14:23) Not just one elder, but elders charged with this weighty charge:

“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28)

This week, Rob Lister will preach on our sixth and seventh ministry values, ELDER LEADERSHIP and SPIRIT-LED as Kenny Clark leads our sung worship. Would you pray for each as they prepare? As a means of preparing our hearts for Sunday, you could spend some time prayerfully reflecting on our primary passage, which will be 1 Peter 5:1-5 and you could pray for the Spirit to empower and lead our Grace elder team as they seek to obey Acts 20:28 among us.

See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!

Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone) as sung by People and Songs

Preaching Schedule

SEP 14: God’s Glory
SEP 21: Christ-Centered Worship
SEP 28: The Great Commission
OCT 5: Biblical Preaching
OCT 12: Priesthood of Believers & Elder Leadership
OCT 19: Elder Leadership & Spirit-Led
OCT 26: Diverse Unity & Simplicity
NOV 2: Children & Youth