installation of baptist church officers charge

Responsibility #3: To obey them (Hebrews 13:17). The next two responsibilities are found in the book of Hebrews. For example, regarding Epaphroditus, the Apostle Paul instructed the Philippian believers to receive him in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard (Phil 2:29). The ministry is a high and holy work and believers are here exhorted to place proper value on their leaders-esteem them for their work’s sake. The word esteem means “to hold in high regard” and “to consider.” Believers are to hold leaders in high regard because of their work. Church members are also responsible to esteem their leaders. Responsibility #2: To esteem them (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). For this faithful soul-care they should be appreciated. Leaders are those who give instruction they admonish, warn, or correct those in error. This is not a picture of tyranny, but rather servant leadership. There is a certain God-given authority that leaders have in order to preside over, to lead, to direct, to protect, and to care for God’s flock. Some have trouble with this phrase because they think it conflicts with the priesthood of the believer.

The word means “to appreciate or respect.” The Thessalonian believers were to appreciate those that diligently labored among them, thanking the Lord for their willingness to expend themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally for the benefit of the flock. Paul refers to the leaders as those who have charge over you. The first responsibility of church members to their leaders is to “know” them. Responsibility #1: To appreciate them (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

We find the first two in Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonian church. According to the New Testament, the members of a local church have at least eight ongoing responsibilities to their shepherds.

Installation of baptist church officers charge