Being a pastor/leader in the church puts a large target on a man’s back. Pastors are often attacked, scrutinized, and criticized. In such times there are put in the awkward position of trying to figure out if, when, and how they should defend themselves. Biblically speaking, should they or shouldn’t they defend themselves? If it […]
I Peter 5:1-4 Shepherd the Flock of God that is Among You- Pastor Josh Woody’s Ordination Charge
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 The Partnership of Leadership and Laity- A Charge to the Church-Pastor David Province
In an ordination service it is a familiar practice to have a charge preached to the minister. No one would disagree that a minister has responsibilities towards the congregation but what about a church’s responsibility towards its leaders? Listen as Pastor David helps the Church understand some of these responsibilities at Pastor Josh Woody’s ordination […]
I Timothy 3:7 Qualifications for Overseers Part 6 of 6- What Do We Care What Outsiders Think?
Throughout this series you likely thought of the potential elder’s character & abilities displayed within the context of the church. How is he seen within the church? How is he viewed by the saints? But this verse leaves the confines of the covenant community & says he must have a good reputation with those outside the church. But don’t […]
I Tim. 3:3 Qualifications for Overseers- Part 3 of 6- Not a Slave to Idols
Alcohol, anger, and assets are hot button issues in Christian circles. Many people presuppose that a man who drinks any alcohol, displays any anger, or accumulates any real wealth is intrinsically less holy than a man who completely abstains from alcohol, who never displays aggression, or who is poor. But is that what the Bible […]
I Timothy 3:1-7 The Qualifications of an Overseer (Part 1 of 6)
Appointing new elders is a big deal! And before a church does so they must understand the solemnity & gravity of what they are doing. They must evaluate the potential overseer to make sure that he meets the qualifications. Why? First, because pastors will give an account to God for the performance of their duties, […]
I Corinthians 4:6-8 Dealing with Pride on the Narrow Way- Matthew Mallacoccio
Pride is a prevalent sin of the human heart. There are two forms of pride: “Wow is me and Woe is me.” The deception of pride is that it masks itself as a virtue. Pride is no respecter of persons and can poison even our holy duties as Christians. What is the answer to dealing […]
I Thessalonians 5:14 How to Help Your Pastors
The work of a pastor is difficult. However, much that is considered as the pastor’s work is actually the work of the entire congregation. A healthy church member is a disciple making church member who takes seriously his/her responsibility to shepherd other members. Listen as Pastor Matt explains from I Thessalonians 5:14 how to help […]
I Thessalonians 5:12-13 The Shepherds and the Sheep (Part 2 of 2)
This text is an awkward text for a pastor to preach. Why? Just read it: 1 Thes. 5:12–13 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, & have charge over you in the Lord & give you instruction, 13 & that you esteem them very highly in love […]
Philippians 2:14-16_ Cause and Effect_ Part 3 of 3: For the Sake of Your Pastors
In our last two sermons on Philippians 2:14-15 we saw how eliminating grumbling and disputing 1)Alters our sinful practices and motives, and 2) how it Adorns the Gospel in the midst of the unconverted. In this last sermon in this series Pastor Matt shows from the text how that the church should also be motivated […]
