Today you are accepting the responsibility of serving, and together with the Pastors, leading this congregation in all matters - spiritual, program, and financial. With this in mind, I present you with this public charge concerning the fulfillment of your role.
1. Give attention to your own personal and spiritual growth. All of you are involved in a very busy life-style, and there's the constant temptation to ignore your own relationship with Christ. I challenge you to discipline yourself to spend time reading and meditating on the Word of God, trusting God for the meeting of your own needs, praying earnestly for your families, and for the members of this congregation. When discouragement sets in, when there's frustration because you feel others aren't pulling their share, or when disappointments come because of your own failures, or the failures of others, you must take responsibility for your own spiritual well being. Be like David and step aside to "encourage yourself in the Lord." Be constantly aware that you have not yet obtained all that Christ has offered, and continue to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness". Remember that the process of sanctification is going on in you, and will be evidenced in your life by the obvious presence of the fruit of the Spirit. In relationship to your work in the church, pray continually for the Spirit's power and guidance.
2. Give special attention to the proper care for your family responsibilities, giving spiritual leadership for your wife and children. They of all people need to witness that yours is a joyful service. When the leadership mantle becomes too heavy, and you become prone to burden family members with church problems, then it may be time for a Sabbath rest. You do not want your wife or your children to become resentful towards the Lord or His Church because of negative attitudes. Although your wife and children are partners in life, you should always be careful not to share with them matters which only other church leaders should know. On the other hand, be aware that the conduct of your family members will affect the level of respect you will earn from other church members and the world outside. I charge you to be diligent to teach God's Word to your children by example and word. And if you are fortunate enough to have living parents, make sure you are giving them the full honor they deserve.
3. In the world where you work, be aware that you must conduct yourselves at the highest level of integrity and ethical behavior. Remember always that the charge of hypocrisy that is often leveled against the church, comes because there have been leaders who have "talked the talk", but who have not "walked the walk." Understand that you are positioned in the work place according to the Lord's will and you are first of all accountable to the Lord for the fulfillment of your job-related responsibilities.
4. Continue to grow in your appreciation for the importance of the local church. Be willing to follow the example of Stephanos, and "addict yourselves to the ministry of the saints." As leaders in the church, be sure to care for the needs of every one who makes this their home church, always being careful not to show favoritism toward people regardless of their age, station in life, how long they have attended the church, what family they come from, or whether they are rich or poor, black or white. Actively encourage evangelism, with full confidence that these efforts will result in people being brought into the church. Be prepared to invest time, energy and money on behalf of the development and growth. Show willingness to consider change of methods or procedures. Encourage others in the development of their spiritual gifts; and appreciate, support, and cooperate with the pastoral leadership which God has brought into the church.
5. I challenge you to accept the Bible as the basis for understanding and developing the role of leaders within the church, rather than adopting worldly ideas which always result in jostling for power and the utilizing of political processes.
It is absolutely necessary for you to remember that in the Body of Christ, those who are called to be leaders, are actually called to be servants. Furthermore, understand that all power is from God alone, that humility is essential in the life of any godly leader, and that Christlike leadership best exerts influence through prayer, love and example.
Never forget that joyful service is motivated by love for God rather than a need for acceptance or personal recognition.
Realize the importance of cooperation, and faithfully practice it within the church body. Remember that all members are part of the Body of Christ, united under His Headship, working one with another to fulfill His purposes. Recognize the diversity of gifts and functions as given by God to edify others for His glory, and commit yourself to provide mutual encouragement.
Accept organization as healthy as long as it is open to the leading of the Spirit; develop your ability to clearly communicate with others in the Body of Christ; demonstrate a teachable spirit; and always honor the Biblical pattern of authority and methods of conflict resolution.
6. Today I also challenge you to continue to build a global perspective of ministry. Maintain a growing vision for world missions; recognize that the local church is joined with other churches locally and denominationally; and show a willingness to learn from others who serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
7. Be firmly committed to your task, determined to persevere even when there may be disagreements and discouragements. Always welcome affirmation as well as correction, and be willing to sacrifice for long range gain.
And finally, never forget that the longing of every true Christian servant/leader is that when it comes time for each us to stand before the Lord on judgment day, we will be gladdened by one sentence spoken by our Lord Himself, "Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of our Lord."