Saved to Serve: Leadership Council

Acts 15:6; Titus 1:7-9

“The apostles and elders met to consider this question" (Acts 15:6).

“Since an overseer manages God’s household, s/he must be…hospitable…and disciplined.”(Titus 1:7-9).

On October 19, we will celebrate our Laity, and for that reason, I have chosen this month to speak about the composition of the leadership in our church. Those who work behind the scenes, propelling the church forward. These are the servant leaders who voluntarily dedicate their time, skills, and talents to ensure that our church continues to move forward.

In the early history of our church, we had different committees that made up the Leadership Council. Due to the size of our church, we had to develop another system to help with the daily operations of the church. We called this the Administrative Roundtable Team (ART). The ART consists of the following members: Chairperson, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Trustee, Mission/Education Coordinator, WCA Representative, Staff-Parish Relations, Outreach Coordinator, Youth Coordinator, Lay Leader, Secretary, and Pastor.

Throughout this month, I will highlight the roles and functions of these servant leaders. Meanwhile, I would like to introduce you to our indefatigable leader, Valerie Nicholson, who has been guiding the Leadership Council. Despite her busy schedule, she consistently responds to the church's needs, whether planned or emergency. She oversees all the arms of our leadership team. I salute her courage and patience. Thank you so much, Valerie!

Looking at the Bible, right from the beginning, leaders are always chosen for the effective execution of God’s plans, as seen in Moses, Aaron, Joshua, Samuel, and the Kings. In the New Testament, Peter’s choice to lead the disciples is also evident. The most critical issue at the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles was the welfare and mission, which was addressed and resolved by the leaders (Acts 6:1-4). Later, the issue shifted to salvation as read in our text.

Our text today reveals the tension in the early church and how it was handled by the leaders in the First Jerusalem Council. The question at hand: did Gentile Christians need to become Jews and follow the Law of Moses to be saved? In the face of this potential schism, the church did not resort to factions, infighting, or avoidance. Instead, the leaders followed a path of wisdom and unity. They gathered in Jerusalem to consider the matter together, and the resolution is what we celebrate today: unity and brotherhood, as well as sisterhood, among all Christians worldwide, as we share the Holy Communion.

From what they did, we can learn these three vital principles: The first lesson is the courage to confront difficult questions directly. The issue brought to the Jerusalem Council was not a minor disagreement but a foundational crisis over the nature of salvation itself. They faced the issue openly. They did not sweep the controversy under the rug or pretend it didn't exist. They engaged in respectful debate (Acts 15:7). This was not a meeting of passive agreement but of serious, even fiery, debate where different viewpoints were heard, demonstrating that true unity is not the same as mere uniformity.

The second lesson comes from the way the council members approached a resolution. After the debate, Peter, Barnabas, and Paul all offered testimony based on their direct experience of God's work among the Gentiles (Acts 15:7-12). The leaders did not simply rely on abstract theology but on observable evidence of the Holy Spirit's work. A valuable lesson for us on how to pay attention to how God is working in and through people's lives today.

Finally, the council's decision demonstrates humility and a commitment to grace and unity.

The council's final letter affirmed that salvation is by grace through faith, not by adherence to the Law (Acts 15:19). This final decision reminds us that while the core truths of the gospel are non-negotiable, believers must exercise grace and humility in areas of disagreement.

The council met to consider a question that could have torn the early church apart. But by confronting the issue directly, examining the evidence of God's work, and acting with grace and humility, they affirmed the gospel of salvation by faith and preserved the unity of believers.

The principles upheld by the Apostles serve as the core guidelines for our Administrative Roundtable Team. They collaborate to tackle a wide range of challenging issues, including theology, relationships, finances, and building maintenance, among others. Despite differing opinions, they consistently find the best solutions for fulfilling God’s mission at Park Forest and beyond!

Today, as we share in the meal that unites us, let us remember that there is no East or West. We are one in Christ, and we will continue to remember Christ’s purpose in establishing this meal!

Let us continue to pray for our leaders, asking for God’s guidance, patience, and perseverance as they volunteer to serve the Lord and work in His vineyard.