The LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE

“The Joy & Sadness of Leaders”

Hebrews 13:17

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy & not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Heb. 13:17(ESV)

I. The Accountability of Leaders (Heb. 13:17)

Leaders (Elders/Overseers) in the Church are called by

God to “_____ _______” over the souls of others.

cf. Lk. 2:8; Acts 20:28; 1 Th. 5:12-13; 1 Pet. 5:1-3

For God’s Church to be obedient & effective, leaders

must ______! cf. 1 Tim. 3:1; 4:10; 1 Th. 5:12

More than this, leaders will be held ____________ by

God for the quality of their spiritual leadership!

FYI – With spiritual responsibility comes stricter

___________! cf. Js. 3:1; Lk. 12:48; Rom. 14:12

Spiritual authenticity involves humble adherence to

Biblical qualifications of _________ & conduct.

cf. 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-9

II. The Responsibility of Followers (Heb. 13:17)

The God-given responsibility of those in the church is to

_____ & _______ to their spiritual leaders.

“Slavish, blind obedience is not called for here, but a

respectful, submissive spirit is.” R. Kent Hughes

The reason for this is that God has _________ their

charge & He will hold them accountable.

It is also the responsibility of the church to help their

leaders rule with _____ & not grief. cf. Ex. 17; Jer. 1

To cause our leaders grief is ________ to ourselves,

our leaders & the church! i.e. unprofitable

Leaders are privileged to experience great joy as well

as deep sorrow. cf. Phil. 1:3-4; 4:1; 1 Th. 2:19-20; 3:9

Spiritual leaders are not infallible & there are times to

disagree with them & _________ them. cf. 1 Tim. 5

Practical Application:

Pray – Heb. 13:18-19; Lk. 6:12-13; Acts 6:6; 14:23
Power – Heb. 13:20-21; Acts 6:3; Col. 1:28-29

Appointments with God

The HEART of a SERVANT

Mark 1:29-45

Monday, March 19^th

Meditate upon the Priority of Prayer in Jesus’ Life:

Mark 1:32-35

What does this passage say about the Power and