A Brief Look at Church Leadership (Acts 20:13–38)

In 2020, with a virus sweeping across the globe causing fear, anger, and confusion, Oakridge Bible Chapel, like all other church families, faced a trial that tested us, strengthened us, and exposed us. God used that hardship to show our leadership areas of weakness and vulnerability. One such area was in the leadership itself—not in quality but quantity. At the time this body had about 250 members and five elders. Almost overnight there was an influx of legitimate need: isolation, health concerns, relational tensions, spiritual warfare, and financial burdens. And as blessed as the leadership was to hear of members caring for one another, our limits were made obvious. God used that trial to show us that to shepherd God’s people the way God’s word demands five was not enough. And so, in 2020, we started praying: “Lord, raise up leaders from within. Send us help, shepherds of your choosing.” And we began to see the Lord answer those prayers. In 2022 we added two new elders and this morning we get to add two more. But, as I thought about this answer to prayer, I was reminded that many who now call Oakridge “home” are relatively recent additions, having come from other countries, cities, churches, and backgrounds, and may not know much about how a church is led, what an elder is, and what elders do. And, for those who are familiar, a refresher wouldn’t hurt.