7 blessings of having consecutive expository preaching as the staple diet for God's people

In his helpful little book “the Priority of Preaching” Christopher Ash provides “7 blessings of having consecutive expository preaching as the staple diet on the menu for the people of God.”  Verse by verse preaching (aka sequential expository preaching) has a number of built in benefits.  

Ash highlights the following 7 benefits:

1) Consecutive Expository Preaching Safeguards God's Agenda Against Being Hijacked by Ours. 

 In biblical ministry I want to get rid of three demons. They are called Relevance, Entertainment, and Immediacy…To preach through a Bible book is to trust that the agenda of God is the right, the deepest, and the best agenda" (pp. 111-12).

2) Consecutive Expository Preaching Makes It Harder For Us to Abuse the Bible by Reading It Out of Context.

Consecutive Bible exposition helps us understand the Bible in its context and therefore understand it correctly, and not to abuse the Word of God by twisting it to mean something other than what God has made it mean" (p. 116). 2 Timothy 2:15.

3) Consecutive Expository Preaching Dilutes the Selectivity of the Preacher. 

This does not mean the pastor should never address a particular need within his unique ministerial context. One need not be slavishly committed to the ‘lectio continua’ method of preaching. We simply need to give God the microphone and trust that 2 Timothy 3:15-17 is really not a typo. If all Scripture is divinely inspired and profitable then our people need to hear the full counsel and revealed will of God.

4) Consecutive Expository Preaching Keeps the Context of the Sermon Fresh and Surprising.

5) Consecutive Exposition Makes for Variety in the Style of the Sermon. 

Variety is said to be the spice of life. Fresh content and style are properly achieved when the man of God rightly handles the Word of God in its Scriptural dress. "Our preaching ought to take not just its content but also its tone and style from the passage" (p. 120).

6) Consecutive Expository Preaching Models Good Nourishing Bible Reading for the Ordinary Christian. 

 "Topical preaching may give a Christian a fish, but good expository ministry will teach him how to fish" and mine treasures from God’s Word on their own (p. 121).

7) Consecutive Expository Preaching Helps Pastors Preach the Whole Christ From the Whole of Scripture. 

This approach to preaching will help Bible teachers to 'give God the microphone."  2 Timothy 4:1-5 is crystal clear. God's Word is to be heard through a human instrument (the pastor-teacher) for the edification of the church (Eph. 4:11-16) and the glory of Jesus Christ.

In the short book, “Preaching for God’s Glory” Pastor Begg spotlights 5 timeless principles he learned from an older minister related to preaching and sermon preparation. 

In the Lord’s strength (Col. 1:28-29) the preacher should strive to:

1) THINK YOURSELF EMPTY. 

2) READ YOURSELF FULL. 

Philemon 1:24- Mark: The Tragic Failure, Restored Partnership, Recognized Usefulness Story

Mark: A Painful Failure…An Unexpected Parting of Ways...and a Powerful Restoration!

Philemon 1:24

Pastoral ministry is not just marked by joy (high highs). It is also marked by disappointment (low lows). Church hurt is sadly an all too common experience.

Faithful men sometimes falter.  Trusted partners sometimes walk away.  Ministry friendships sometimes crumble. 

And when they do—it doesn’t just affect relationships.  It affects the work.  

Not surprising then, Satan and his minions work overtime trying to discourage, distract, and divide the Lord's people (hence Ephesians 4:1-32 and Colossians 3:12-17). One Christian author rightly notes, "Satan always divides when he is most afraid of ministry multiplication...If Satan can't stop us, then he will work overtime to divide us."  The moment you put your guard down is the second the forces of darkness move in.

Paul was not immune to these struggles.  He too experienced shocking heartbreak (see 2 Corinthians).  He too was abandoned. He too made mistakes.  He too endured relational falling outs.

Such things should not catch us by complete surprise. The Scriptures and church history remind us that "the best of men are still men at best." All men, includes the legendary Paul, and every other Christian leader. They too are "men at best."  

In my own life, some of my longtime ministry heroes changed over time or proved not to be who I thought they were.  Initially, I was devastated.  In moments of despair the Holy Spirit reminded me that Jesus and Jesus alone is the perfect, never failing, Good Shepherd! He alone is the (great) Hero of heaven (see Revelation 5)!  He alone is always Faithful and ever True. "What a Friend we have in Jesus." He is unrivaled! But back to Philemon.

A Failure That Couldn’t Be Ignored (at least not by Paul)

When Paul lists his fellow workers in Philemon 1:23-24, one name really stands out: "Mark."

Mark's story doesn’t start here, however.

In Acts 13, Mark joins Paul and Barnabas on an important missionary journey.   Later, this theological powerhouse team stood shoulder to shoulder at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15). Paul and Barnabas functioned as the original dynamic duo! A formidable force.

And then---something unexpected occurs.

Earlier in the story, Mark turned back. He walked away. He abandoned ship.  

Scripture doesn’t provide many details. But it does show the result.

The work continues. "The show must go on." But now it’s far more challenging.

People often forget that ministry role players, by definition, play vital roles. When someone unexpectedly abandons their ministry post others have to carry extra weight. Productivity and progress can be negatively impacted. Morale often takes a hit.

And that kind of disappointment is not easily forgotten. Those who value loyalty and fortitude as highly as Paul did can feel the apostle's pain.

Mark was someone Paul believed he could count on. Someone he trusted. Someone he invested in.

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A Sharp Conflict Between Godly Men and Good Friends

By Acts 15, the Mark issue resurfaces.

Barnabas wants Mark to rejoin them. He believed it was time to restore him to ministry.  The son of encouragement may have appealed to the perfect example of the Lord Jesus, who graciously restored Simon Peter after epic failure(s)- see John 21:15-19; Matthew 26:69-75.

Paul views things differently and has different plans. And Luke records it plainly in Acts 15: "There arose a very sharp disagreement."

Not mild tension. Not a quiet difference of perspective.

A very sharp conflict.

Paul likely emphasized faithfulness and fortitude. Barnabas likely emphasized grace, forbearance, and forgiveness.

Both men love Christ, the lost, and the Lord's Church. Both men want the gospel to advance. 

And yet—they lock horns and eventually they divide and go separate ways!  

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When Unity Breaks

In Acts 15 a ministry dream team experiences a contentious and unexpected breakup. Shockingly, Paul and Barnabas did not find a way to "agree to disagree" and move forward together. The inspired text does not take sides.  Luke does not say if both men were wrong or if one of them had missed the mark. The inspired text just describes how and why Paul and Barnabas parted ways.

Barnabas leaves and takes Mark. Paul moves forward with Silas.

And just like that, a powerful and fruitful ministry partnership is over.  Two godly men have a very heated disagreement and they go separate ways.  

It is important to note that both men continue to serve the Lord. Just not together.  

If we are being humble and honest we would quickly admit that this sort of thing happens far more often than Christians would care to admit.  Long time church leaders and/or dear friends encounter unexpected turbulence.  The more they talk the further apart they grow.  Eventually, a break up happens. 

Surely, this is one reason why the Holy Spirit chose to include this sad chapter in the sacred Scriptures. Ministry impasses and relational falling outs can and do happen within the Body of Christ.

This account should sober us. Because unity is good (Ps. 133), is commanded (Eph. 4); and is a gift from God (Jn 17).

And yet—even among good and faithful saints—it can fracture.

That is not new. It happened then.  It still happens now. 

Ministry impasses happen. Fallings outs among longtime Christian friends and/or ministry partners can and do happen.

One author adds the following commentary, "From the relationship of Paul and Barnabas we can draw an important lesson. Here were two godly men, loved by the churches, filled with the Spirit, enduring persecution together, seeing people saved, and enjoying an effective ministry. Yet they were fallible and did not see eye to eye on everything. They quarreled and parted ways. Even the best and most faithful among us are prone to interpersonal conflicts and mistakes. We are all fallen, frail, fallible human beings." 

BUT God Is Not Thwarted!

God is still at work (Rom. 8:28f; Gen. 50:20)

What looks like a setback… becomes expansion.

Two Christ-centered missionary teams now move forward (instead of just one).

More outreach. More people reached.

God Almighty is never limited by human failure or ministry impasses.

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The Risk of a Second Chance

Barnabas takes Mark.  And that decision matters.  Because at that moment, Mark had proven unreliable.

Paul saw the risk. Barnabas saw the potential.  And Barnabas invests in him.

That’s not sentimental. That’s spiritual vision. Because spiritual growth takes time.  

Maturity is not instant.  Fortitude and faithfulness is developed over time. Theologians call it PROGRESSIVE sanctification for a reason!  

And sometimes the brother or sister who failed yesterday… becomes the person God uses tomorrow.

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A Restored Servant

Years pass.

Mark matures in the faith. His progress is made evident to all.

Philemon 1:8-16: The Power of the Gospel to Save Wayward Sinners and Transform Messy Lives

The Power of the Gospel to Save Wayward Sinners and Transform Messy Lives 

"For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever." (Philemon 1:15)

How do you solve a problem like Onesimus?  That was the dilemma facing the Apostle Paul.

By the time we arrive at Philemon 1:8-16, Onesimus had become a complicated case. He was a runaway slave. He had wronged his Christian master, Philemon. He had fled hundreds of miles from home in an attempt to escape the consequences of his actions.

Like many people today, Onesimus wanted a fresh start without first dealing with his past.

But Onesimus' plan and God's plan were not the same.  And thank God for that.

You Cannot Outrun the Saving Grace of God

While hiding in Rome, something unexpected happened. Better said, something providential happened.

The fugitive crossed paths with the Apostle Paul.

Humanly speaking, the odds were staggering. Onesimus had traveled roughly 1,300 miles from Colossae to Rome. Yet in the mysterious providence of God, he encountered the very man who would faithfully share the gospel with him.

There are no accidents in God's universe.

No luck.  No karma.  No blind fate.

The sovereign Lord orchestrates all things according to His perfect will.

Years earlier, Paul himself had been gloriously converted on the Damascus Road. Now God would use that same Apostle to lead another wayward sinner to Christ.

As Paul later wrote concerning Onesimus:

"I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment" (Philemon 10).

While Paul was physically imprisoned, the gospel was still setting captives free.

The runaway slave became a redeemed sinner.

The rebel became a beloved brother.

The lost was found.

Ephesians 2:4-5 perfectly describes what happened:

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ."

That is the testimony of every Christian.

We were spiritually dead.

But God.

We were lost.

But God.

We were rebels.

But God.

The saving grace of God pursued Onesimus and brought him to faith in Jesus Christ.

As Charles Spurgeon famously described it, the "Hound of Heaven" chased him down.

And when God effectually calls a sinner to Himself, His saving purposes never fail.

A Spiritual Son and a Beloved Brother

Paul's affection for Onesimus shines throughout this passage.

Notice the language he uses:

"My child" (v. 10)

"My very heart" (v. 12)

The relationship between these two men had become deeply personal.

Through the ministry of the gospel, Paul had become Onesimus' spiritual father. Oni was a miracle child. A prison baby!

Not every believer experiences the joys of marriage or parenthood. Yet every Christian is given a spiritual family.  Brothers and sisters in Christ. Our forever family.

The local church is far more than an organization.

It is a family united by the death and resurrection of Jesus.

We worship together.

Serve together.

Weep together.

Rejoice together.

Bear one another's burdens.

And through God's providence, deep and lasting relationships are formed.

Paul and Onesimus had become brothers in Christ and partners in ministry.

This reality prepares us for one of the central truths of the letter.

Paul wants Philemon to see Onesimus differently.

Not primarily as a runaway slave.

Not primarily as a former offender.

But as a beloved brother in Christ.

The Gospel Produces Genuine Transformation

The power of the gospel does more than forgive sinners.

It transforms us!

Paul highlights this transformation in verse 11.

Onesimus' name literally meant "useful" or "profitable."  Yet before his conversion, he had not lived up to his name.

In fact, he had become anything but useful.

Apparently lazy and untrustworthy, he had failed his master and damaged Philemon's reputation.

But then the grace of God intervened.

Paul writes:

"Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me."

The gospel changed him.

Not merely outwardly.

Not superficially.

From the inside out.

His desires changed.

His priorities changed.

His character changed.

His conduct changed.

The same grace that justified him also began sanctifying him.

This is how true conversion always works.

Anyone can express regret but genuine repentance produces lasting fruit.

The transformed life of Onesimus provided evidence that God's saving work was real.

Like John Newton, he could now say:

"I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I wish to be. I am not what I hope to be in another world. But still, I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am."

The Gospel Mends Broken Relationships

Yet Paul's dilemma remained.

Onesimus had been forgiven by God.

But certain earthly consequences still existed.

The fact that Onesimus was now a Christian did not erase the wrongs he had committed against Philemon.

Reconciliation still needed to occur.

The relationship needed to be restored.  Forgiveness still needed to be extended.

This is where the beauty of the gospel shines brightest.

The gospel not only reconciles sinners to God.

It also empowers sinful people to be reconciled to one another.

Philemon 1:3-7: A Life That Prompts Thanksgiving and Brings Comfort and Joy

A Life That Prompts Prayers of Thanksgiving and Brings Comfort and Joy

Philemon 1:3–7.  There are some conversations in life that require great care. Sensitive, multi-layered, sticky situations. Difficult requests. Moments where truth must be spoken, but spoken with wisdom, grace, and love. In his short yet powerful letter to Philemon, the Apostle Paul models exactly that kind of pastoral diplomacy.  His godly and balanced response evokes a God-honoring response from Philemon and friends.

Paul is preparing to ask something costly—something that will stretch Philemon’s faith and obedience. But before he makes a loving appeal, he does something profoundly instructive: he sets the table. Like a wise farmer cultivating soil before planting seed, Paul begins by highlighting evidences of grace already at work in Philemon’s life.

There’s a reason verses 1–7 come before verses 8–20.  

Grace and Peace: The Foundation of Christian Relationships

Paul opens with a familiar greeting:

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (v. 3)

This is more than a formality—it is a theological foundation. God is the fountain of grace and the source of peace. And the grace we receive from Him is meant to overflow into our relationships with others. Grace begets grace.

If we have been so richly forgiven, how can we withhold grace from others? If we are at peace with God through Christ, should that not foster peace with one another? (Rom. 12:18f)

This greeting sets the tone for everything that follows—especially the radical reconciliation Paul will later urge between Philemon and Onesimus.

Ministry Maxim #1: Recognize Evidences of Grace

Before addressing something difficult, identify how God is already at work in someone’s life.  Paul does this beautifully. He doesn’t flatter—he affirms genuine spiritual fruit. Spiritual progress. He sees God’s grace in Philemon, and he says so.

Ministry Maxim #2: Thank God for His Work in Others

Paul doesn’t just notice Philemon’s growth—he thanks God for it.

“I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers.” (v. 4)

This reveals both the frequency and intimacy of Paul’s prayers. Philemon is not an afterthought—he is regularly and personally lifted up before the Lord.

And this raises an important question for us:

Do our lives prompt others to thank God when they think of us? (3 John 4)

As the Holy Spirit produces fruit in our lives—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness—we should never take that work for granted. Instead, we should strive to live in such a way that others can sincerely say, “I thank my God when I remember you.”

The Basis of Thanksgiving: Faith and Love

Paul explains why he is so thankful:

“Because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints.” (v. 5)

Even while imprisoned, Paul receives encouraging news—likely through Epaphras—that Philemon continues to grow spiritually.

There are few things that bring more joy to a pastor—or godly parents—than hearing that their people or children are "walking in truth."

Biblical Christianity is not an individual sport. It’s a team effort.  How we live our everyday lives impacts others—in our homes, our churches, and our workplaces.

Philemon’s life was marked by two essential qualities:

• Faith in Christ

• Love for the saints

These are inseparable. Genuine faith expresses itself through love. As Scripture teaches, “faith working through love” is the evidence of true spiritual life.

And yes—loving others isn’t always easy. The body of Christ includes a wide range of personalities. Yet we are called to put on compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and forgiveness.  Because love is not optional—it’s essential (see Colossians 3:12-14).

The Prayer: Effective Fellowship

Paul continues:

“And I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.” (v. 6)

The word “fellowship” (koinonia) reminds us that our faith is shared. When we are united to Christ, we are united to one another.

Paul’s prayer is that Philemon’s faith would be active, fruitful, and impactful—that as he continues to live generously and love sacrificially, he would come to a deeper understanding of the blessings he has in Christ.

This stands in stark contrast to the self-centered mindset so common today.

The Christian life is not about self-fulfillment—it’s about Christ-exaltation.

Everything we do is for His Name sake! (John 4:34; 1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17)

The Result: Joy and Refreshment

Paul concludes this section by affirming the tangible impact of Philemon’s life:

“For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” (v. 7)

Philemon’s faith was not theoretical—it was practical. His sacrificial love refreshed others. His Christian life brought joy and comfort to the people of God—even to the Apostle Paul himself.

This leads us to the central question of the passage: Are you a joy giver—or a joy robber?

A Personal Reflection

Think about your own life.

When your pastor prays for you, does it bring him joy—or holy heartburn?
Does your walk with Christ refresh others—or drain them?

In everyday life, we understand this principle.

Philemon 1:1-2: Prisoner of Christ, Beloved Sibling, Faithful Co-Laborers, and Fellow Soldiers

 

Prisoner of Christ, Beloved Sibling, Faithful Co-Laborers, and Fellow Soldiers

Philemon Series (Part 2)

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Introduction: A Personal Question

If the Apostle Paul wrote a letter to your local church… or to you personally… What would he say?

Would it read something like this:

“To my beloved brother… a faithful co-laborer… a fellow soldier of Christ…”

That’s not just a hypothetical question—that’s the weight of Philemon 1:1–2.

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Big Idea

Faithful Christians are marked by total devotion to Christ, deep love for His people, diligent service, and steadfast endurance.

The Setting: A Tender but Strategic Appeal

As we open this letter, we see something we often overlook about the Apostle Paul.

Yes, he could be bold.
Yes, he could be confrontational.

But here?

He is tender, wise, and deeply pastoral.  Philemon is a masterclass in pastoral diplomacy.  

This entire letter deals with a sensitive situation:

• A wronged "boss" (Philemon)
• A fugitive, runaway (Onesimus)
• And a gospel-centered appeal for reconciliation

And Paul handles it with grace-filled persuasion—not an unnecessary show of force. Paul's humility, grace, and patience are exemplary.  Those who think of themselves as biblical "peacemakers" would be greatly helped if they imitated the example of the Apostle Paul.  Much can be gleaned using this letter as a biblical case study.  Older pastors in particular often become impatient and/or imbalanced. Such men believe that they do not need to slow down and meticulously gather all of the pertinent facts before reaching an initial verdict. This brings further division and hurt rather than healing and unity.

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You Can’t Outrun the Grace of God: Timeless truths from the book of Philemon.

Timeless Truths from the book of Philemon

Study 1- You Can’t Outrun the Grace of God: What Are the Chances? Only God!

Why Study Philemon? 

If you turn a few pages past Titus, you’ll find one of the most neglected books in the New Testament—Philemon.

It’s often overshadowed by larger epistles like Hebrews or Romans. And if we’re honest, some might wonder: Why spend months studying such a short letter?

But that would be a mistake.

This brief, personal letter is a treasure chest filled with the glory of God’s remarkable providence and His amazing grace. 

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Seeing the Big Picture

Before diving into details, we need a macro view—so we don’t “miss the forest for the trees.”

At the heart of Philemon is a remarkable story:

• A runaway slave
• A divine appointment
• A radical conversion
• Christ-like forgiveness
• Gospel-centered reconciliation 

And one unforgettable truth:

You cannot outrun the saving grace of God.

Or:

“What are the chances? Only God!”

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The Story Behind the Story

Philemon is a deeply personal letter written by the Apostle Paul during his first Roman imprisonment (see Acts 28:11–31).

It is addressed to:

• Philemon – a faithful believer and trustworthy ministry partner
• And the house church in Colossae that may have met in Philemon's large home.

Onesimus was a slave who had:

• Wronged his master (formerly "useless" to you Philemon)
• Likely stolen (Philemon 1:18)
• And fled— running away- far from home (presumably ending up in Rome)

And there… in God's remarkable providence He met Paul.

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What Are the Chances?

Think about it:

• A runaway slave from Colossae
• Ends up in bustling city of Rome
• Meeting the Apostle Paul. The famed missionary, church planter, pastor, theologian.
• Paul himself was "the most unlikely of converts." Paul use to persecute Christians believing he was honoring the LORD.
• Paul leads "Oni" to Christ.

Coincidence?  Good fortune?  

No.

The Invincible Hand of God: (aka) Divine Providence.

Scripture reminds us:

• Romans 8:28 – God works all things together for good
• Ephesians 1:11 – He works all things according to His will
• Proverbs 16:33 – Even the smallest details are under His control

There is no such thing as luck, fate, or chance.

God is sovereign over all—or He is not sovereign at all.

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God at Work in Unexpected Places

Even Paul’s imprisonment—something meant for evil—became a platform for good:

• From jail Paul wrote the Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon)
• People in Caesar’s own household were saved (Philippians 4:22)
• And a runaway slave encountered Christ and the life-changing gospel of grace!

Just like Joseph said:

“You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20)

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An Unlikely Convert

Humanly speaking, Onesimus was an unlikely convert.  "Didn't see that one coming!"  We often make the mistake of thinking someone is not in position to even consider the soul-saving gospel.  As if we know what God is doing behind the scenes.  With that said, from our perspective, Onesimus was an unlikely convert.

A lazy, runaway. A thief. A man running from his problems.

And yet Paul writes:

“My child, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment” (Philemon 1:10)

What happened?

God intervened! The Spirit blew (John 3)! Jesus was presented as Lord and Savior.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Onesimus was transformed by the saving grace of God!  He became a new man in Christ.

• From useless → useful
• From fugitive → faithful
• From slave → brother

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This Is Our Story Too (dear Christian)

Don’t miss this: What’s true of Onesimus is true of every believer. 1 Timothy 1:15-17 is the verse I want engraved on my tombstone.  Amazing Grace is a hymn that celebrates our shared testimony! The chapters in your story may look different—but the same grace that rescued this renegade saved me and you beloved Christian.

6 Reasons Why the Local Church Really Matters

"As we prepare to worship God tomorrow, it may do us good to pause for just a few moments to consider the local church. What is the church? Why has God called us into these little communities? Does the local church really matter? It does! The local church is foundational to God’s plan for his people. In their book Church in Hard Places, Mez McConnell and Mike McKinley offer 6 reasons that the local church matters.

The local church is the way God intends to accomplish his mission in the world. “It is primarily though the local church that God wants to make himself known.” Of all the evangelism strategies in the world, of all the ministries in the world, none is more central than the local church. It’s interesting to note that Paul considered his ministry in an area fulfilled not when every person was reached, but when churches had been planted (see Romans 15:19-20). “Paul knew that the churches there were how the gospel would spread into all of the individual neighborhoods. Local churches do local evangelism.” The church is God’s plan, it is God’s mission.

The local church should matter to us because it matters to God. The church is Jesus’ body on earth (see Ephesians 1:22-23) and it is made up of all kinds of people from all walks of life. “Together we represent Christ here on earth through our local body of believers. Therefore, the church is central to the purposes of God and is of benefit to the world around us—even today in our increasingly hostile culture.” The church exists for God’s glory and showcases it in a unique way. “The church is built for Jesus, by Jesus, and on Jesus. It is simply unthinkable then to separate Jesus from the local church. If the gospel is the diamond in the great salvific plan of God, then the church is the clasp that supports it, holds it up, and shows it in its greatest light for the world to see.” If it matters so much to God, it needs to matter to us just as much.

The local church is the place where believers must submit themselves to spiritual authority. Many people from many walks of life struggle with issues of authority, though this problem is especially prevalent in the schemes of Scotland. Mez says, “they will not accept criticism or input from anybody they regard as an authority figure.” This attitude needs to be dealt with immediately. God calls Christians to submit to spiritual authority within the local church (see Hebrews 13:17). All believers are called by God to put themselves under the care and oversight of elders. “A culture that despises any kind of authority needs to see healthy models of leadership and submission. And the place for people to see this modeled is in the local church.”