Today we meet to discuss the Lord’s business in our Annual Congregation Meeting.  We will elect leaders.  The church committee is responsible to the government and will assist the pastor in furthering God’s kingdom.  May the Lord raise up Spirit filled leaders.  In the Book of Acts, people who are “Spirit filled” or “full of the Holy Spirit” often refer to Christians of good character.  One example is the martyr Stephen who is described as a man “full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3).   That he is Spirit filled is demonstrated by his boldness to testify for Christ till death.  May the Lord raise up leaders who love the Lord.

Responsibilities of Leaders

²Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them– not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; ³ not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.  ⁴And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.  (1 Pet 5:2-4)

Dear Elders and Deacons, your main responsibility is to “watch over them” (1 Pet 5:2) That is, take care of their souls.  Watch over the spiritual health of those who are placed under your pastoral care.  God does not expect you to take care of the whole church.  But for those in your cell group, care for them.  Be good examples (1 Pet 5:3).  You cannot ask them to do what you yourself cannot fulfill.  It is not possible, however, to serve God effectively if you refuse to deny yourself.  You need to make sacrifices.  But take heart, your sacrifices for God will be remembered by the Chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus who will give you an eternally glorious reward—this reward is given only to leaders and leaders who love the flock.  Hence, press on.

Responsibility of Christians to Leaders

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. (1 Pet 5:5a).

You must submit to your church leaders (1 Pet 5:5).  Sometimes, leaders may point out areas in your life that you need to change.  Do not take them as trying to pick on you.  You must thank God for leaders who do that: “Better is open rebuke than hidden love.  Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses” (Pro 27:5-6).  Only a friend who loves you will bother to point out your sin.  Be teachable.  Heed godly advice.  Do not hate your leader.  Encourage them.  Pray regularly for them.

Responsibilities of Christians to Each Other

^5bAll of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.”  ⁶Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Give way to your Christian brother or sister.  Forgive because if you do not forgive others, God will not forgive you.  That is, He will not be merciful to you when you do wrong because you have not been merciful.  If you humble yourself by not taking revenge, choosing instead to love that person, God will “lift you up in due time.”  That is, God will vindicate you.