Church leaders are given to the church to help organise it so that God’s mission can flourish. In this week’s message, Organised for God’s Mission, we explore Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 3:1–16 — a passage that shows how church leadership, structure, and service all exist to help the people of God fulfil His mission in the world.
In this sermon, we’ll see that the apostle Paul’s teaching about overseers (elders and pastors) and deacons (servant leaders) is far more than a list of qualifications. It’s a vision for how the church is meant to function as a living, gospel-centred community. Overseers are called to provide spiritual direction, protect the truth of the gospel, and shepherd God’s people with integrity and care. Deacons are called to lead through service — ensuring that practical needs are met, systems are healthy, and the church stays focused on what really matters: proclaiming Christ.
Together, these roles help the church become, in Paul’s words, “the pillar and foundation of the truth.” When leadership is humble, organised, and mission-driven, the church displays God’s wisdom to the world.
This sermon invites us to reflect on what healthy leadership looks like in practice: leadership that builds trust, empowers others, and keeps the gospel at the centre. You’ll discover that good organisation isn’t about control or hierarchy — it’s about freeing the whole church to participate in God’s mission.
If you’ve ever wondered how elders, pastors, and deacons work together in a local church, or how structure can actually serve spiritual life, this message will give you a biblical and practical framework for understanding it.