John Hannigan answers the final question in the Explore God initiative

While the term deacon refers to a formal role in the church, deacon is also often used informally and applies to everyone who is called to serve. Deacons are the servant leaders in the church, facilitating ministries and freeing up the elders to focus on teaching and shepherding the flock.  

Listen as Pastor Chris discusses the role of a deacon, exhorting each of us to assess where and how we can serve more actively as we strive to follow the ultimate deacon, Jesus Christ.

Elliot Kang answers the sixth of seven questions in the Explore God initiative

As we continue in our discussion of biblical eldership, this week Pastor Chris looked at the work of elders in the church. Elders are called to be spiritual examples, overseers of souls, and shepherds to their flock. The authority of elders begins and ends with the Bible, and they will receive an everlasting reward for their faithful service to the Lord. 

Listen to learn more about the responsibilities of and reasons for biblical shepherding.

Jonathan Yang answers the fifth of seven questions in the Explore God initiative

While only men are called into church eldership, studying and understanding the characteristics of a biblical elder is valuable for everyone. In 1 Timothy chapter 3, the apostle Paul outlines these characteristics. A biblical elder is passionate about his work for the Lord, his character is above reproach, his household is in order, and he has a reputation for being a man of God. 

Listen as Pastor Chris takes a deeper look at these biblical characteristics and consider how you can build these characteristics within yourself and encourage them in others around you.

Rick Maples answers the fourth of seven questions in the Explore God initiative

Church membership is a formal commitment to unite with a local body of Christians who regularly gather together to fulfill God’s purposes for a church. Becoming a member allows you to undergo greater examination of your faith, receive greater care from spiritual leaders, and experience greater community with other members. Listen as Pastor Chris challenges us all to take church membership more seriously.

Ivan Utomo answers the third of seven questions in the Explore God initiative

The Lord’s Table offers us an opportunity to look backward to the Cross, inward for self-examination, outward to the Church, and forward to the return of Christ. May we approach communion with humble reverence and eager anticipation knowing that this ordinance tells the full story of the Gospel and gives us a foretaste of the heavenly banquet that is to come.