The Kerusso – January | 2024 Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
Our Shared Responsibility to LEAD Max Edwards, IGS
Incredible as it may be, 2024 is upon us! To the young, it may not seem so incredible, but some of us are surprised that we are nearing the middle of the third decade of the 21st century, and Jesus has still tarried His second coming! As we transition into another year of work and service in Christ’s church, some things may have changed but the need for Godly examples in our faith families and civic communities is among those things that remain constant. The mission that Jesus himself inaugurated continues, and that is to be a living witness to His Lordship, His Love, His Life, and His Legacy. That is basic discipleship, and He commissioned us to be disciple-makers. The technological advances of the last several generations have not changed our mission. Some of them have impacted our method, but that isn’t surprising, nor is it even unfortunate. We have expanded capabilities to spread the message that God is love and that He has opened the doors of opportunity for everyone to enjoy fellowship with Him for eternity. But this message has an enemy, who tenaciously seeks to cast doubt in the minds and hearts of our audience. What can we do? Indeed, what should we do? We must LEAD, as Jesus modeled leadership for us. Jesus’ consistent message was “Follow me.” He did not simply provide a set of instructions for detached pilgrims to check off in solitude. No, He set down a set of footprints for His disciples and charged them to do the same for those coming along behind them. And the reason He did this is simple - - modeling is the most powerful form of teaching. The Apostle Paul followed this pattern in the churches he planted. He spent several years leading the growing group of disciples in Ephesus. Then later, as he was returning from a further mission, he arranged a special gathering with the Ephesian Christians on the shores of the Aegean Sea, and he charged them to do the same - - to lead others as Christlike shepherds:
“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” (Acts 20:28) In the spirit of that important commission to the church, we will spend time this year focusing on the challenge to be LEADERS of others, and not just any kind of leaders, leading people to any place. NO! We must be Christ-like leaders bearing the marks of Christ’s leadership. You can see some of those attributes in the logo we’ll be using all year long to remind us of our mission. Let us all double our resolve to be THAT kind of leader!
Happy New Year EMC’ers!