Encouragement

Feed My Sheep--The Authority Given

by Janice S Ramkissoon 
09/15/14
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At this point I would like to remind you of the command given to each of us as believers in Christ, Matthew 28:16-20, bringing to your attention verse 20 which states: “And teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.” 

The journey I’ve been on taught me many things about leadership. I understand that some lessons are quite difficult to teach. This is especially true of personal one-to-one lessons on morality--those awkward areas no one wants to touch. They are topics best left unsaid for the sake of keeping the peace. When they are touched we become outcasts for we are trudging on dangerous grounds. That’s the enemy’s stronghold. But do not be deceived into thinking that if you only speak what the people want to hear then you have carried out your role well. That is ineffective leadership. You must teach all that God has commanded you to teach in and out of season. It is not God’s will that any of His children should die in their sins.

So don’t give up my brothers and sisters. I have had a taste of the struggles you face and I have first hand experience of how easy it is to give up and then live with regrets. But God has reminded me during my tunnel experience that it is through my weakness that He will be shown strong. I am here to encourage you as the Lord has encouraged me: In His strength you can do all things that He has commanded you to do (see Philippians 4:13). 

To our leaders I say today: You have the power and the authority to go forth and teach all nations (making disciples of them). Do not give up! Just be careful to follow the example of Christ:

Sunday school teachers: You can do it! Your pastor has given you the authority and God has given you the power to stand in His strength. There is no mountain too high or any valley too low that God cannot take you over, around or through. You are the first point of contact for our children outside of the home. Teach them by the Word of God and not by the world’s standard. The same applies to our youth workers. And I would like to extend this encouragement to all other church leaders also:

You have been given that authority to teach our babes in Christ whether they are 7 or 107. It is a sin to neglect this command. Then you need to remember to continue caring for those who are growing but not yet mature and you should be careful not to forget to encourage those who are mature in Christ – it’s a complete package.

Earlier we looked at what Jesus said to the disciples as He gave them authority to go and make disciples. ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’

Now go forth and use your authority.

Your pastor has given you authority to make decisions within these departments. You now, with his instructions and God’s guidance, have the power to lead that department without having to run to your pastor for every mundane decision. The people under your leadership should be able to come to you and you give them an answer without having to send them to the pastor. When they come to you and you refer them to the pastor who has already given you the authority and instructions how to lead that department, you are not using your authority.

God has given you to your church leaders as gifts to help the work of the church.  In God’s strength you can do it and in so doing you are easing the pressure that falls on your pastor. He then can concentrate on studying the Word of God so that he can break it down for your understanding. Once he’s simplified it for you, you are to then take it to your department in ways that relate to the department’s need. That way you are not just doing your own thing, you are following His lead as he follows God’s lead. 

Warning: use your authority to serve one another and those in your care. Do not abuse it by lording it over God’s children.

See part 1: Feed My Sheep--My First Testimony and part 2: Feed My Sheep--Understanding the Message

You may also be interested in the following:Understanding the Role of Leaders in the Church

Your sister in Christ,
Janice S Ramkissoon
15^th September 2014.