What are some really good (scriptural) reasons to commit to a specific local congregation/ body of believers as opposed to just being a “free range Christian”?
I seek to answer that question on the Iron Sharpens Iron podcast found here.
Mark Dever: From the Desiring God 2013 Conference for Pastors.
1. Centrality of the Church in Disciple-Making
Centrality of the Church in Disciple-Making from Desiring God on Vimeo.
2. Connecting the Dots Between Shepherding, Disciple-Making, and Meaningful Membership
Connecting the Dots Between Shepherding, Disciple-Making, and Meaningful Membership from Desiring God on Vimeo.
The Ascended Christ has given gifts to men (Eph. 4:11,12), one of these gifts being the pastor/teacher. Pastors are given the assignment of leading, feeding and caring for the sheep, as well as fending off wolves who would seek to devour them.
Every Pastor is very human. As the saying goes, “the best of men are men at best.” Some things encourage them greatly, while other things are definitely hard to deal with. A pastor must always remember Whom he is most trying to please – that being, God Himself. He must please the Audience of One. While he wishes all to be happy as the local Church moves forward in the Lord, in the final analysis, if God is pleased, it does not matter who is displeased. Conversely, if God is displeased, it does not matter who is pleased. A Pastor lives, eats, sleeps and breathes to see a people formed who want that also – the will of the Chief Shepherd in their lives.
With this in mind, Dr. Ligon Duncan answers the question, “how can I as a Church member best support my pastor?”: