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Journey Church SC

Faithful Shepherding

·46 min·4 clips
Pastor Chris explains why Journey Church has elders and announces a special installation for three new shepherds today.
The episode begins with Pastor Chris welcoming the congregation and introducing the day's focus on elder installation within the sermon series The Sojourn, Hope Away From Home. He addresses a recent question about why Journey Church has elders, explaining they shepherd the flock and help identify the local body of believers. Chris shares his personal conviction after nearly two decades in ministry that Jesus loves his church more than anyone else, emphasizing God's provision of shepherds for care and guidance. The sermon transitions to 1 Peter 5, where Peter writes to elect exiles suffering persecution, addressing elders as fellow under-shepherds under the chief shepherd. Chris reads 1 Peter 5:1-4, highlighting the call to shepherd God's flock willingly, not under compulsion, eagerly, not for shameful gain, and humbly, not domineering. He explains that the church belongs to God, not the elders, who are stewards caring for something precious bought by Jesus's blood. The message contrasts ancient shepherds who tended flocks they didn't own with modern temptations for pastors to seek influence through platforms. Chris warns against viewing elders as a C-suite, instead emphasizing they should lead through example and presence, smelling like the sheep. Peter's promise of an unfading crown of glory for faithful shepherds is discussed, linking it to Jesus's transfiguration and eternal hope for all believers. The episode includes a practical moment where Chris invites the new elders forward, shares a lighthearted story about matching shirts, and charges them to shepherd willingly, eagerly, and humbly. The congregation affirms their commitment to follow these elders, and a prayer is offered for Chad, Ken, and Nathan, invoking Acts 20 and other scriptures. The service concludes with communion, where Chris explains the significance of the bread and juice as reminders of Jesus's sacrifice, inviting followers to partake and non-believers to consider the gospel.

As heard by us

A clear charge to shepherd the flock with willing, visible, Christ-shaped care.

This sermon keeps its focus on elders, shepherding, and leadership that stays close to the flock instead of apart from it. Chris draws the charge from scripture and returns to the familiar marks of the office: willing service, eager care, and a refusal to lead for gain or by…

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Why you'd press play

You get a local-church sermon on elders who smell like the flock and lead like Jesus.

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