The Gospel’s Effect on the Executive Elders
After a long summer, I’m deeply thankful for this week.
It’s a new season in many senses. Fall is (almost) here. Kids are starting school (I can’t believe I have a third grader, second grader, kindergartner, and preschooler). Football is on TV. And it’s one of the most exciting times of the year for Mars Hill.
I wanted to share my thankfulness for the gospel and its work in my heart and in the hearts of the men I work with. I am deeply moved with joy and gratitude for the work I get to be a part of and the team (our Executive Elders) in which I get to conduct it:
- Pastor Mark not only leads with excellent teaching and vision, but also by his example as a pastor, husband, and father. In recent conversations we’ve shared, it’s evident to me that his his love for Jesus is stronger than ever, and his trip to Greece and Israel was transforming and eye opening. We all will benefit greatly from his fresh insights into the Bible as we begin the book of Luke.
- Pastor Tim Beltz oversees our Central Operations. He is diligent to serve and keep watch over highly complicated and specialized areas that are vital to the ongoing health of our church—things like budget, facilities, and general stewardship.
- Pastor Rick Melson built a premier training institution (Re:Train) in academic equivalent of overnight. What started as an idea in January became a reality in August thanks in large part to Pastor Rick’s dedication to the work of the gospel. Many leaders are being trained, and it’s exciting to think about the future lives these men will influence for Jesus.
- Under the oversight of Pastor Scott Thomas, the Acts 29 Network has grown and matured immensely. He is a pastor of pastors, earning the respect of an entire generation of church planters.
These men excel in their area of expertise, yet they are men. All of us need Jesus, and we know it. Here are some of the ways the gospel has affected our team:
Laughter
Not only is laughter really good for the soul, but it also makes for a good gig when the team of men you work with can laugh freely and openly. The gospel allows us to laugh together; when we take God seriously, we can take ourselves less seriously.
Repentance
This is a team of men willing to admit when they are wrong, confess sin, and, in turn, offer one another grace and hope. The gospel continues to shine light into my heart, showing me sin and the need for repentance so that my life and identity can be more aligned with Jesus.
Unity
The gospel unites men of different ages and backgrounds to a common purpose. No cause, fact, or religion can unite people with the same depth and strength as the gospel. A team can pick up immediately when it’s the gospel they carry.
Hope
The gospel gives us encouragement from the past as we look in the rearview mirror and recognize God’s blessings, and it gives us hope for the future as we look expectantly towards more of God’s grace.
Planning
The gospel gives us the courage to plan and dream big. We serve a God who persistently loves, blesses, and encourages beyond what we could imagine.
Change
The gospel continually hones and refocuses our hearts, motives, and plans. Pruning and refinement, growth and change are beautiful things. We draw on Jesus’ grace in both our successes and our failures, and we look forward to yet another autumn and all that comes with it.
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Luke Sermon Series
