Caring for the Church of God

A sermon delivered during the worship service at the Spring meeting of the Tennessee Valley Presbytery.

The sermon centers on the divine calling of church elders to serve as watchmen, shepherds, and protectors of God's church, drawing from Paul's final charge to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:28. It emphasizes that elders are to faithfully proclaim the whole counsel of God, acting as vigilant watchmen who warn of spiritual dangers, not out of fear but with urgent love for Christ and His people. As shepherds, they are called to care for the flock with humility, compassion, and selflessness, mirroring Christ's sacrificial love and rejecting any form of exploitation or pride. They are also protectors, guarding the church from both external threats and internal corruption, relying not on their own strength but on the Holy Spirit's presence and Christ's promise that the gates of hell will not prevail. The message concludes with a call to dependence on Christ, who equips His servants through His grace, promises, and eternal presence, reminding elders that their strength lies not in themselves but in the Lord who will never abandon them.