What has been the theme of this entire year? Our one word: Change.
Throughout the year, we’ve been walking through the importance of change—not only in our personal relationship with God but also in how we relate to others. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be stronger witnesses, and that often requires us to embrace necessary changes. Yet, beyond our personal growth, I also believe there are areas within church life that can always be better—areas that need refining, reshaping, and yes, sometimes even a complete overhaul.
As I mentioned in the first sermon of the year, change is rarely comfortable. It stretches us. It challenges us. And at times, it can even be painful. But when the change is beneficial—when it makes us healthier and prepares us for future growth—it becomes essential.
This morning, as we turn to Acts 6, my goal is to be more of a teacher and guide. I want to walk with you through this passage with a heart to instruct, encourage, and equip. I can’t promise I won’t get a little passionate at times—it’s hard not to when we’re talking about the Gospel—but I genuinely believe this is a meaningful moment for our church. This passage gives us a beautiful opportunity to unpack what Biblical and healthy church structure looks like and why it matters for Gospel impact.
Let me be clear: we haven’t made changes just for the sake of change. We’ve made intentional, prayerful adjustments—ones that position us to better fulfill our Vision, Mission, and Values. These are not just words we say; they are the guiding principles that shape everything we do:
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Vision: Expand Heaven and Deplete Hell.
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Mission: Connecting People to Jesus Christ.
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Core Values: Authentic Relationships, Teaching God’s Word, A Discipleship Culture, Living in Generosity, and Having Fun.
These principles drive us forward, and they are the reason we continually evaluate and adjust—to ensure that everything we do points people to Jesus.
Leadership Structures in Scripture
Exodus 18: Moses was handling every dispute among the Israelites until his father-in-law, Jethro, advised him to create a leadership structure. Moses appointed capable leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.
Judges: God raised up judges to govern and make spiritually healthy decisions for the people.
Prophets and Kings: Eventually, Israel had prophets who spoke on God’s behalf, and kings who ruled the people.
Jesus’ Model: In the New Testament, Jesus Himself established a leadership structure, calling 12 disciples who would carry the mission forward.
Later, the apostles appointed elders, deacons, and bishops to oversee the growing church, ensuring the ministry expanded without being bottle necked by a few leaders.
(MULTILINE)
“The average church size in America is approximately 65-70 people”
“90% of churches having fewer than 350 attendees”
“The pastor-to-member ratio in healthy, growing churches is typically 1 pastor for every 75-100 people.”
“Expanding leadership through elders, trustees, and volunteer teams prevents bottlenecking and ensures healthy spiritual care.”
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Vision-Mission-Core Values Drive Structure
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No organization waits until it grows to prepare for growth. It structures for growth ahead of time.
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The Reality of Complaints in Church Leadership
Acts 6:1
A Healthy Church Depends on Shared Leadership, Not a Superstar Staff or One Man Pastor Show
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Expanding Leadership Expands Care & Connection
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Guide on the Side Instead of a Sage on the Stage
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Disciples Submitted to the Leaders Vision-Mission-Values
Acts 6:2-6
Healthy Churches are not Led by Perfect Leaders but by Leaders Who Stay on Mission
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We See 5 Areas of the Early Church Submitting to the Leadership
Creating Spiritual Unity
Leadership Submission Isn’t About Control—It’s About Collective Mission
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Shared Leadership is a Value
Strong Churches are Not Built on One Voice but on Shared Leadership
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Boundaries Became Clear & Concise
Clear Boundaries Keep the Church on Mission
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Recognized Spiritual Qualifications & Gifting
Spiritual Qualifications Matter More than Social Status & Personal Preferences
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Empowering Others Works
Empowering Others Multiplies Impact & Engages Future Disciples
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The Church Greatly Increased Through Disciples Multiplying
Acts 6:7
When Disciples Multiply, the Gospel Multiplies
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Kingsview Leadership Structure
Elders: Engage in Your Family’s Faith by Connecting to Christ
Trustees: Maintain Areas that Advance the Ministry’s Mission
Treasurer: Maintains Financial Integrity that Fuels Kingdom Impact
Volunteer Culture: The Backbone Carrying the Mission Forward by Reinforcing Values in Real Time
KV Staff: Focused on Vision, Mission, & Values…Not Control
A Healthy Leadership Structure is Built on Jesus, not Personalities, Programs, or Preferences
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When We Fall In Love with Jesus Our Preferences Fade Away
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Today’s Takeaways
Complaints Lead to Broadening Ministry Impact; Criticism Leads to Church Conflict
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Good Structure Shares the Roles & Responsibilities so All Are Active in the Vision-Mission-Values
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You Are Empowered to Be a Witness for Jesus Christ and His Church
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Are you aligned with the Vision, Mission, and Values of God and His church? Have you responded to the call of salvation from Jesus—to become a Christ follower, a disciple?
This morning, my prayer is that we have all been reminded of our personal need for salvation. And once we surrender our lives to Jesus, we are called to align our hearts and minds with Him, walking in step with the Holy Spirit. From that place of transformation, we then strive to make an impact for God’s Kingdom—in our families, our communities, and in the world—living as faithful disciples on mission for Him.
Research & Sources:
https://www.churchtrac.com/articles/the-state-of-church-attendance-trends-and-statistics-2023
https://research.lifeway.com/2024/03/28/fewer-americans-regularly-attend-church/
https://theunstuckgroup.com/small-groups-strategy/
https://lifewayresearch.com/2021/10/20/small-churches-continue-growing-but-in-number-not-size
https://research.lifeway.com/2023/03/07/research-reveals-importance-of-small-groups-evangelism-assimilation-for-church-growth
Breaking the Growth Barrier: Ed Stetzer, Right Now Media
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw7R80d8VxQ
https://research.lifeway.com/2025/03/11/complicated-picture-of-southern-baptist-churches-emerges-from-statistical-analysis/?omhide=true&emid=om:em:250311%7Csub%7Cna%7Cresearch%7Cinsights%7C2220518%7Ctuesday:20250311:na&ecid=PDM284166&bid=-567955884