Mark 9: A Healthy Church Member is a Humble Follower

A humble follower honors the elders (1 Timothy 5:17-19), caring for their financial and physical needs, and refusing to consider unedifying and uncorroborated rumors. A humble follower shows open-hearted love to the leaders, a sweet exchange of affection as they live, grow, and labor together. A humble follower is teachable. A pastor’s instruction is meant to be gentle, kind, and for our good. Pastors watch over our souls as one who must give account to God; we should trust and accept their leadership as a gift from God for our everlasting benefit.

Patiently participate in the selection of leaders. By choosing leaders, a congregation sets the spiritual tone and direction of the church. Obey and submit to leaders (Hebrews 13:17). Joyfully, eagerly, and completely submit to our leaders for our good, their good, and the good of the entire body. Follow the leaders’ example. Pray for leaders (Colossians 4:2-4), for their boldness, clarity, and consistency with the gospel message. Support outside ministry and leader interaction.

Mark 10: A Healthy Church Member is a Prayer Warrior

On the basis of our sonship through faith in Christ, we may speak to God as his redeemed children. “Prayer is our response to God as He speaks to us,” first in the gospel of Christ, and subsequently in his Word. We stand before God receiving a full hearing, involving ourselves in the business that God has with the world.

Pray constantly, without ceasing, continuing steadfastly, with thanksgiving. Pray in the Spirit, according to the will of God revealed in his Word. Pray for laborers and shepherds. Pray for all the saints. Pray for those in authority, from government leaders to parents. Pray for those who abuse and persecute us.