Christ-like boards and committees should look different from secular groups due to our position in Christ (Col. 3:1). We set our minds on things above rather than get caught up in the pettiness of earthly concerns (Col. 3:2). In our relationships with one another, then, we rid ourselves of that which divides and instead put on that which unites (Col. 3:8-15). For a group of diverse people to maintain such a stance, we need a source beyond ourselves to look to as our standard and sustenance.
No wonder the next verse in Colossians 3 says, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly …” (Col. 3:16) — Christ-like boards and committees keep His Word central.
For the Word to have the kind of effect that leads to Christ-like boards, committees, and ministry teams, we must grasp the significance of Colossians 3:16.
What We Need to Understand about Keeping His Word Central
To understand better, we need to break down Colossians 3:16.
Let the message of Christ – Be clear that the message of Christ does not eliminate or contradict the whole of Scripture. Rather, the Old Testament points to and testifies about Christ (Lk. 24:27; Jn. 5:39). “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful …” (2 Tim. 3:16-17) Jesus so embodies God’s truth that He is called the Word (Jn. 1:1).
Let the message of Christ dwell – This is more than a casual tack on of a few Scripture verses at the start of our meetings, or even a brief devotional. The Word of Christ must inhabit our meetings, meaning that we keep it at the center of all decisions and discussion. When we seek to align with Scripture, it’s no longer about personal opinions but rather what God thinks.
Let the message of Christ dwell among you – It has to be more than the chairperson leading the way. All members need to keep the Word central, not just in our individual lives but together as a group, within our time together.
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly – We’re talking about a wholehearted, intentional approach to keeping the Word central. For it to really make a difference, it can’t just be a sporadic approach, when we think about it, when it’s convenient to turn to the Word, or when all else fails. The message of Christ needs to fully, or abundantly, envelop all we do as a board or committee.
Results of Christ-like Boards and Committees
When the message of Christ dwells richly among us, it saturates us to the core of our being and influences how we relate with one another. — “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” (Col. 3:16)
- It enables us to communicate with one another, whether teaching or admonishing, with wisdom rather than on a negative and self-centered level. Take time to read James 3:13-18. This is what makes a difference in how members of our boards and committees relate with one another.
- If affects our attitudes. Even when we disagree, we can still be joyous and at peace with one another rather than disgruntled and discontent.
- It raises us to a higher level. We rise above our differences rather than become divided because we’ve opened ourselves to the Spirit by keeping the Word central.
- It changes our perspective. We can be grateful when we accept that God’s ways are higher than ours rather than grumble and complain when things don’t go our way.
Leaders, encourage the boards, committees, and ministry teams in your church to let the message of Christ dwell richly among them. Set the example. Hold them, and yourself, accountable.
All Posts about Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams:
- Purpose in Boards, Committees & Ministry Teams
- Healthy Church Boards Exercise Body Life
- Agendas Versus Relationships
- Contributing in Committees, Boards, Ministry Teams
- Differences of Opinion Don’t Have to Divide
- Division of Responsibilities
- Understanding Needed about Team Members Contributing
- Boards, Committees & Ministry Teams Need Focus
- Boards, Committees & Ministry Teams Need Accountability
- Christ-like Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams: Purposeful
- Christ-like Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams: Servant-Oriented
- Christ-like Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams: Team-Oriented
- Christ-like Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams: Upward-Focused
- Christ-like Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams: Process-Oriented
- Effective Church Committees or Ministry Teams
- Christ-like Boards & Committees Possible Due to the Gospel
- Christ-like Boards & Committees Because of the Holy Spirit
- Pulling on Spiritual Gifts of Board, Committee, Team Members?
- Spiritual Gifts of a Board or Committee Chairperson
- Christ-like Boards & Committees a Result of Grace
- Coming Together Because of the Name of the Lord
- Christ-like Boards & Committees Keep His Word Central
Powerful for the Church today and Way forward. keep empowering the Church of Christ.
Yes, Isaiah Kamau. As we keep His Word central, we will be able to discern the way forward (Heb. 5:14). Jesus Himself is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn. 14:6). May we, the Church today, let the message of Christ dwell among us richly (Col. 3:16)!