Sermon Manuscript
Sermon Outline
I. Introduction: The "Neutral Zone" of Pastoral Vacancy
Pastoral vacancy as "liminal space" - between letting go and grabbing hold
Natural tendency toward fear, worry, and anxiety about unknowns
Central thesis: The church was never designed to rise and fall because of a single person
II. Continue Steadfastly in Prayer (v. 2)
Key principle: Persistent, unflagging commitment, not sporadic prayer
Being "watchful" = guarding against the temptation to stop praying continuously
Hallesby's insight: "Only those who are helpless can pray"
We avoid prayer because we think we're in control
Reality: We are helpless all the time, therefore should pray all the time
Application: Acknowledge helplessness during vacancy and turn to God in prayer
III. Pray for Gospel Doors to Open (vv. 3-4)
Paul's example: Recognizing helplessness in changing hearts
Prayer for God to open doors for the Word and provide clarity in presentation
Application: Pray not just for comfort, but for gospel advance in Beaver Dam during interim
Ministry doesn't go on hold - it continues through the congregation
IV. Walk in Wisdom Toward Outsiders (vv. 5-6)
Shift in focus: From Paul's ministry to the congregation's ministry
Living out faith surrounded by non-believers with wisdom, grace, and winsomeness
Godly living as response to slander and foundation for gospel spread
Early church model: "Christianity was supremely a lay movement, spread by informal missionaries" (Green)
V. Practical Gospel Sharing
Method 1: Personal witness - sharing belief, reasons, and Christ's work in your life
Method 2: Hospitality - informal home evangelism through meals and conversation
Gospel spread through everyday Christians, not just pastors
VI. The Body of Ministry Workers (vv. 7-15)
Paul lists eleven different people with unique ministries
Key point: Multiple people showing pastoral concern, not just one pastor
Encouragement through the care of many workers
VII. Connected to the Larger Body (v. 16)
Letters shared between churches (Colossae, Laodicea, Hierapolis)
Churches supported and encouraged one another
Application: Faith Community Church connected to denomination, surrounding churches, and retired pastors
Part of a body much larger than single congregation
VIII. Fulfill Your Ministry (v. 17)
Paul's charge to Archippus: "See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord"
Universal application: God has given every member a ministry
Ministries vary by gifts: preaching, deaconal care, music, prayer, workplace ministry, etc.
Challenge: What is your ministry? Are you fulfilling it?
IX. Conclusion: Christ Builds His Church
Church doesn't rise and fall based on single person (except Jesus)
Promise: "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18)
Final charge: Keep eyes on Christ, pray continually, fulfill your ministry
Main Theme: Ministry belongs to the entire body of Christ, not a single pastor. During pastoral vacancy, the congregation should pray steadfastly, engage in gospel ministry, and fulfill their individual callings while trusting Christ to build His church.
