As we study Exodus 16:1-36, we will discover how learning to trust God allows us to truly rest.

Preaching is a big responsibility, and it requires keeping a close watch on yourself as well as what you teach. Yet, as Paul teaches his ministry proteges in 1 Timothy 4 and Titus 2, those who do help themselves and their hearers.

While preaching the gospel requires stating things accurately, it also requires embodying God’s word in a way people can understand it. As Paul describes his own ministry in 1 Corinthians 9, 2 Thessalonians 3, and 1 Timothy 1, he challenges us to see how our good - and sometimes bad - examples can be used by Jesus.

Evangelists are among the gifts Christ has given to His church, but not to work in our place. When he’s following what Paul taught in 2 Timothy 4 and Colossians 1-2, his ministry will help us all be more like Jesus in what we do.

The Apostle Paul was passionate about preaching the gospel. In Romans 10:1-21, he lays out how God uses preaching to save us.

Strong gospel preaching - whether in large crowds or 1-on-1 studies - can change lives and bring joy. Seeing Philip’s growth as an evangelist in Acts 8 can help us see the people like him we know.

As we study Genesis 1:26-2:3, we will discover how God rests and the blessing it will be as we learn to be like Him.

Not all of us will serve as elders, deacons, or ministers…but we should all serve! In 2 Timothy 2:20-26, we see that God has a use for all of us, if we will only be ready for every good work.

Giving generously comes more easily to some of us than others. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, we learn that if we really want to grow more like Jesus, excelling in giving will be a big part of it.

Some important church leadership roles aren’t actually mentioned all that often in the New Testament. Yet in Philippians 1:1-11, we do see what good overseers and deacons accomplish: they lead us to grow.

Becoming more like Jesus means learning to care about others. In Acts 4:32-35 and 6:1-7, we see the role that the church’s servant leaders have in helping us all grow in giving and serving.

What does it say about the church that one of its leadership offices is literally titled “servant”? In 1 Timothy 3:8-13, we see how deacons help the church to grow - and why brothers should want to be one.

One of the noblest aspirations a Christian man could have is to serve as a church elder. Unlike any worldly leadership position, we see in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 the Christ-like character one must grow into in order to lead God’s family.

Leadership is a big responsibility, and it’s easy to criticize. In Hebrews 13:17 and 1 Timothy 5:17-21, Christians are challenged to honor our elders: their hard work is helping us grow!

Being a church elder is about more than signing checks and sitting in meetings. As we see in James 5, Ephesians 4, and Revelation 7, elders are a gift to the church from Christ Himself. They are here to help: are you receiving it?

"Church oversight" sounds like something that would be all about managing budgets, buildings, and complaints. Not to Jesus. In Acts 20:28-38 and 1 Peter 5:1-5, we see His intention that the church's elders care for His people.

In order to grow, we need mature mentors to teach, set an example, and look out for us. In Acts 14:21-23 and Titus 1:5-16, we learn the way Christ provides that for His church is through having elders in every city.