stephen R Harrison

The Gospel Must Matter to Elders

The Gospel matters. That’s because the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is what makes people Christians. Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). The church is built on Christ, who died for our sins and was resurrected to give us victory over sin and death. People are saved by Jesus through His Gospel message. The church must share the Gospel with others! The church must not misrepresent the Gospel. If the people in the church are going to see the importance of sharing the Gospel, the elders must lead the way in understanding, valuing, and communicating the good news of Jesus’ Gospel message.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is it so crucial that elders understand, value, and share the Gospel message?
2. What are the main points of the Gospel message?

To know the Gospel, one must understand what the Gospel is not. Many things are said to be the Gospel, such as simply loving people, serving others in practical ways, ministry to the poor, and even mission trips to other countries. Believers can (and should) do all of these things and still not share the Gospel. 

Read this Scripture:  Romans 10:13-17

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed our message?’ Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”

Discussion Questions:

1. What does Paul say people must do to be saved?
2. Can they call on the one in whom they have not believed?
3. Can they believe in Him if they never hear about Him?
4. Can they hear about Him if no one ever shares Him?
5. From where does faith come?

Deeper Discussion Questions:

1. Who is the last person with whom you shared the Gospel?
2. Who do you plan to share the Gospel with this week?
3. Can you share the Gospel with me in 2-3 minutes?
4. Can you share your testimony of salvation with me in 2-3 minutes?

The Gospel is a verbal message to be communicated that teaches people their own need to call on a Savior to forgive them from their sins. It asks people to believe in Him as Savior and Lord. While ministries to the poor, mission trips, and service projects are “bridges” the Gospel can travel across, they are not the Gospel. Someone once said, “Feeding people is great, but without the Gospel, they’d go to hell with full stomachs.” The Gospel must be shared and obeyed. Because our lives have been changed by the Gospel message of Jesus, because we love God, and because we love others, we are compelled to share the good news of Jesus with others! 

An elder who does not consistently share the Gospel with others is not leading the church well. They may handle business affairs, ministry efforts, and even prayer requests, but they must base all of this on the good news of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.