“The Ministry Team” was the theme of Pastor Geoff Wilson’s Sunday Morning Service at Refuge Calvary Chapel on 7/30/23. The service began with scripture reading from Romans 15:13, followed by prayer and worship led by the Intercede Worship team. Katie, a member of the church, shared announcements about upcoming events, including a beach night, baptisms, a movie night to support a ministry combatting human trafficking, and more. Pastor Geoff then delved into the book of Acts, emphasizing the importance of living obedient and worshipful lives. The service ended with a final worship song and prayer, expressing gratitude and asking for God’s continued presence in the lives of the congregation.
Introduction
Pastor Geoff Wilson led the Sunday Morning Service at Refuge Calvary Chapel, setting the tone for a morning filled with worship, community, and growth. The service started with a scripture reading from Romans 15:13, reminding everyone of the power of hope and the importance of having faith in God. As the congregation gathered, Pastor Geoff opened the service with a heartfelt prayer for guidance and provision, acknowledging the need for God’s wisdom and grace as they embarked on their spiritual journey together.
Worship
The worship team, known as Intercede Worship, took the stage, ready to lead the congregation into a time of heartfelt worship. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as the familiar sounds of the instruments filled the room. As the lyrics of worship songs flowed from the stage, people joined in, lifting their voices and their hands in praise to God. The worship team created an environment where people could freely express their love for God and connect with Him on a deeper level. It was a beautiful display of unity and devotion, as everyone set aside their individual worries and concerns to focus on the greatness of God.
Announcements
After a powerful time of worship, Katie, a member of the church, took the stage to share upcoming events and announcements. The congregation eagerly listened, knowing that these events were opportunities to further grow in their faith and serve their community.
Katie started by announcing an exciting beach night, complete with colorful flags, delicious hot dogs, and mouthwatering s’mores. It was a chance for everyone to come together, relax, and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.
Next, she shared about the upcoming baptisms, an important milestone in the faith journey of over 30 individuals, including children and the elderly. The joy and celebration of these baptisms showcased the transformative power of God’s love and grace.
Katie then highlighted a movie night that would be held to raise support for combating human trafficking. The church was passionately involved in various social justice causes, and this event was an opportunity to come together as a community and make a tangible impact.
Additionally, she announced a Refuge mission class that would provide an in-depth understanding of the church’s mission and vision, along with a delicious lunch to foster fellowship and conversation.
For the men in the congregation, there was a highly-anticipated barbecue event scheduled. This would be a time for them to connect, share stories, and enjoy a tasty meal together, fostering brotherhood and camaraderie.
The church was also hosting the Dance for Joy gala, a fundraising event supporting scholarships for children. It was an opportunity for the congregation, as well as the broader community, to come together and celebrate the gift of dance while making a lasting impact on young lives.
Lastly, Katie shared about a dance program for adults in Costa Mesa and Irvine. This program aimed to provide a creative outlet and a supportive community for adults who wanted to explore the art of dance.
Sunday Sermon
With the congregation fully informed and excited about the upcoming events, it was time for Pastor Geoff to deliver his Sunday sermon. As he opened his Bible to the book of Acts, he began to expound on the importance of living obedient and worshipful lives. He emphasized that genuine worship was not limited to singing songs, but it also encompassed every aspect of our lives.
Pastor Geoff highlighted the significance of community and joining the church family. He reminded everyone that as Christians, they were not meant to walk this journey alone. The early church in the book of Acts served as a prime example of this, as the believers cared for one another and shared their lives together. It was a message of unity and togetherness, a call to be actively engaged in the lives of fellow believers.
With passion and conviction, Pastor Geoff urged the congregation to nurture their relationship with God and their relationships with one another. He encouraged them to be intentional in reaching out, serving, and supporting one another, believing that this would ultimately lead to a stronger and more vibrant church family.
Paul’s Ministry Team
Now, Pastor Geoff shifted his focus to the ministry team led by the apostle Paul. He wanted to introduce the congregation to Timothy, a faithful companion and coworker of Paul. Pastor Geoff explained that Timothy had played a vital role in Paul’s ministry, demonstrating incredible commitment and dedication.
As Pastor Geoff delved deeper into Timothy’s relationship with Paul, he emphasized the strong bond they shared. Timothy was like a spiritual son to Paul, and their relationship was built on mutual love and respect. Pastor Geoff shared how Timothy’s upbringing had laid a solid foundation for his faith and how he had developed a genuine love for the Lord.
Pastor Geoff then spoke about the character and role Timothy played in the ministry team. He praised Timothy’s selflessness, humility, and his willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the gospel. Timothy’s gifts and talents were well-utilized, and he served as a testament to the impact an individual can make when they fully commit themselves to God’s calling.
The Jerusalem Council and Decrees
As Pastor Geoff continued his sermon, he focused on the Jerusalem Council and the challenges faced by Paul’s ministry team. He stressed the importance of preaching grace and love, especially in a diverse and complex world. The team encountered various obstacles in their ministry, but their unwavering commitment to the gospel enabled them to press on.
Despite the difficulties, the ministry team experienced tremendous growth in the number of believers. Through their perseverance, dedication, and God’s provision, they navigated through challenges and planted seeds of faith that flourished into vibrant communities of believers.
Pastor Geoff shared how the ministry team received a vision for Macedonia, which led them to embark on a new phase of their work. It was during this time that they were joined by the beloved physician, Dr. Luke. Drawing from history, Pastor Geoff detailed Luke’s background and the unique role he played in the ministry team. Luke’s expertise as a physician was not only beneficial for the physical well-being of the team, but his presence also brought comfort and assurance to Paul and his companions.
The Journey to Philippi
Pastor Geoff then took a closer look at the journey to Philippi, detailing the travel route from Troas to Philippi. He described the challenges faced by the team as they traveled through various regions, encountering different cultures and belief systems.
It was during their time in Philippi that they had a life-changing encounter with Lydia, a successful businesswoman and a worshipper of God. Pastor Geoff highlighted Lydia’s conversion and her subsequent importance in Philippi. Her open heart and willingness to receive the gospel had a profound impact on the establishment and growth of the church in Philippi.
Pastor Geoff went on to describe Lydia’s baptism and her contribution to the church. Lydia’s generosity and hospitality were evident as she opened her home to the ministry team, providing them with a place to stay and minister to the local believers. Her life became a powerful testament to the transforming power of the gospel, and her example inspired others to follow Christ.
At the Riverside, Pastor Geoff recounted how the team gathered with Lydia and other believers, teaching and praying together. The gathering was a beautiful display of unity, with people from diverse backgrounds coming together under the name of Jesus. Pastor Geoff emphasized the significance of Timothy and Luke, with their different backgrounds and experiences, contributing to the richness and diversity of the ministry team.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pastor Geoff highlighted the importance of growing and serving together in ministry. The journey outlined in the book of Acts served as a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can have when they commit themselves to God’s calling. The ministry team led by Paul, with faithful companions like Timothy and Luke, demonstrated the transformative power of the gospel and the importance of unity and community.
Pastor Geoff expressed his gratitude for God’s guidance and provision throughout their own church’s journey. He encouraged the congregation to seek God’s wisdom and direction as they navigated their own spiritual journeys. With hopeful hearts and a deep sense of gratitude, the congregation left the service, eager to continue growing in their faith and serving their community.