Why Church Leadership Deserves Your Trust (And What Good Leaders Actually Do)
The Heart of the Message
In this sermon, Pastor Dan Edmondson opens up about what real church leadership looks like, not the polished Sunday morning version, but the behind-the-scenes work of pastors who sit with you in hospital rooms, pray over your name on a crumpled list, and genuinely care about where you spend eternity. Drawing from Hebrews 13:17-21, he unpacks what healthy church relationships look like from both sides of the pulpit. Whether you are new to church or have been attending for years, this message offers a refreshingly honest look at trust, accountability, and what it means to be part of a community that truly looks out for one another.
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What does the Bible actually say about obeying church leaders?
Hebrews 13:17 tells us to “obey those who rule over you and be submissive,” and for most people those words land with a thud. Pastor Dan addressed this head-on, explaining that the original Greek behind “obey” is better translated as “put your trust in,” and the word for “submit” is a military term meaning you willingly place yourself under the care of someone you trust. It is not blind compliance; it is choosing to trust people who have demonstrated they have your best interest at heart.
What do pastors and church leaders actually do during the week?
Most people only see their pastor on Sunday morning, but Pastor Dan pulled back the curtain on what pastoral care really looks like. He described sitting in the living room of a church couple alongside Senior Pastor Kirt, watching a man pour out genuine love and concern for people in his congregation, and being present at hospital beds, late-night emergencies, and hospice visits where people ask the hardest questions about life and eternity. Preaching, he said, is actually a small part of the work.
How can I be a good member of a church community?
Pastor Dan gave four practical answers drawn straight from the text. First, extend trust to your leadership rather than defaulting to suspicion. Second, help create a culture of joy in your church, because the writer of Hebrews literally calls the congregation to make it a delight for their leaders to serve. Third, pray for your pastors and elders regularly and specifically. Fourth, remember the price that was paid for you, because the benediction at the end of Hebrews 13 is not a throwaway closing; it is a reminder that everything happening in a healthy church flows from the resurrection of Jesus and the blood of the everlasting covenant.
Scripture Focus
Primary Anchor Verse:
Hebrews 13:17-21 “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give an account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience in all things, desiring to live honorably. But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Additional Reference: James 3:1
