Leader’s Celebration - Fall 2025

Leaders’ Gathering: Living for the Glory of God

Romans 11:33–36

Introduction – Carrying the Thread Forward

Just a few weeks ago at our Team Lunch, our staff reflected on Psalm 96 and the theme: Living for the Story of His Glory.

We reminded ourselves: the Bible is not mainly about us — it’s God’s story, His glory revealed among the nations.

Hey Chris, thank you for so faithfully sharing what God put on your heart today! I’m grateful to be included andI was really convicted by this idea: “Don’t just be part of the people of God, be part of the purposes of God. Let’s guard against narrowing our focus to the familiar or comfortable and instead embrace the breadth of His mercy.” Planning to let that sink in and ask God to show me where and how I’m stuck in the comfortable and the willingness to change. Appreciate you!

Tonight, as leaders, we want to carry forward the same word. What began with the elders, was shared with our staff, is now entrusted to you — because all of us together shape the life and direction of this church.

Romans 11:33–36 gives us the same heartbeat: wonder, humility, and purpose in living for His glory.

English Standard Version Chapter 11

34  “For who has known the mind of the Lord,

or who has been his counselor?”

35  “Or who has given a gift to him

that he might be repaid?”

36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

1. God’s Glory is Beyond Our Comprehension (v.33)

(Love):

God makes His name known, so that He might be loved and worshiped. His mighty acts — Exodus, the Cross, Resurrection — reveal His character.

Paul echoes that here: God’s wisdom and knowledge are beyond tracing out. His ways are deeper than our strategies, His story bigger than our perspective.

Reflection:

Like Abraham or Moses, our call is to love and trust the God who reveals Himself, even when His ways are higher than ours.

As leaders, when ministry feels unclear, lean into awe — His glory is deeper than we can grasp, but His name is always worthy to be loved and proclaimed.

2. God’s Glory Leaves No Room for Pride (vv.34–35)

(Grow):

Growth in Christ is not about moral polish but about living for God’s glory.

It’s not just what we’re saved from but what we’re saved for.

Paul reminds us: God needs no counselors, no gifts from us.

Our growth is entirely grace

we are not His advisors, we are His people.

Reflection:

As leaders, we’re tempted to think ministry depends on us;

our skill, our wisdom, our perseverance.

Paul strips that away.

It’s grace, all the way down.

That should make us humble and hopeful:

if it’s God’s glory, not ours, then failure doesn’t define us and success doesn’t belong to us.

Growth means living for His glory, not our reputation.

3. God’s Glory is the Source, Means, and Goal of Everything (v.36)

(Share):

Mission is the overflow of worship. We don’t just want converts; we want worshipers.

God’s mercy is as wide as the world;

Casselberry, Seminole county, Orange County, Central Florida included.

Paul’s doxology captures that same scope:

all things begin in Him

are sustained through Him

and find their goal in His glory

Reflection:

Our fall teaching arc ties directly to this:

God’s Glory: setting Him as the center.

ADVANCE: seeing our efforts as from Him, through Him, to Him.

The Characters of Christmas: beholding again how the glory of God took on flesh so that the nations would be glad.

Leaders, our role is not just to serve programs but to help people become worshipers who declare His marvelous works among all peoples.

Conclusion – One Unified Word

To the whole body, made up of many parts, each intended to play their part, in this local congregation named Metro Life Church — the message is this: we are living for the story of His glory.

Let’s step into this fall with:

Wonder at His wisdom (Love)

Humility in His grace (Grow)

Purpose in His mission (Share)

So may this be true of us together: “From Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.”