Churches, leaders must keep close to the Vine

Healthy leaders must come to the realization that they are connected spiritually to a higher power, said Lemuel Taylor, pastor of Highpoint Baptist Church, Mobile.
   
Developing the convention theme of “Healthy Leaders, Healthy Churches,” Taylor said John 15 describes Jesus as the Vine, symbolizing the source of life.
   
“To be healthy we must come to the realization that I am connected spiritually with the higher power than myself and I have received the free gift of eternal life, and I’ll share it with whoever I come in contact with,” he said.
“This is what Baptists are all about — sharing, worshiping and helping others to come to salvation as they go forward,” he said, noting Christians need to be connected to the Vine to have life.
   
“This thought that Jesus was giving in John 15 was revolutionary,” Taylor said.
   
It is by abiding in the Word of God that churches can return to the Vine and find the peace to say like the words of the hymn, “It is well with my soul,” Taylor said.
   
This worship aspect of churches is a vital part of bearing much fruit, Taylor continued, and as the Scripture says, “so shall you be My disciples.”
   
Once truly connected to the vine, healthy churches and healthy leaders can expect the unexpected, he said. “We must be connected to the Vine of Jesus in order to go to the unexpected places and do the unexpected things.”
   
“Without Him ye can do nothing,” Taylor explained.
   
When churches are connected they step out into stances on issues in their community, state and nation, he said, citing numerous examples. He reminded conventiongoers of the financial need of Alabama public schools and urged Baptists to become involved to help find a solution, even with the failed tax referendum of this year.
   
But he was quick to admonish to continue a bold stance against a lottery in Alabama as a solution to anything — school funding or otherwise. “I stand against a lottery. It’s not good for anyone and especially not for Christians,” he said to applause.
   
He cautioned against the dangers of no action, saying churches that do not abide in Christ consequently become useless to the Kingdom of God in the reform of society at large, and like the branches referred to in the Gospel of John, are cast aside.