GOAC Message Recap - 10.19.25 Elder Wendy Hairston (Bible Note Summary)

Esteem & Love: Honoring Leaders, Serving Others, Living Agape

Scripture Reference(s)

Deuteronomy 6:5; Philippians 2:3–4; 1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13; Hebrews 13:17; Jeremiah 3:15; Proverbs 3:5–6; 1 Thessalonians 1:2–5

Introduction

•Elder Wendy L. Hairston shares her journey from Cleveland, OH to Menifee, CA, serving as Minister of Music.

•Seven academic degrees, decades in special-education classrooms, and nursing experience—all gladly laid at Jesus’ feet because “education means nothing in the Kingdom without love.”

•God stationed her at Oak Grove Center (residential/day-treatment for at-risk youth). Starting salary: $10.25/hr—but immediate promotions proved God’s favor and purpose.

•Private wrestlings with God about society’s chaos, school reforms, health-care cuts; asked, “How do we, the Church, respond?” God answered through today’s theme: Esteem and Love.

Key Points / Exposition

1. The Call to Esteem

•Definition: to regard with high respect, admiration, and value.

•1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 commands believers to recognize and honor those who labor among us.

•Esteem doesn’t require celebrity status; even “the lowliest child” should be honored.

2. Practicing Agape Love

•Biblical love = patient, enduring commitment to another’s wellbeing.

•Deuteronomy 6:5—love God with heart, soul, mind, strength; true love of neighbor flows from this.

•In classrooms Elder Wendy models love by:

• Listening one-on-one to volatile students until fists unclench.

• Teaching angry children to replace cursing with respectful words.

•Learned behaviors (hatred, profanity) can be unlearned; love is the catalyst.

3. Honoring Spiritual Leadership

•1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:17—elders who rule well are worthy of “double honor.”

•Pastors Fraser model selfless leadership—permitting congregants to bless others during Pastor-Appreciation month.

•Hebrews command: obey leaders so they may serve “with joy, not grief,” because their oversight benefits souls.

4. Walk the Walk, Talk the Talk

•Walking = living by faith and obedience; Talking = speaking edifying, Scripture-saturated words—avoiding gossip or rumor.

•Philippians 2:3-4 urges humility: look to others’ interests first.

•Testimony: persistent criticism of Elder Wendy’s attire/purses—she responded in grace, proving character outlasts rumor.

5. Faith in the Workplace

•God’s voice placed her in a challenging class (8–10 incidents daily). Re-seated students; incidents ceased.

•Principle: Quiet, Spirit-led strategy outruns loud control—mirrors God’s “still small voice.”

•Continual promotions illustrate Proverbs 3:5–6—trust, acknowledge, and God makes the path straight.

6. Joyful Obedience

•True joy fuels ministry; congregation practiced shouting “JOY!” to embody Hebrews 13:17.

•Joyless service contradicts the Gospel that promises “The joy of the Lord is our strength.”

Major Lessons & Revelations

•Titles, degrees, salaries are secondary; divine assignment is primary.

•Agape love disarms hostility in classrooms, churches, and culture.

•Esteeming leaders protects unity and allows them to shepherd with gladness.

•God advances His servants when they obey initial, humble instructions.

Practical Application

1.Speak words of affirmation to pastors and ministry leaders this week.

2.Schedule undistracted listening time with a hurting child, coworker, or neighbor.

3.Replace every complaint with a Scripture-based declaration of joy.

4.Ask God nightly: “Show me how to walk and talk the Gospel tomorrow.”

5.Read Proverbs 3:5–6 aloud at the start of each workday; surrender plans to His path-making.

Conclusion & Call to Response

The Spirit calls us to a lifestyle where esteem and love are tangible. Honor those who lead, love those who hurt, and let your credentials bow to Christ’s Kingdom. Receive the word, walk it out, and watch God multiply joy in His house.

Prayer

Father, thank You for leaders who labor in doctrine and love. Teach us to value them, empower us to love like Jesus, and fill our service with irrepressible joy. Guide each listener to unlearn hatred and embody Your agape in every arena. In Jesus’ name, Amen.