Great Leaders!

 

We have a great group of "elders" at our church. They give faithfully to our church of their time, their resources, and their wisdom. I am grateful for them and there willingness. I do not sense any particular agendas from these leaders. I do not sense a reluctance to serve and I am appreciative of their willingness to lead our church with short term leadership, but also long term vision. At the end of chapter 5 of Timothy, Paul focuses on the leaders of the church and making sure they are rewarded properly. 

"Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching." (1 Timothy 5:17, ESV)

We do not pay our elder board members. I pray at the very least we, as a congregation, reward them with honor, respect and that we treat them well. In verse 19 it talks about criticism of our leaders and in our case I would add "volunteer leaders." He says not to bring charges against them easily. Later he gives advice to Timothy to take seriously the appointment of your leaders.

I remember praying about filling this year's leadership positions with our board. We had 3 of the 5 openings to fill. I asked God to speak to me directly about who to call upon. I am thankful. He has provided above all my expectations. The position of leadership is not easy and must be accompanied by much prayer, both in calling up leaders and while they are serving. Listen to James 5:

"Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up."(James 5:13-15, ESV)

The elders of our church have a burden for our church, meaning they take seriously their role to help shepherd the flock. My final advice to all our church members is this:

"Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit." (Hebrews 13:17, NLT)

In other translations the church is called to submit to your leaders, or to have confidence in them, or the message says "appreciate" them. 

Spiritual leadership in a church is well beyond the single role of pastor. That spiritual leadership includes our custodian, our church administrative asistant, our technical arts director, and of course the elders. I ask that you keep them in your prayers constantly. We need them more than the average person knows. 

Heavenly Father I lift to you our church staff and elder board. They are obeying your call being willing to serve. I ask, Lord, that you put a special hedge of protection around them, keep them safe, and give them your wisdom in leading the church. Thank you Lord for providing such wonderful people to lead our congregation that directly help us to grow closer to you. AMEN!

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If you haven't repented of your sin, accepted what Jesus did for you on the cross, dying for your sins, or if you have not committed your life to Jesus, TODAY could be that day. give your life to the Lord. 

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10, ESV)

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