Tag: elders

52 Reasons to Love the Church

#11- Our Shepherds

By Kathy Pollard

Each congregation is to appoint mature men who are responsible for the spiritual well-being of the church (Acts 14:23). These men are good leaders of their own families, self-controlled, patient, holy, and strong in the Word (Titus 1:5-9). Their responsibilities include being examples to the flock (1 Pet. 5:2-3), watching and warning the flock (Acts 20:28-31), and keeping watch over souls (Heb. 13:17). In addition to these important roles, they are to serve because they want to not because they have to (1 Pet. 5:2).

Neal and I have served under elderships in three different works in our ministry. This has allowed us to see much of their work up close and personal, and I can tell you, theirs is a 24-7, often difficult, and sometimes thankless job. They receive criticism from people who don’t have all the facts. They are usually the first to receive blame when problems arise in the congregation. And many of their tasks are not for the faint of heart. No wonder Paul wrote that they are “worthy of double honor” (1 Tim. 5:17)!

“Respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord” (1 Thess. 5:12). This is truly an easy command. I know elders who literally stay up all night praying for individuals. I’ve seen elders drop everything at any hour to help someone in need or show up for a baptism. I know elders who give out of their own pockets when someone is struggling. I’ve seen elders shed tears when sharing difficult truths or helping members through tragedy. Far from feeling lofty or overly important, our humble shepherds put their hand to work that brings no glory or recognition. They truly care for souls. They love people. They take their job seriously. They strengthen others. They encourage the weak. They pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:14-17).

God organized the church this way for our benefit. His shepherds lead us to Him, patiently, lovingly, courageously. How can we encourage them back? Pray for them (and their wives!) every day. Encourage them as often as possible. Thank them for their diligence. Trust them when they make decisions we don’t understand. And ask them how we can help.

To adapt something my son, Dale, said…”They’re not perfect, but they’re perfect for the task God has called them to do!”

“Esteem them very highly in love because of their work.”

(1 Thess. 5:13)

Russell Simpson, one of our shepherds

The Heart of a Good Eldership

Before worship began today, Clint Stephens, an elder at Bear Valley church of Christ, made a special request.  He explained that our five elders have been reaching out to several individuals for many months, individuals who have turned away from God.  He asked that we all join hands with the elders in reaching out to these dear, wayward members.

Mark Hanstein, another elder at Bear Valley, preached from John 4 this morning.  His lesson was powerful and heartfelt as he challenged us to be, in every sense of the word, the church OF CHRIST.  He said there are some things we learn about Christ from His interaction with the woman at the well.  First, Jesus cared about souls enough to seize every opportunity to teach them, even when it called for being unconventional.  Second, Jesus stood for truth always, which is why He exposed the woman’s previous marriages and current relationship.  With these thoughts in mind, Brother Hanstein asked us several questions.  When we ask the cashier, waiter, or neighbor, “How are you?,” do we really mean it?  If we know they’re not Christians, we know how they’re doing, and we know what they need.  Do we seize that opportunity to share the gospel?  As the church OF CHRIST, will we always stand for truth no matter what?  Will we teach the truth about marriage, divorce and remarriage, or will we turn a blind eye?  Will we teach the truth about homosexuality, no matter the political climate?  Mark Hanstein challenged us to think and act like Christ.

In one morning, these two elders gave us a glimpse into their hearts.  I thank God for them.  They are good leaders, true shepherds of the flock.  Why?  Because they are compassionate, demonstrated by their tireless efforts to reach those who have strayed.  They are evangelistic, evidenced by their constant reminders for all of us to “Think Souls,” along with their personal efforts toward that end.  And they are convicted.  They stand for truth.  They’re not afraid to uphold the Word of God.  And how reassuring to know that they will continue to do so, come what may!

Kristy Woodall shared these good words recently:

“Perhaps the only ones who can truly understand the service of an elder is his family. They see the countless meetings, the hunched shoulders as the burden seems unbearable, the hours of prayer and the tears. Let’s hold up their hands, honor, respect and pray for them. All they want to do is to help us get to heaven. Thank God for your elders and show them a little love too!”

That’s great advice, and I want to do a better job of praying for and appreciating our humble, hard-working elders.

Prayer for Today:  Thank you, God, for Clint Stephens, Mark Hanstein, Dave Chamberlin, Ernie Barrett, Maynard Woolley, and all elders who truly love souls and stand for Your truth.

Four of Bear Valley’s elders with Gary