Name Tags: You Are (or will be)… Elders
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.
James 5:14 (ESV)
When they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting, they committed them to the Lord in Whom they had believed.
Acts 14:23 (ESV)
I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
1 Peter 5:1-4 (ESV)
Peter, the man Christ chose to lead His church, describes himself simply as an elder: not as Head Pastor or God's #1.
Contrary to our modern church framework, the office or position of “pastor” is not found in the New Testament church.*
Why?
Absolute power tempts the best of us. Where leading the Christian church is concerned, only our Great Father is omniscient.
The closest we, His followers, can come…
Is in humble submission to the Lord,
Knowing we’re the body (and NOT the Head)
Plus a system of checks and balances,
Best found in a group of elders (not one)!
Looking back at the 1st-century church, Peter, Paul, and Jude warned their tender flocks about leaders seeking personal gain.
Therein, the earliest congregations were shepherded by a group of elders: not chosen by their “qualifications"; but through God-ordained prayer and fasting.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
You are (or will be) elders and leaders. Even if the name isn’t “official”, your good example is sorely needed.
Because the world (and too much of the church) can act like spoiled and self-centered children… You must embody the ONE TRUE Leader!
SIDEBAR to all wise and humble pastors: I applaud you, because your job is tough, and you're walking upstream (without fanfare). I hope strong elders are walking with you.
One more reminder to God’s performers:
Whatever your age, become good elders: studying the Word, meeting in small groups, growing in wisdom, stature, and favor.
Name Tags: You Are (or will be)… Elders (Part 34)
* Excellent, referenced article and worth the read: Leadership in the Early Church: The Organization of the Church - The Gospel Coalition
* Another good article: Why do Christians focus on pastors when the Bible doesn't?
https://www.wnd.com/2011/08/332965/
* Scriptures about elders and their qualifications:
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.