Tag: appoint elders
Appointing godly leadership!
Scripture reading for May 24th: Acts 14
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Acts 14:21-23 “They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.”
Paul and Barnabas understood the need to make disciples. They were interested in fulfilling Jesus’ mandate, not just getting converts! Because of this, they revisited the churches that they had founded and encouraged the disciples to ‘remain true to the faith.’ It was possible to drift away and be lost! Also, they warned and taught these new followers of Jesus that hardships would await them on their journey. Following Jesus would not always be easy and would require perseverance! To help equip the churches they had founded, they sought the Lord for leadership who would set godly examples and teach the disciples the way of the Lord Jesus. Elders, pastors and teachers were appointed and set in place!
Observations for over-comers: Healthy churches are equipped and encouraged with leadership and teaching of the truth. Prayer and fasting are foundational to selecting godly leaders. “But select capable men from all the people–men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain–and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.” (Exodus 18:21)
Unfinished business!
Scripture reading for October 8th: Titus 1
Paul had left Titus, a young minister, in Crete to attend to some unfinished business. Ministry in God’s kingdom must be lead by leaders with character and who are true to the apostolic teachings and sound doctrine. There were those in Crete who were influencing the young church that needed correction and Paul entrusted Titus with this job.
“The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town as I directed you. An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless–not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”
The church must be led by people of character. This character is made evident by their conduct and reputation in their family and community. Children are reflections of their parent’s discipline and training. When there are wild and disobedient children, this disqualifies a person for leadership in God’s family, the Church. Character is the primary consideration given to Titus to complete the unfinished business of appointing elders to lead.
Another strong consideration was sound doctrine. Elders must be hospitable and able to teach. They must relate well to the people and be able to instruct in the truth as well as correct those who were wrong. It’s a noble thing to lead Christ’s family! (1st Timothy 3:1)