For those of you who don't know, Erin and I are leaving tomorrow morning to drive a van and trailer with 14 people down to UpLift. UpLift is a Christian summer camp held at Harding University in Searcy, AR and focuses on deep spiritual growth and self reflection for 7th-12th graders and I could not be more excited (for everything except the 9-10 hour drive each way...) about what's in store for us!
This will be my own first trip to UpLift and my first time visiting the huge metropolis of Searcy. I look forward seeing our kids grow: find a deeper understanding of who they are, grow closer to each other (their Christian community and in our own youth group), and closer to God.
I'm very excited that I've been asked to teach while I'm down there and am really looking forward to spending time with these kids in Biblical study and prayer. This is such a powerful time for these teens and I ask for all of you to pray for us while we're gone - that God will powerfully reveal himself to everyone who is there and that these teens will return even stronger than they leave.
-Levi
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Thursday, June 16, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
With
Ministering "To" someone is similar to talking "To" someone.
The person doing the talking may or may not actually being doing any good at all.
If you are talking "To/At/For" someone, do you know what they need? What they think? Who they are?
If you are ministering "To/At/For" someone, they same problems exist.
We don't want to minister "At" someone anymore than we want to talk "At" someone.
Don't minister At someone -- minister WITH someone.
(Note: I jotted this down after watching a video that my sister-in-law posted that was put out by the United Methodist Church on their new missions/ministry campaign. You can see the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GKBT8mV0CMc )
The person doing the talking may or may not actually being doing any good at all.
If you are talking "To/At/For" someone, do you know what they need? What they think? Who they are?
If you are ministering "To/At/For" someone, they same problems exist.
We don't want to minister "At" someone anymore than we want to talk "At" someone.
Don't minister At someone -- minister WITH someone.
(Note: I jotted this down after watching a video that my sister-in-law posted that was put out by the United Methodist Church on their new missions/ministry campaign. You can see the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GKBT8mV0CMc )
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Sunday's sermon
My sermon last Sunday on Christian Fellowship/Fellowship of the Believer can be seen at:
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/15040438#utm_campaign=fhighlights&utm_source=1&utm_medium=1
The scripture from the sermon (many of the following scriptures weren't included Sunday due to time but were used in research)
-----------------------
2 Corinthians 6:14-16
and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they will be my people.”[b
-----------------------------------
---------------------------------
John 18:2-122 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.
8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”[a]
10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)
11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
12 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him
Mark 14:66-71
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/15040438#utm_campaign=fhighlights&utm_source=1&utm_medium=1
The scripture from the sermon (many of the following scriptures weren't included Sunday due to time but were used in research)
-----------------------
Galations 3:26-29
26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Romans 12:5
5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Ephesians 4:2-6
2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
1 Peter 4:10
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
James 5:16
16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Mathew 18:20
20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
2 Corinthians 6:14-16
14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial[a]? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“I will live with them and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they will be my people.”[b
1 John 1:3-4
3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our[a] joy complete.
1 Thessalonians 5:11-15
11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
1 John 1:7
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[a] sin.
Hebrews 10:23-25
23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Luke 4:16
16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom.
Acts 2:42-47
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.
8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”[a]
10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)
11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
12 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him
66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.
“You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said.
68 But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway.[g]
69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” 70 Again he denied it.
After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.”
71 He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.”
Mathew 14:25-30
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Be a do-er, or encourage those who are
I once heard a story about a pastor who one Sunday morning announced that in that night's evening service there would be a special vote on whether the church would continue holding that service in the future.
Next Sunday morning in the church bulletin there was no mention of a Sunday evening service.
When asked why, the pastor replied the church had voted to cancel the services.
This greatly upset some people and a group of them got together and complained to the pastor that they had not voted to stop these services!
The pastor then asked, "Were you here last Sunday night?" "No," they replied, each with a different excuse.
"Oh, yes. You did vote," the pastor responded, "And you made your vote clear."
Patrick Mead sums this up in his rule of "those who don't do shalt not complain about those who do - WHATEVER they may be DOing"
So often (and this is not reserved just for churches) these days people want to sit on their hands doing nothing, saving all their energy to instead be used on crushing the spirits of those who are doing things.
We see people up in arms when an event isn't held or when something doesn't make the calendar when they have never attended or supported the event in question in anyway.
People fervently want ministry booklets full of programs, even though they will never attend, support, or staff any of them... but they better still be available!
People look down on the planners for not planning it how they would plan it, even though they wont assist
They call into question trips and classes even though they don't attend
They are angered by the days and times chosen because even though they work for everyone else, they don't work perfectly for them personally (again, even though they would have no intention of attending or supporting it anyway).
Be a do-er. Be a planner. Be a leader. Take the initiative.
Recognize church for what it is (a place to serve and feed others) and don't mistake it for a 'made-to-order' fast food mart where you are a price shopping consumer.
Next Sunday morning in the church bulletin there was no mention of a Sunday evening service.
When asked why, the pastor replied the church had voted to cancel the services.
This greatly upset some people and a group of them got together and complained to the pastor that they had not voted to stop these services!
The pastor then asked, "Were you here last Sunday night?" "No," they replied, each with a different excuse.
"Oh, yes. You did vote," the pastor responded, "And you made your vote clear."
Patrick Mead sums this up in his rule of "those who don't do shalt not complain about those who do - WHATEVER they may be DOing"
So often (and this is not reserved just for churches) these days people want to sit on their hands doing nothing, saving all their energy to instead be used on crushing the spirits of those who are doing things.
We see people up in arms when an event isn't held or when something doesn't make the calendar when they have never attended or supported the event in question in anyway.
People fervently want ministry booklets full of programs, even though they will never attend, support, or staff any of them... but they better still be available!
People look down on the planners for not planning it how they would plan it, even though they wont assist
They call into question trips and classes even though they don't attend
They are angered by the days and times chosen because even though they work for everyone else, they don't work perfectly for them personally (again, even though they would have no intention of attending or supporting it anyway).
- Strive to be an encouragement to those who are planning and doing. If there is a program you would like to have at your church and it isn't being offered, start it
- If there is a need that isn't being met, meet it
- If you need to be reached out to, then reach out to others
- If you need to see something, then be the light
- If you desire a change, then be that change
- Always strive to be an encouragement to those who are trying to bless others, even if it isn't in the way, the place, or the time that you would have picked - because they have a heart, and they are trying.
Be a do-er. Be a planner. Be a leader. Take the initiative.
Recognize church for what it is (a place to serve and feed others) and don't mistake it for a 'made-to-order' fast food mart where you are a price shopping consumer.
We are not shoppers and consumers, we are servants and stewards.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Fellowship
This Sunday I'll be speaking at Highland View Church of Christ during the Sunday morning service.
I don't pre-write sermons and store them away in a drawer so they'll be ready when the time comes, nothing at all against those who do, I just can't work that way myself. Instead, I try (beg) to let God show me what in the world I need to talk about that day - what does that one person in audience need to hear from You (God) today?
I usually write mine sometime between Tuesday and Saturday, depending on how bad I fail at listening to what God is trying to tell me to speak on...
This week, I was sitting in church on Sunday listening to Curtis McClane deliver a fantastic message and at the end of the message (as it usually happens) I was hit with an idea for my sermon and began frantically jotting down the notes out of my head. I was glad to have (man, a full week in advance... that was early!) a few disjointed notes and passages and ideas down on paper to build the sermon out of later.
See, my plan was to then take those notes and write my sermon today or tomorrow. I had a plan. To which, God laughed. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea and it may end up being my next sermon, who knows, but it wont be this Sunday's.
But...I had a long talk with someone after church (after I had jotted my notes down) and then had visitors over to the house last night who showed me what my sermon really needed to be about.
This Sunday I'll be preaching on (prepared sometime between now and then) Christian Fellowship. What is it, why is it important as Christians, and why is it important to you (me/the individual).
What do you think? Think on your own: what comes to mind when you hear "Christian Fellowship"? What does it conjure up to you?
I don't pre-write sermons and store them away in a drawer so they'll be ready when the time comes, nothing at all against those who do, I just can't work that way myself. Instead, I try (beg) to let God show me what in the world I need to talk about that day - what does that one person in audience need to hear from You (God) today?
I usually write mine sometime between Tuesday and Saturday, depending on how bad I fail at listening to what God is trying to tell me to speak on...
This week, I was sitting in church on Sunday listening to Curtis McClane deliver a fantastic message and at the end of the message (as it usually happens) I was hit with an idea for my sermon and began frantically jotting down the notes out of my head. I was glad to have (man, a full week in advance... that was early!) a few disjointed notes and passages and ideas down on paper to build the sermon out of later.
See, my plan was to then take those notes and write my sermon today or tomorrow. I had a plan. To which, God laughed. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea and it may end up being my next sermon, who knows, but it wont be this Sunday's.
But...I had a long talk with someone after church (after I had jotted my notes down) and then had visitors over to the house last night who showed me what my sermon really needed to be about.
This Sunday I'll be preaching on (prepared sometime between now and then) Christian Fellowship. What is it, why is it important as Christians, and why is it important to you (me/the individual).
What do you think? Think on your own: what comes to mind when you hear "Christian Fellowship"? What does it conjure up to you?
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
All the single ladies....
This blog has been on my heart for a while and with each week, the importance has become more and more prevalent. I want to take the next few minutes to address the fairer sex in regards to dating (this is predominately focused on high school girls - but if we're honest, we Know this issue does not stop there).
Though I could theorize all day, I don't know exactly what caused this growing trend, but it is becoming an epidemic that reaches to all parts of their (your....) lives: a complete lack of standards.
Girls dating any guy, any guy at all, when they are receiving nothing out of the relationship.
An interesting point to note is that this issue isn't just with those girls who are introverted, not involved, from bad families, those with poor (or no) father figures, or those with low self-esteem. In fact, many of the girls that are breaking my heart in this regard have exceptionally strong, present, and loving father figures, are self confident (and rightfully so), outgoing, and are stunningly beautiful.
And yet.... these girls (you...?) are dating boys who treat them indifferently at best, and criminally at worst. Guys who have no desire to date them, to cater to them, to even show any real semblance of interest in them at all.
"That's just who they are" -- "they don't like _____", -- "they don't want to go out places" -- "they have other things they 'need' to spend money on", -- "they are too nervous to come to my house (and my parents)"
... ok. So what you're telling me is that they don't like you enough to change anything? To adapt any behavior, to even spend 20 minutes doing something they don't like as well as (whatever), even though you love it? Yet, you (the lady) are adapting, changing, chasing, and giving up everything about you, your wants, your desires, your needs, your identity, just so they don't have to give up or change Anything?
Girls, let me be painfully honest here. If they wont (even sparingly) do what you love, or get involved with what You're doing, or show an interest in your passions, then they don't love you. They don't even like you. Period. End of discussion. No if's, and's, or but's.
You are beautiful, you are beloved, you are fearfully and wonderfully made, you are special, you are worthy - own that.
Find someone who will cherish you, respect you, love what you love, be interested in what you're interested in, and that you will be a focus of their life -
not just a convenient sideshow that sticks around and is always available on the back-burner for when they have Nothing else to do.
Though I could theorize all day, I don't know exactly what caused this growing trend, but it is becoming an epidemic that reaches to all parts of their (your....) lives: a complete lack of standards.
Girls dating any guy, any guy at all, when they are receiving nothing out of the relationship.
An interesting point to note is that this issue isn't just with those girls who are introverted, not involved, from bad families, those with poor (or no) father figures, or those with low self-esteem. In fact, many of the girls that are breaking my heart in this regard have exceptionally strong, present, and loving father figures, are self confident (and rightfully so), outgoing, and are stunningly beautiful.
And yet.... these girls (you...?) are dating boys who treat them indifferently at best, and criminally at worst. Guys who have no desire to date them, to cater to them, to even show any real semblance of interest in them at all.
"That's just who they are" -- "they don't like _____", -- "they don't want to go out places" -- "they have other things they 'need' to spend money on", -- "they are too nervous to come to my house (and my parents)"
... ok. So what you're telling me is that they don't like you enough to change anything? To adapt any behavior, to even spend 20 minutes doing something they don't like as well as (whatever), even though you love it? Yet, you (the lady) are adapting, changing, chasing, and giving up everything about you, your wants, your desires, your needs, your identity, just so they don't have to give up or change Anything?
Girls, let me be painfully honest here. If they wont (even sparingly) do what you love, or get involved with what You're doing, or show an interest in your passions, then they don't love you. They don't even like you. Period. End of discussion. No if's, and's, or but's.
You are beautiful, you are beloved, you are fearfully and wonderfully made, you are special, you are worthy - own that.
Find someone who will cherish you, respect you, love what you love, be interested in what you're interested in, and that you will be a focus of their life -
not just a convenient sideshow that sticks around and is always available on the back-burner for when they have Nothing else to do.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Elders
The Bible talks a good bit about Elders (pastors). Most of us know this about the book of Titus (sometimes even referred to as "The book of the Elders") but there are also references in other places as well:
Ephesians 4:11, 1 Peter 5:1-4, Acts 11:30, Acts 14:23, Acts 15:2, Acts 20:17, Acts 20:27, Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 1:5, and, the longest and most well know scripture regarding Elders outside of Titus being 1 Timothy chapter 3. I would also like to add to this list Matthew 20:25-27 as Jesus' example of how Elder's should approach their position.
These verses all share the following things (I encourage you to look yourself):
Elders are a necessary part of Church life. They are to provide leadership, encouragement, direction, exemplify the Christian walk, be attentive, available, cool headed, and wise. They are not pushy or domineering or quarrelsome- they do not lead with an iron fist, but with servant's heart. They are to take up their yoke of eldership with passion and by choice - not compelled and offered no financial gain in return. They are to be ever mindful that they too were once 'unsaved' like everyone they ever come in contact with and that now they are recipients of God's grace and mercy (while still being sinners... like everyone they come in contact with).
Review the following 3 sections of scripture:
1 Timothy 3:1-7
If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he's talking about, not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God's church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap.
Compare it to Titus 1:5-9
Appoint leaders in every town according to my instructions. As you select them, ask, "Is this man well-thought-of? Is he committed to his wife? Are his children believers? Do they respect him and stay out of trouble?" It's important that a church leader, responsible for the affairs in God's house, be looked up to—not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money-hungry. He must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, have a good grip on himself, and have a good grip on the Message, knowing how to use the truth to either spur people on in knowledge or stop them in their tracks if they oppose it.
And now look at how Jesus portrayed leadership:
Matthew 20:25-28
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Ephesians 4:11, 1 Peter 5:1-4, Acts 11:30, Acts 14:23, Acts 15:2, Acts 20:17, Acts 20:27, Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 1:5, and, the longest and most well know scripture regarding Elders outside of Titus being 1 Timothy chapter 3. I would also like to add to this list Matthew 20:25-27 as Jesus' example of how Elder's should approach their position.
These verses all share the following things (I encourage you to look yourself):
Elders are a necessary part of Church life. They are to provide leadership, encouragement, direction, exemplify the Christian walk, be attentive, available, cool headed, and wise. They are not pushy or domineering or quarrelsome- they do not lead with an iron fist, but with servant's heart. They are to take up their yoke of eldership with passion and by choice - not compelled and offered no financial gain in return. They are to be ever mindful that they too were once 'unsaved' like everyone they ever come in contact with and that now they are recipients of God's grace and mercy (while still being sinners... like everyone they come in contact with).
Review the following 3 sections of scripture:
1 Timothy 3:1-7
If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he's talking about, not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God's church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap.
Compare it to Titus 1:5-9
Appoint leaders in every town according to my instructions. As you select them, ask, "Is this man well-thought-of? Is he committed to his wife? Are his children believers? Do they respect him and stay out of trouble?" It's important that a church leader, responsible for the affairs in God's house, be looked up to—not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money-hungry. He must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, have a good grip on himself, and have a good grip on the Message, knowing how to use the truth to either spur people on in knowledge or stop them in their tracks if they oppose it.
And now look at how Jesus portrayed leadership:
Matthew 20:25-28
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Now, some of you may wonder why I am writing a blog about Elders.
Let me make this very clear: because I believe we have Elders who embody and embrace exactly what they are called for. Let me share a little of what's been on my heart for sometime now:
As you know,
(those who attend Highland View Church of Christ in Oak Ridge, TN - those who follow this blog who do not, thank you and I encourage you to view these writings as notes on your own Elders and promote your deep thinking towards your thoughts and relationships towards your own Elders)
Erin has been working at the church for some time now. Prior to that, my knowledge of our elders was ignorance. I just didn't know, and for the most part, I didn't really feel that it concerned me much either. During Erin's tenure I came to find that many of my perceptions that I had of the Elder's were dead wrong. Again, let me reiterate, my stance was one of ignorance (as well as hearsay and assumptions which can be clearly summed up as: ignorance), and in my head I had the model of the "Iron Fist". All decisions must pass through the Elders who would then sit quietly in dark meeting rooms, locked away in secrecy to weigh out their thoughts on the matter before passing judgement. Then I got to see Erin's dealings with these men. Erin would mount the courage to to go to them about some idea she had, she would draw up a plan, dot all her i's cross all her T's, suit up in her bullet proof vest and march into the hallowed halls (ie... the Library). When she got there, at first coming in with many of the same ignorant pre-conceptions as I, she would make her pitch, sink back into her chair to await the gavel only to hear these men, with joy and pride in their voices give only one reply: "go for it!".
Our hearts and attitudes began to change and we began to judge those preconceived notions against the reality that we were now seeing and... came up wanting. And to clarify, they weren't passing the buck with "go for it" they were giving an endorsement of "God has laid it on your heart, we can see your passion for it, we can feel the spirit at work - don't let us get in the way!"
Since I have come on staff and been privy to those dark, secret meetings I have found out first hand they are anything but (there's not even a gavel!). I see these men before me saying "go for it" from their hearts. I see men with a deep desire to see this church and it's members flourish, be filled with life, and reach this community and our world at large with the love of Jesus Christ. They are supportive. They welcome any idea from any member that is thought out, considerate, and Love and Grace focused. Is their a budget? yes, and there are hard truths to those numbers (and one hard truth is that on paper we take in less then ever and support more programs then ever and do desperately need the help of all of us in this body), but it is never a stopping point to God's plans! What has brought huge respect from me is the fact that once the Elders see God at work in something, they do not hesitate - regardless of how their plant management brains think ;)
they Lead with their hearts.
Consider that the elders are burdened (yoked with Christ) to make every decision they are faced with while considering every member of this church body. A church body that includes rich and poor, 20 somethings and 90 somethings, married and unmarried, those who grew up in the church, those who are new to the faith, those who have always attended the Church of Christ and those who grew up baptist, methodist, or otherwise, people with babies, with teenagers, with grandkids, and who have never had kids, people with education varying from middle school to multiple Ph.Ds, people involved with everything everytime the doors are open, and those who come on Sunday morning and those are just a few of the millions of variables that face every decision -
consider that if "unity" was your primary focus and you were responsible for making decisions for that group! With that said, wisdom is of paramount importance. Cool heads, calm thoughts, and rational thinking must prevail and our elders have great strength in those regards. Many times considering things on decisions that haven't even crossed my mind - and thereby teaching me, by example, exactly as they are purposed.
On this note, remember how I mentioned that in the beginning I really didn't see how the elders (what they did, who they were,) even concerned me? How the elders should concern all of us, whether we are involved with decisions or programs or not, is prayer. Our elders need our daily prayers for what God has appointed them to steward.
Erin and I have had nothing but support and encouragement and that is what has allowed God to do such wonderful amazing things in this body. Ask anyone in ministry and they will tell you that the strength of faith and love of the Eldership dictates their ability to succeed. I couldn't agree more - and in our case, it allows for following God - where ever He chooses to lead us.
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