Sun 21 May

Eldership is not something new. Moses appointed elders in the time of the Exodus. In the New Testament Paul and Peter gave instructions on eldership. Elders were to be above reproach. People in thre church and people outside the church could not say anything bad about men desiring to be an elder. 

Yes! They used to be a violent man< but look at how God’s grace has changed him into a caring and gentle person. All they could say about the elder was good. Yes! I heard he would mistreat his wife and children. But God’s grace has changed him to be more like Jesus. 

The lists given in the Scripture including what the prophet Ezekiel had to say, include the traits of an elder and the tasks of an elder. So we have traits and tasks. When we are looking to appoint elders we should not be thinking of perfection. There is only one who could fulfil those tasks perfectly and that is Jesus. He is the perfect gentle person. 

The task of an elder could be summed up in the ministry of the shepherd. He cares. He protects. He guides to name a few tasks. God through Ezekiel condemned the shepherds or elders for failing to care and protect. They did not seek out the lost. 

If you were asked to be an elder, what would you bring to the eldership? What would you be looking for in an elder?