We've recently shared that the
Deacons help bear practical burdens in the church so that the Elders are freed up to bear spiritual burdens in the church. So what do the Elders do and what are those “spiritual burdens”?
- Elders serve as leaders in the church and have spiritual authority in the community.
- Elders guard the doctrine and teaching in the church to ensure we are rightly dividing the Word of God.
- Elders also govern the church (certain decisions, discipline, etc.) in submission to Christ.
- Elders shepherd the flock. That means investing in people's lives--encouraging them to grow in Christ and caring for them spiritually.
Currently the Elders are me (Matt Wooley), Josh Brgoch, and Mike Magrin. (Steve Fullmer was until a week ago when he become one of our first Deacons). And our wives are invaluable partners in this ministry. Seriously.
We’ve also been talking with the
Elgards about Josh becoming an Elder. Josh and Robin have
already been shepherding in their current role and we think this is a very natural fit for them. And, more importantly, we think they meet the biblical qualifications for this kind of leadership role.
On a related side note: since we believe the Elder role is for men only, we're taking this opportunity to share our conclusions from Scripture and have posted that
here.
If you have any questions about the role of an Elder, or any feedback on the Elgards, please email
the Elders. If you have any general comments you can always post them here on the blog.
The lesson today was almost entirely about the theology needed to undergird and inform our convictions on stewarding the earth/environment. To be good stewards it will be important for us to apply those convictions thoughtfully and prayerfully. Here are a few resources for help you research some of the issues:
