In his book, Church Elders, Jeremie Rinne writes about what church elders should be modeling to their church.
He quotes Paul’s encouragement to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:15, “Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all.” Rinne then turns to the elders and elder candidates of the church and writes,
Your congregation needs to see progress, not perfection. Jesus already has perfection covered…. In other words, the church needs to see the gospel still transforming your life. The sheep need to know that you too regularly repent of sin. They need to hear you crying out in prayer for Jesus’s resurrection power in your soul….
By modeling gospel-dependent progress, you point church members beyond yourself: you lift their gaze to Jesus, the One into whose image we are being transformed.
Church, as you pray and prepare for the election of potentially three new ruling elders, remember that we are not called to look for perfection, but “gospel-dependent progress.” We are looking for men who desperately know their need for God’s grace, who are quick to repent, quick to forgive, and quick to cry out to the Lord in times of need. This is the kind of maturity that elders should be modeling to their church.
I pray these reflections are sobering and helpful in these final days before the congregational meeting to elect new elders.
Before the congregational meeting on Sun, Nov 8 at 11:40, please be sure to review the call that was issued on October 8 HERE, as well as the interviews with all three candidates HERE.
And please pray! Here are a few ways you could be praying.
For peace and protection for the candidates–Filipe Fernandes, Leon Burger, and Jeremy Kruizinga–and their families, as they prepare their hearts for election day.
For wisdom, discernment, and unity on the part of the congregation as we prayerfully consider whether the Lord has called these men to be our new ruling elders.
For the integration of new elder(s), Lord willing, into the existing Session (body of elders), for harmonious, fruitful group dynamics, for good learning and adjustment, and for a spirit of warmth and friendship among the elders.
For the election to catalyze greater faithfulness in our call to be a community of the Spirit in the heart of the city, announcing the gospel of Jesus Christ, as we pray for God to renew all things.
May the Lord be glorified through our election!
Moses
