This morning, we met as elder candidates and CP(church planting) residents, to continue our process for elder qualification. The first thing that I realize is how healthy is it for an "intern" or "resident" to be a part of this process. It has allowed me to be at the heart of what is happening at the local church, and learn from men who love and desire to shepherd their local church. What I am gaining here is not just knowledge, but a lifestyle from a group of men who love Jesus and love the people God has placed among them. We are currently reading through "The Pastor's Justification", Biblical Eldership, and "The Shepherd Leader". There were some very encouraging things I took away from this morning:
In the future, I will remember how beneficial the process of being able to go through, with these men, the process ofelder qualification in the local church. It connects you to the reality and responsibility of what you feel the Lord has called you to do, it also de-romanticizes any concept or fantasy you have about being a perfect pastor, or a the "savior" of your people.
- Sin was present and confessed, but so was the redemption and power of Christ. Faults were discussed and brought under the redemption of Christ.
- Reflection on, how to do we point people to Christ, instead of ourselves? A beautiful concern to see elders and the church come to see Christ more fully.
- Openness to ask how the Spirit is convicting us, or highlighting areas of grace in our time of reading and reflection.
- Personality differences among the elders(really important). Different personalities struggle through different areas, and it was enlighting to hear those struggles so that we can know how to help those in our church who are different than us. Also able to see the strenthgs in these differences.
- It was stated that being an elder is at the same time the easiest and difficult job to have. Easiest because our responsibility as elders is to simply point people to Christ. Difficult because of the emotional, physical, and spiritual struggle, and also seeing the reality of sin in people's lives.
- Comradery. There is a sweet sense of fellow brothers desiring to grow and sense the Spirit's calling and leading in the process of becoming an elder.
- A sensitivity to other church cultures. As we discussed some doctrine concerning elders, it was good to remember that not everyone sees these texts this way, and discussed why.
- Overall, very real. Cool to see leaders making much of Christ, instead of trying to make much of themselves.
In the future, I will remember how beneficial the process of being able to go through, with these men, the process ofelder qualification in the local church. It connects you to the reality and responsibility of what you feel the Lord has called you to do, it also de-romanticizes any concept or fantasy you have about being a perfect pastor, or a the "savior" of your people.