Tim and I were driving down the street yesterday discussing our Monday morning meetings; staff with elders from 6:30 to 8:00 (or whenever Jason takes a breath and we can all dart out the door). Tim remarked at our elders being so rich.
Rich they are and; thus, rich we are as a church. Our four are so incredible it makes me think of God's "joy inexpressible". How can you define joy inexpressible. How can one describe the flourishing leadership of these men....especially when they are basically unaware of it.
We love our shepherds for they are neither pale wimps nor deputy sheriffs for Jesus. They don't rule by command; but they lead by humble partnership. The church doesn't live in the wings waiting on permission from the elders. The elders don't like and don't want that role.
Who decides the Bible class material for the adults and the children? Not the elders. They never see it. Who scans the songs for worship and the notes for the sermons? Not the elders; it isn't their job.
Who looks our members in the eye to listen to their latest med need or their most recent celebration? The shepherds do. Who sends emails to the church staff with boosting encouragement? The shepherds do. Who visibly doesn't panic in times of trial? Who permeates the flock with attentive eyes and supportive hugs? Our elders.
Elders of old once worked from the office of control. Too many still live there for they just know best....their mistaken opinion. What divides a shepherd from an authoritarian? I think it is whether one wants to be a learner of the Word or a preserver of it.
The former hungers for God to fill his heart and shoes. The latter lives a picky life of irritation and bossy-buttness that keeps the cowardly in the church content and safe while frustrating those who wish to live in the freedom of the Spirit.
For all elders, hear me say we believe in God's ordained role for quality men. Whether you like it, you set the tone of your congregation: living in constant fear or thriving in glorious appreciation. Your heart sets the beat for the church's heart.
Give His flock room to explode in wonders!
5 comments:
Thank you. Perhaps, the greatest reason churches function effectively or do not do so is related to this principle, whether elders, deacons, preacher. We have too many examples of "authoritarianism" in our society...not too many for "shepherd." Potential leaders need to be led to the feet of the Chief Shepherd and see how authority is disseminated...how His authoritative approach to life and relationships changed lives.
Middle,
You make a good point. From my own position, the more I relinquish control (which never was mine in the first place), the more I do shepherding work myself.
Good move.
May God give us more shepherds!
Shepherd's are very wonderful servants; I'm married to one who is serving his fourth congregation (we've moved around the world and back). Perhas it isn't the same everywhere but it seems increasingly difficult to find men who will serve. Family, job responsibilities? You name it and they give it. We pray for and encourage men to step up and serve...they're needed. We feel called...pray that others will also be called...it's wonderful.
dead on. again. thank you terry, for your great words of encouragement and exhortation to all shepherds... you met with they guy yesterday who quite literally wrote the book on shepherding... and he got his material from The Book.
It seems the 'shepherd landscape' is slowly changing. Moreover, what I seem to be seeing is this: true shepherds are not stepping up to serve in most churches of Christ... because true shepherds are still not wanted in those environs. most churches of Christ still today want a board of directors.... so, more and more I see true shepherds planting or joining 'community churches' and serving there in great capacity!
that used to give me great concern. now, while I find it sad in a way, I am at peace that God is (always has been) at the controls...
but because we have tried very hard to rear our 3 daughters in a Bible-rich and Jesus-centered environment where true shepherding is alive and well (thereby teaching them to seek same for themselves as they leave the nest), they will likely not wind up worshiping at a 'church of Christ'...
and (again, sorta sadly), that gives me less heartburn everyday.
is that wrong?
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