Let me ask about asking people to be elders –
a. Are they familiar with the vows they will be asked to take?
b. Are they aware that they should not be an elder if they are not giving financially to the church?
c. Are they informed as to what training and examinations are required?
d. Are they aware of when the meetings are and how many they are allowed to miss?
e. Are they advised that they need to be supporters of the pastor?
f. Are they aware that they are required not to press the agenda of a sub-group of the church or even their own but only that of Jesus Christ?
g. Are they ready to pray daily for the church and attend very regularly being leaders when they are present?
h. Are they aware there are four answers they can make – an unhealthy no, an unhealthy yes, a healthy no, and a healthy yes?
i. Has a time frame that is specific (not open ended) been given as to when the reply to the invitation needs to be given?
As the new officers’ training approaches this Saturday (01/05/13), I remembered several of your blogs addressing leadership, asking people to be elders and special gifts. Reading those blogs again has been beneficial to me. Not only will this Saturday be a time for the new elders but also for our active elders; a time to renew their vows, a time for self-reflection, and for self-evaluation. I look forward to working with you, our active elders and the incoming elders. I ask that our congregation keep us in prayer and for the Holy Spirit to be present as we move forward in doing God’s work. Blessings and Happy New Year.
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