Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. (1 Tim 3:1-3 NIV)
This morning at our congregation council meeting two members will be appointed to the board. We thank God for bringing us these two new council members. Discerning who it is that God would call to these positions can be difficult at times.
No, not everyone within a congregation should be on the slate of elections as an overseer (council member, elder, etc.) of the congregation or a denomination. It is not always easy to find potential willing candidates for some of these positions of leadership; but, that does not mean that we should not be discerning in whom we choose to lead and serve our communities of faith. It is often more prudent to allow an office to go empty than to call someone whom God has not gifted and called. They must be faithful to God, willing to set aside their personal desires and ambitions in this world. Jesus comes first, always!
St. Paul outlines some basic guidelines for Timothy to use in his position as a leader of the church at Ephesus. They must be faithful to their spouse, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, not given to drunkenness, not violent but, gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money.
It is necessary for our servant leaders to be able to conduct their personal lives in a way that the light of Christ and not deeds of darkness is seen by others. We are not; after all, a social club. We are the Body of Christ. Let your light so shine! And... thanks be to God for the faithful members whom He calls to serve as council members and elders.
God's Peace - Pr. J
St. Paul outlines some basic guidelines for Timothy to use in his position as a leader of the church at Ephesus. They must be faithful to their spouse, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, not given to drunkenness, not violent but, gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money.
It is necessary for our servant leaders to be able to conduct their personal lives in a way that the light of Christ and not deeds of darkness is seen by others. We are not; after all, a social club. We are the Body of Christ. Let your light so shine! And... thanks be to God for the faithful members whom He calls to serve as council members and elders.
God's Peace - Pr. J
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