Dear Friends
Today, as I sit and write this
in my study, and as I look forward, taking stock of what has gone before and
the trajectory that the elders, both past and present, have directed us on
following God's lead, I can boast in no one but our heavenly Father for His
overwhelming kindness toward us.
We believe what Scripture
teaches us, both by faith and experience, when we are taught: "Where there is no vision, the people
perish" ~ Proverbs 29:18. Our Father is acutely aware of our need to
be directed, even in this day of Western thinking with the dominance of thought
teaching 'each man to and for himself'. And it is this I have in mind, as I
look how our Father continues to raise men amongst us who desire to take up the
mantle and responsibility of being under-shepherds under Christ.
This coming Sunday, as a
believing community, we have the incredible privilege of witnessing two men
take up the responsibility of doing just this. We are taught a reasonable
amount from Scripture as to why we need elders, and who qualifies, so let me
just include a few verses to refresh us on this matter:
Paul, after listing
qualifications for elders, ends his point with this: "I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will
know how people ought to conduct themselves in Gods household, which is the
church of the living God." ~ 1 Tim 3:14
"The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what
was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town as I directed you." ~
Titus 1:5
"If anyone sets his heart on being an
overseer, he desires a noble task." ~ 1 Tim 3:1
"The Elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of
double honour especially those whose work is preaching and teaching."
~ 1 Tim 5:17
Again, as I sit here, I am very grateful that God has
taught us the way to conduct ourselves as a believing community, and that there
are men who desire to fill the role of an elder amongst us.
When God releases gifts into action, the body benefits, and
we are going to be the beneficiaries of the gifts being released on Sunday. So
I ask you friends, to make every effort to be with us on Sunday, as our lives
and futures as members of the family of God are intricately involved with each
others and our leaders.
Let's be there in full support as Mark Russell and Johan
Schoeman have hands laid upon them by a past leader of Southcity Church Craig
Meyer, who will also be ministering on Sunday. I love what God is doing here;
using an elder from the past to lay hands on two elders for our future.
What a great occasion to look forward to.
Much love to you all.
Rich
