September 14, 2006
Recertification
There was an occasion in the history of our church when a group from a different denomination came in and tried to take over the congregation. In order to protect the church, the Bylaws stipulate that an elected elder is to serve a three year term and then take a sabbatical year off. After a year off, the elder may then run for reelection. In the last few years we’ve seen additional non-Biblical criteria for elder candidates implemented. Now, regardless of past elder service, each candidate must complete a nine page questionnaire to “help the selection team discern where you are at this point in your life.” In defense of this lengthy application the chairman of the elders stated, “I’m not one of those who goes along with the statement, ‘Once and elder always an elder’.” Hmm…elder recertification, that’s a new one on me.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Gail;
----If it is not in the Word, I won't buy it, I might rent it, but I won't buy it. Paul did not appoint Timothy to a three year term, or did he Titus. He did not instruct them on the length of an elder's term, and how long would be their sabbatical before they could "run" again. But when I look at what churches have for elders today, I am not only ready to rent the practise of a three year term and a sabbatical, I may even be willing to long-term lease it!
----The whole issue of the questioneer for elder candidates acknowledges two facts. The first is that the character and nature of those who would be elders must be very well known. They will be serving in a position of example and moral direction of Christ's church. They must be known. The second fact is that the fellowship in the church has declined so far that a man must write an essay about himself before even the elders know him. And these elders are supposed to be the cream of the spiritual crop. If they were they would be very acquainted through fellowship with all of the very spiritual men in the church. Spiritual truths go along with spiritual nature, and fellowship is a spiritual truth.
----It saddens me how simple the Lord made it, and how complex we have degraded it. Self has risen into the place of selflessness and has become recognized as being there by implementing an eldership term instead of persevering to the discovery of bylaws that would cast off recognized selfishness. Arrogance now sits were humility should lead, and seemingly, almost all have been led there.
----I will sign the lease, but there won't be a bill of sale until the Bible is given some honor.
Post a Comment