Elders

Change requires careful observation and preparation. Once you agreed on a certain program that necessitates the change, have you consistently backed the members who have been put in charge of it?

Youth is not always a time of innocence. Sins of our youth can be real. They can cling to us through subsequent years...

It is probably true that we, as denomination, are overwhelmingly family-oriented. The question may be asked: are singles sufficiently recognized and do they share realistically in pastoral care?

As an elder, you cannot be expected to be an expert in this complex area of drug use. But chances are considerable that there are some addicted people in your district.

Paul, the apostle wrote: “Weep with those who weep.” We may assume that he did what he wrote. Look at that short sentence again. It's more than advice. Paul extends a challenge to us.

The great reformer, Martin Luther, was a man of towering conviction. But he also knew moments when faith seemed to have faded to a degree that there seemed nothing left.

While rebuilding this pickup I had the opportunity to visit junk yards. Not only did I eventually find all the parts, I made some valuable observations along the way...

The name: "Censura Morum." The name and practice have a nobler origin than it would appear...

It would be interesting to see how our churches across the continent select the elders and deacons of their council. Whereas in a by-gone age the procedure was fairly uniform, there is now considerable variety.

It has not happened yet. But my mind pictures it, the bad thing that may happen. I experience some of it as if it is already happening.