Glad to Meet You ...
For the next several months I will participate with you as readers/writers in talking about the work of elders. We will consider questions and observations around situations you may face.
Write your own blog post to share your ministry experience with others.
For the next several months I will participate with you as readers/writers in talking about the work of elders. We will consider questions and observations around situations you may face.
One reason for leaving mentioned more than once was: so many members don't feel warmly part of the fellowship of the congregation. You as elders can play a helpful role in that respect.
The CRC is losing members. Last summer's synod has talked about it. We have tried to find the causes. We wondered what to do about it. Church-growth creates its own momentum. Growth creates an atmosphere of growth. Is the opposite also true?
As elders, all of us remember the very early stages of being an elder. Even experienced elders will not always feel comfortable with the office and even fewer would think of themselves as 'veterans'...
Here is a truism...: Pastors and elders must regularly discuss both the quality of the worship services and the pastors' sermons.
Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you a stranger and invited you in ...? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you …?” (Matthew 25)
Yes, you knew that you should make that sick-visit but you postponed it. But think about this... it could be your best half hour.
When you become an elder (or a deacon or a minister) you will experience a change at least in one respect: you will become more aware of the need to be discreet.
"... no office-bearer shall lord it over another office-bearer." -- Article 85 of the CRC Church Order. Elders and Deacons belong together, their offices complement each other, their tasks, though distinct, have the same purpose: building the Church of Christ.
What is the role of the church to excercise influence and power in society?
Friendships never stand alone. Friendship is a special room in the bigger house of relationships.
How will the CRC's new Five Streams vision impact your congregation?
All three offices share in the great challenge of the church leadership: the equiping of the saints, together, but also each in its own way.
I wish I had more of it: enthusiasm. It's an interesting word. The '-thu' part is derived from the Greek 'theos' -- God. And “en” is the simple 'in'. So, more of God in us. En-Theos! Enthusiasm!
Stories have a strange fascination for most of us. A story well-told is a bit of an extension of our individual lives. We can relate to the story teller as well as to the people in the story. The reverse is also true. The story-teller feels affirmed in our attentive ear.
Personally knowing our members gives us insight into the most important question.
Synod 1910 made some imaginative recommendations to the local church regarding missions. And today, more than a century later, we may take a lesson.
Ministry to the sorrowing is a worthy part of an elder's calling. But you may well think of it as a difficult task. Here are some thoughts you may consider helpful.
Have you watched people having an animated conversation? Every event related with gusto leads to reciting similar events. Observations, remarks, assertions, and comments outdo each other and are plowed under by further talking.
Inactive members deprive themselves of spiritual blessings, the more since their contact with the congregation will likely be minimal. And churches need their service. What can churches do about this sad reality?
Two short words, but behind them a world of regret.
What guidance do children and youth need from parents and the church in navigating the internet?
To be a balanced person is to deal with problems and tasks, but also to safeguard happy thoughts, cherish good moments, and have fun.