Thank You Ron,I have been house bound the last 5 yrs due to MS disease. I was once giving communion by a non approved Elder( My brother in law). I was told on the this Netwok that it was wrong. I have never experienced a more spirit filled communion than that one! We both cried after the experience! Both individuals I was in this discussion with later admitted it was real when I asked if were fake then if denomination criteria was not followed. Your post supports what I was trying to say!
What you say about the church policy may be true but it is not practical or necessary to provide the shut ins the privilege of celebrating the sacrament. I am one of those shut ins! My pastor does not visit me so some elders came to celebrate the sacrament with me. They didn’t have approval from CO 55! Are you telling me that it was a farce? I enjoyed and worshiped with tears! It’s time to stop thinking about church rules and worship without limitations! Thx
Thanks Cedric for your response but I don’t think you understand! It’s not my responsibility to make sure that the Elders have approval from the classis. Especially if it’s not a farce! They aren’t trying to by pass the rules just help out a sick person. You don’t have a lot of extra energy to make sure your Pastors, elders are doing it correctly and going to Classis for approval! I didn’t go against Co55 either, I never knew there was a rule like this nor do I think it’s necessary for my journey with the Lord! I think our church at times puts more thought about the logistics of worship than the act itself! Thanks anyway Cedric, I know your just trying to do something that’s important to you!
Thank You Ronald for your suggestion! That sounds like a great solution to address all the concerns of what the church prefers! Incidentally, I didn't lose anything that would require a win/win scenario.I was able to worship the Lord through Lords supper administered by Elders who were consecrated by the Lord to help a sick person! I think , unfortunately it didn’t meet some people’s standards, Cedric is not incorrect either, Co55 does recommend a church ordained person administer the Sacrament! I do appreciate your suggestion even though I don’t think this is a issue! Thx
Your concern is well founded. It depends on how the church qualifies leadership. Do they veiw leadership in a secular context? We typically look for people that appear successful and friendly. But spiritual leaders does not always come in a nice wrapper.
I believe there should be a interview process where candidates respond to questions from church leadership and the lay body. The questions and answers take away some guess work and bias.
I also think candidates or volunteers should be allowed. Some individuals will never be considered due to appearances or their history.
When the council evaluates the candidates before the casting of lots, do they make the determination with the candidate present? Does he/she have any input?
It sounds like your chuch has found a model of great promise. I would like to add , If you considered chroniclly ill and severely handicapped as individual group. Especially semi and total shut-ins who are socially isolated. I will tell you they usually become isolated from freinds and to certain extent from their immediate family. We feel rejected by everyone because we are not fun to be with abd suffering is hard to watch. We also are not big contributers due to our condition.
Please talk to Mark at Disability section on this network.
I didn't realize this was a problem! I am in mid sixties with a chronic illness that keeps me pretty much house bound and in constant discomfort. However, I feel more spiritual than at anytime in my life even though I can't sit through a church service. I wish the church would contact me for service that I can do and have learned through the Grace of God during my life journey. We in last third of life have a lot to offer but people assume because your not capable of most things, you can't contribute.You still have a lot to offer for those who are younger and rarely think about end of life!Thx
I prayed for Trump even though I didn't vote for him or thought he was a good leader. I will have no problem praying for President Biden! I sure my prayers for Trump were answered!
Posted in: When to Reopen Church? (And When to Re-Close)
Thanks Tim
Posted in: Why Must You Be Ordained in Order to Administer Communion/The Lord's Supper?
Thank You Ron,I have been house bound the last 5 yrs due to MS disease. I was once giving communion by a non approved Elder( My brother in law). I was told on the this Netwok that it was wrong. I have never experienced a more spirit filled communion than that one! We both cried after the experience! Both individuals I was in this discussion with later admitted it was real when I asked if were fake then if denomination criteria was not followed. Your post supports what I was trying to say!
Posted in: Church Order Q: Can Elder's Perform the Lord's Supper to Those Who Are Sick or Shut-In?
What you say about the church policy may be true but it is not practical or necessary to provide the shut ins the privilege of celebrating the sacrament. I am one of those shut ins! My pastor does not visit me so some elders came to celebrate the sacrament with me. They didn’t have approval from CO 55! Are you telling me that it was a farce? I enjoyed and worshiped with tears! It’s time to stop thinking about church rules and worship without limitations! Thx
Posted in: Church Order Q: Can Elder's Perform the Lord's Supper to Those Who Are Sick or Shut-In?
Thanks Cedric for your response but I don’t think you understand! It’s not my responsibility to make sure that the Elders have approval from the classis. Especially if it’s not a farce! They aren’t trying to by pass the rules just help out a sick person. You don’t have a lot of extra energy to make sure your Pastors, elders are doing it correctly and going to Classis for approval! I didn’t go against Co55 either, I never knew there was a rule like this nor do I think it’s necessary for my journey with the Lord! I think our church at times puts more thought about the logistics of worship than the act itself! Thanks anyway Cedric, I know your just trying to do something that’s important to you!
Posted in: Church Order Q: Can Elder's Perform the Lord's Supper to Those Who Are Sick or Shut-In?
Thank You Ronald for your suggestion! That sounds like a great solution to address all the concerns of what the church prefers! Incidentally, I didn't lose anything that would require a win/win scenario.I was able to worship the Lord through Lords supper administered by Elders who were consecrated by the Lord to help a sick person! I think , unfortunately it didn’t meet some people’s standards, Cedric is not incorrect either, Co55 does recommend a church ordained person administer the Sacrament! I do appreciate your suggestion even though I don’t think this is a issue! Thx
Posted in: How does your council and congregation go about selecting eligible candidates to serve as deacons and elders?
Hi Mark,
Mark when your "Council reviews and approves names." without the person present, doesn't that mean the council decides who is going to be a candidate?
Ken
Posted in: How does your council and congregation go about selecting eligible candidates to serve as deacons and elders?
Thanks Todd,
Your concern is well founded. It depends on how the church qualifies leadership. Do they veiw leadership in a secular context? We typically look for people that appear successful and friendly. But spiritual leaders does not always come in a nice wrapper.
I believe there should be a interview process where candidates respond to questions from church leadership and the lay body. The questions and answers take away some guess work and bias.
I also think candidates or volunteers should be allowed. Some individuals will never be considered due to appearances or their history.
Ken
Posted in: How does your council and congregation go about selecting eligible candidates to serve as deacons and elders?
Hi Mark,
When the council evaluates the candidates before the casting of lots, do they make the determination with the candidate present? Does he/she have any input?
Thanks
Ken
Posted in: What's a good internet-based method for church backups?
Kyle, Are these server based systems?
Ken
Posted in: How can the church most effectively meet the pastoral care needs in the congregation?
Hi T
It sounds like your chuch has found a model of great promise. I would like to add , If you considered chroniclly ill and severely handicapped as individual group. Especially semi and total shut-ins who are socially isolated. I will tell you they usually become isolated from freinds and to certain extent from their immediate family. We feel rejected by everyone because we are not fun to be with abd suffering is hard to watch. We also are not big contributers due to our condition.
Please talk to Mark at Disability section on this network.
Thanks
Ken
Posted in: Ministry to and With People in the Third Third of Life
I didn't realize this was a problem! I am in mid sixties with a chronic illness that keeps me pretty much house bound and in constant discomfort. However, I feel more spiritual than at anytime in my life even though I can't sit through a church service. I wish the church would contact me for service that I can do and have learned through the Grace of God during my life journey. We in last third of life have a lot to offer but people assume because your not capable of most things, you can't contribute.You still have a lot to offer for those who are younger and rarely think about end of life!Thx
Posted in: One of the Most Political Acts Christians Can Do: Pray for President-Elect Biden
I prayed for Trump even though I didn't vote for him or thought he was a good leader. I will have no problem praying for President Biden! I sure my prayers for Trump were answered!