Local Church Leadership

Leadership in a local church is really important.  The Apostle Paul (and others) was sure that leaders were appointed in the new churches that were established in those early days.  Paul knew leadership was important then and I believe it is important now.  What did they look for then and what do we look for now in church leaders (elders)?

You can read some basic qualifications in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, as well as, some basic instructions in I Peter 5:1-3.  Simply put, though, spiritual leaders (elders, bishops, overseers) are individuals who are solid in their faith, solid in their family life, and solid in their commitment to the local church family.  They know what it means to be 'sold out' to Christ.  Elders should have a good reputation in the community and in the church.  They are respected for their wisdom and understanding.  They are not quick-tempered or arrogant, and they are gentle.

Two of the most important qualities we find in Elders are 1) the desire and ability to teach, and 2) a very good home life... a supportive, believing spouse and children who are following Christ.  Obviously, none of us are perfect and we're constantly striving for better, but, "...If a man (individual) cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church?" (I Timothy 3:5)

At Christwalk, we are in the process of adding Elders to help oversee, shepherd and instruct the "flock".  My desire as the Lead Elder (Pastor) is to see each of our Elders using the gifts and talents God has placed in them, to be a blessing to our community and to our church.

Just a little note about leadership...

JC

A Monday Thought

It's Monday... Sunday just said good-bye, and I'm thinking about the benefits of belonging to a group of people like my own church family (Christwalk).  Benefits... like knowing you're not alone in a situation, or crisis.  Like being warmed on the inside after a few days of cold, harsh treatment in the 'outside' world.  Like... the satisfaction of walking through life TOGETHER with others.  There really are some great benefits to belonging to a church family.  It makes me question 'Why in the world do people NOT want to be a part of a good church?'   

 We all know we can't make it all alone.  We all know that there is a way to believe and live that is more 'right' and better, than others.  We all know that, in the end, it's not all our fun stuff that will bring us comfort, but our heart turned in the right direction.  Yet, isn't it sometimes a struggle just to make ourselves DO the right things.  Why does reading God's Word sometime seem to be a hardship.  How can quietly communicating with God in prayer be such a battle?  Why would spending an hour or so with others in worship seem to be a drudgery?  The answer is a simple one that we may not want to hear... the truth is... there is a spiritual battle taking place for our soul.  Believe it... God loves you... his Enemy hates you... and in THIS world, the Enemy has a pretty big advantage.  The advantage has to do with the physical container in which our soul and spirit are housed.  It is flesh.  It loves pleasure and runs from anything requiring discipline.  Are we willing to get past the "flesh" in order to experience better things?

OK... I guess that's enough for a Monday morning.  I hope you have a great week!!

JC