Re: Electing New Elders -- Qohelet Web Ministry

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Date Posted: 19:57:10 06/07/02 Fri
Author: Doug
Subject: Re: Electing New Elders
In reply to: Melissa Burke 's message, "Electing New Elders" on 18:14:25 06/07/02 Fri

Hi Melissa,

I think Paul is a good example (1Cor.11:1) of one who formally or publically made an effort to introduce himself, and publically declared his intentions to work and worship with a particular church. I suppose we might call it "placing membership."

Of course, I agree with you that one who has submitted to the conditions of salvation, which Jesus has asked us to submit to, is indeed already a member of the Lord's church. An example of this would be the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40).

Paul, too, was a member of the Lord's church following his conversion and we see the apostle immediately working and worshiping with the disciples in Damascus (Acts 9:19-22), yet he would leave there and head over to Jerusalem where he tried to "join" with them ("place membership") and state his intentions about working and worshiping with them (9:26). He was met with opposition, but eventually Barnabas would speak up for Saul/Paul and calm the fears of the folks in the church there.

Should elders think that a person meeting with them is automatically under their care and watch, especially if they are not sure if those individuals want to be under their care and "watch"? I think it goes without saying that the elders want to know their flock and know who is truly a part of it, as well as the rest of the members.

Yes, one who has met the conditions of pardon is a member of the church universal, but it is appropriate and even expedient for a Christian to declare or make known their desire to work and worship with other Christians and make known their desire to serve with that particular group of elders. I believe common sense dictates that it is simply the proper way of making introduction and stating one's intentions. I believe it is proper for the church to know if one is simply visiting as a guest, or wants to simply be an attendee without involvement, or if they intend to identify in the work and service with that particular group of Christians.

As for "voting" for elders; call it voting, picking, choosing, identifying, exposing, or whatever you would like to call it, but it is certainly making public awareness of those who have met the qualifications, characteristics, God ordained description, God's desire for this work, or whatever you would like to call it, that these particular men are worthy of watching over the souls of the flock and sheperding them.

I agree, if a man desires the work, meets the qualifications, and is beyond reproach, (in a humanly reasonable sense), then the church (those who submit to their watch and Scriptural authority) should be made aware, somehow, and in some manner, that he will be or is an elder. Of course, this should go without saying if each member knew the shepherd as the shepherd should know his flock. However, from an expedient standpoint, this is usually done by many by way of some formal process.

Some people, perhaps, make too big of an issue out of the "formal process", while others are so "indifferent" to making any public acknowledgment they simply refuse to ever publically state their intentions toward their brothers and sisters.

Now, as for your situation; you've mentioned that you have already worked in different works or ministries in that particular church, so it should be evident to all, by now, including the wives of the "leaders" that you have in some fashion, publically declared (by your service) that you are willing to share, work and serve with that group and their elders. But, on the other hand, what would it hurt by publically announcing or having the elders to publically announce your desires to serve with that group or that you plan on continuing your commitment to the services of the brethren in that church? It might be edifying for your brethren that you would do so! Just some thoughts.

Brotherly,
Doug

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Replies:

Re: Electing New Elders -- Jay Dee, 09:47:06 06/10/02 Mon

Re: Electing New Elders -- Melissa Burke, 18:25:21 06/12/02 Wed