Church bulletin:
We had a blessed service last Sunday afternoon as Mwaniki, Tony, and Scott were formally set-apart to be church officers. It was great to see family and friends from other churches join us on this solemn yet joyful occasion. We now have three elders and three deacons. This has been an answer to prayer. We have long needed additions to both the eldership and diaconate. The Lord has provided men with the necessary character, gifting, and desire to undertake these responsibilities. In some ways there is a parallel with baptism. The church recognises the personal faith of an individual and so they are baptised and added to the church. Prayer has been answered and prayer must then earnestly continue. These believers have the rest of their lives walking with Christ in obedience, exercising their gifts, dying to self, resisting temptation, etc.
In a similar way prayer has been answered in recognising and appointing these men and prayer must now earnestly continue. God willing the office bearers in our church will serve for many years to come. Prayer for them doesn’t end once they take up office, it just changes focus. There will be challenges and opportunities; there will be demands of various kinds; there will be trials and temptations, and for all of these things they need your prayers and your support.
1 Thess 5:12-13, “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labour among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.”
Heb 13:7 & 17-18, “Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct…………..Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. 18Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honourably.”
For your encouragement let me remind you………..
* Elders and deacons are God’s gifts to the church.
* Elders and deacons undertake responsibilities that aren’t always easy.
* Elders and deacons are ordinary men with the same struggles as you.
* Elders and deacons in particular face the schemes and temptations of the evil one.
We, the officers of the church are appointed to serve you, the flock of Jesus Christ. And you the members are called upon to support us, encourage us, and pray for us in our responsibilities. In this way we work together for the glory of God.
Andrew