SELECTING NEW LEADERS

SELECTING NEW LEADERS

The Council has just completed the process of selecting candidates to serve in the offices of elder and deacon. This is always an important time in the life of our Church.

​The New Testament puts a high value on the selection of elders and deacons. The Apostle Paul made sure that each church he established had such capable leaders: The Book of Acts says, “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for [the disciples] in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. (Acts 14:28).

Jesus told Peter that if he loved Him, he should “feed his sheep.” Similarly, Paul reminded the Ephesian elders of the responsibility and seriousness of their task when he said: “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28).

The Bible says that those considered for office should be mature in their faith—people who are examples of a Christ-filled life. Paul lays down careful guidelines for identifying potential elders and deacons (1 Timothy 3:1- 13; Tutus 1:5-9).

For these reasons Bethel’s Council takes great care in selecting candidates.

If you are approached to serve as an elder or deacon, please take time to pray and consider it.  Your office bearers have thought and prayed about it and believe you could be a blessing to Bethel Church. Don’t let feelings of inadequacy, or a reluctance to take on extra responsibility, cause you too quickly to say “no” to such an invitation.

On Sunday, March 24, word will go out to those who have been selected. They will be given time to discern whether God is indeed calling them to remain on nomination. A final list of nominees will be presented to the congregation for approval on May 12. Then, on May 26, our new office bearers will be chosen “by lot” from this list.

Let’s all pray that God will lead us to the people He is calling to serve our church as elders and deacons at this time. Please also remember to pray for those who are currently serving in these roles. –Pastor Tom 

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