By Pastor Rob
As a gathering of Jesus’ Church at Heritage we recently adopted a new constitution. One that formalized an eldership including both vocational and lay elders. In many ways, it has brought to the front burner for all of us members the particular role God intended elders to play for His Bride. This has fueled much thought, prayer, and consideration for my own heart personally, to ask, what does it look like for me to serve His Bride as a faithful elder at Heritage?
In this process I have been sharpened in my appreciation for the fact that I am an elder among the flock of God (many thanks to the Holy Spirit speaking through Peter in 1 Peter 5). And as a member among Heritage, how am I loving the elders of Heritage? In what ways am I, as a member, contributing to the fulfillment of the beautiful picture in Ephesians 4: “when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
While meditating on these questions, I came across a recent conversation of two elders and a sermon by one of them (scan QR code below). In both the conversation and his sermon, this dear pastor laid out not only the dynamics of a faithful shepherd of God, but also the response of a healthy flock. While I commend both of his sermons on shepherds and deacons to us at Heritage, I also plan to borrow his helpful framework for myself and pray it helps many of the members at Heritage as well! His framework is a response for members of the flock that is rooted in Paul’s exhortation “to know” (ESV translates it “to respect”) our leaders in the Lord (from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). It is as easy as remembering to buy a vowel (or rather all the vowels):
A – Affirm evidences of God’s grace: When an elder preaches or demonstrates godliness, offer specific feedback. Instead of generic compliments, tell them exactly how a specific point in a sermon convicted or encouraged you.
E – Encourage in the midst of weariness: Serving as an elder is difficult, burden-bearing work. Recognizing that elders can feel fatigued or discouraged, members should actively offer encouragement to help them persevere.
I – Invite them into your life: Share your struggles, prayer requests, or personal burdens with your elders. This allows them to fulfill their role as shepherds who genuinely care for the individuals in their congregation.
O – Openly express concerns: Rather than harboring complaints or opposing your leaders, be willing to share concerns or feedback in a spirit of love. This type of constructive correction can help an elder grow and better serve the church.
U – Uphold them in prayer: Simply and consistently pray for your elders and their work.
Jesus may have warned the people of vows (Matthew 5:33-37), but these vowels are ones with which I look forward to blessing our elders and contributing to our growth together in love. Will you join me?!