Welcoming new elders and deacons

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. - 1 Timothy 4:7-8

-THIS SUNDAY'S TEXT- Called to Serve

In preparation for this Sunday, please read 1Timothy 3. In this chapter of 1 Timothy, we find two offices of leadership that God gives to the church. One is referred to as “overseer”, which is referring to bishop, pastor, shepherd, elder. The other office is that of a deacon, referring to an attendant, servant, or minister.

In this chapter, you will read the qualifications laid out for elders of the church and deacons of the church. Please read through the chapter and take note of qualifications that are the same or similar, and be mindful of the qualifications that differ according to each office.

It has been almost a year since The River Family nominated men to go through a process of training and testing in regard to serving the church body as deacons. At the same time, the elders of The River also put before the church body 2 men to go through a similar process to serve the body as elders. These men have been through an extended time of training and testing. We have also spent time with these men and their wives for further training.

This calling to serve the body as elder or deacon is a heavy responsibility. And the Scripture has much to say about leaders who serve the body of Christ, especially in the capacity of an elder.

Your leaders will need both your encouragement and prayer as they seek to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ through their service to His Bride – the church.

Notice what 1 Timothy 3:15 says about who we are and our purpose - if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.

We are looking forward to all that God has in store for us this year. May we be found faithful as pillar and buttress of the truth. May we hold up the Word of God with honor and respect and in trust and obedience.

-CONSIDER & MEDITATE-

I pray that you will take time to explore the scriptures regarding church leaders.

-PRAYER & THANKSGIVING- Please pray for the following men and their wives:

Upcoming Elders and their wives: · Mendel and Stephanie Hughes · Rick and Kayla Schmidt

Upcoming Deacons and their wives: · Darryl and Amy Lanning · Joel and Pam Bratton · Matthew Hafer

Let's also remember to have a heart of thanksgiving to the Lord for providing us with these leaders as we keep them before the Lord in prayer.