Foundations: Elders - SERMON NOTES

Intro: (1) elder-led → selection process, qual’s (3) pastor/shepherd/overseer (4) duties → meetings, SGL oversight, communion, counsel/prayer (5) current team → B, J, M, C, A rotating off (6) upcoming JH TT shift (7) inserts → member responsibility, only role for only men (8) four aspects of character to look for

Four Characteristics of Character
1. Grounded in Christ (1-2, 5): (1) biblical character grounded in one’s identity in Christ (2) four descriptions → justified by faith, peace with God, access to grace, HS-based love (3) importance → earthly vs. supernatural wisdom, under-shepherds vs. THE shepherd, humility vs. self- importance (4) example → pausing to pray in meetings

2. Formed over time (3-4): (1) 1 Timothy 1 → not a recent convert, household mgmt (2) biblical character sanctified via process of suffering/endurance/character/hope (3) importance → danger of premature leadership, consistency key, varied experiences help (4) examples → eldering can’t be hurried, many decisions not black/white

3. Emerges under pressure (3-4): (1) “pressure” words → endure, suffer (2) unlikely combo with rejoicing → HOW? (3) spiritually mature people have learned that God works through struggle (4) importance → elders under consistent pressure (cf. member care, staffing, finances, criticisms, personal life) (5) perilous privilege → 2 Cor. 11:28 (6) trust vs. suspicion

4. Discerned in community: (1) not explicitly in this passage but seen elsewhere (2) Macedonian churches in 2 Cor. 8:1-3, Timothy in Philipp. 2:19-22 (3) congregation participation critical in identifying potential elders (4) considerations → those active in service, posture of humility and kindness and gentleness, love for and capacity in both scripture and people, active/present

Elder Interview: (1) how would you describe your experience as an elder these last three years? (2) what has brought you the most joy as an elder and what has been a difficulty of being an elder? (3) what do you most appreciate about our church family? (4) what counsel would you give the church family as we enter into elder identification? (5) would you close this time by praying for our congregation?

Conclusion: (1) Andy → benev bg, second stint, humor, most margin (season of life), caring for care-givers, checking in on me, correcting me, “tough on issues, gentle on people” (2) inserts in w.guide