As I begin my TEFL course tomorrow, an intense 4 wk. every week day, all day affair, I probably won't be able to write very many blog entries. So here's one for the road. Quiet week, T'day with my roommate, a former cook who did himself proud. Very blessed to fellowship with the saints. Almost as many visitors as regulars; every week is different. My friend Doug, whom I've known since '93 has concluded a twenty-eight year military career. God has transformed him into a spiritual father. "For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel." ( I Cor. 4:15 ESV)
My friends Ross and Trina, an itinerant ministry couple, also visited us for the second time this month. God is opening doors for them all over the country. At the moment they are poised to minister the gospel in Nantucket. We had the privilege of hearing some testimonies from them.
Our brother Matt W shared on the theme of persecution both from the Word and current examples. "Remember the word that I said to you. A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours." (John 15:20 ESV) "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted..." (2 Tim 3:12) "So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him." (2 Cor. 5:9 ESV)
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
And He Praises Her
While reflecting on a situation that I am attempting to help in this week, the Holy Spirit reminded me of a verse in Proverbs 31. Towards the end of a passage about the "virtuous woman" or "the wife of noble character," the Word says, "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." (Prov. 31:28 ESV)I believe this is a crucial ingredient of the husband's servant leadership in the home. He must express sincere appreciation and thankfulness to his wife. If I am correct in my interpretation of the creation of Eve in Genesis 2, then God has created men to initiate and women to respond. This divine order can be thwarted by many things but if we put it into practice we should eventually see good results. What we sow we shall reap. (Gal. 6:7) I suggest short, straightforward praise and appreciation. Don't try to be clever or say things that have multiple potential interpretations.
A quiet week although I finally submitted my application to take a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language)course at a local language school. I start the intensive, 4 week, 10-5 every week day plus homework course on Monday. Appreciate your prayers that I do well. Maybe my blog entries will improve. "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." (Habakkuk 2:14 ESV)
A quiet week although I finally submitted my application to take a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language)course at a local language school. I start the intensive, 4 week, 10-5 every week day plus homework course on Monday. Appreciate your prayers that I do well. Maybe my blog entries will improve. "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." (Habakkuk 2:14 ESV)
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The Assault on Paul
Recently I have heard a number of attacks on the validity of the New Testament writings of Paul the Apostle. One consisted of a dream, allegedly from Jesus Christ, in which He told the dreamer that Paul's letters were in error. Another person told me that “Jesus would rebuke Paul” for certain things that he had written. A third individual told me that Paul's letters were relevant only to their original recipients and not to anyone of subsequent times. This represents the tip of the iceberg of the assault on Paul. I should not be surprised at these statements since Paul suffered opposition during his ministry.
Some take a different tack and refer to several instances where Paul gave his opinion and come to the conclusion that they can ignore him on those grounds. What does the Bible say? Can we dismiss, or ignore or pick and choose among the eighty-seven chapters and over two thousand verses penned by Paul? Or is this an illegitimate exercise based on a false teaching that denies the inspiration, inerrancy and authority of the whole Bible?
In the second letter to Timothy, chapter three, verse sixteen, we read that “All Scripture is breathed out by God.” Peter the apostle writes in his second letter (1:16-21) that the prophetic word is more sure that his personal experience with Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration. He writes, “Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” The direct involvement of the Holy Spirit in the process of writing the Bible is crucial. Often referred to as dual authorship, it means that the Holy Spirit superintended the recording of the words of the Bible thus changing it from ancient writing to the Word of God.
The New Testament is replete with examples of the involvement of the Holy Spirit. For example, in Acts 1:16 Peter says, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David...” Mark 12:36 references Jesus saying, “David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared... and proceeds to quote from Psalm 110. Hebrews 3:7 records “Therefore as the Holy Spirit says, “ and quotes from Psalm 95. Later in the same letter (10:15ff) the author writes, “And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us, for after saying,” and quotes from Jeremiah 31:33. And no wonder for Jesus promised that the Father would give us a Helper, the Spirit of truth (John 14:16-17), and that He would teach and remind us everything that Jesus said. (John 14:25-26) The Spirit will guide us into all truth (John 16:13), which Jesus tells us is His Word. (John 17:17)
Can we somehow separate Paul's writings from this work of the Holy Spirit? Ironically some of those who claim to be most led by the Spirit do this because they don't understand that the Holy Spirit does not contradict Himself. He does not have one thing written in the Word and then tell you or I something completely different.
A perusal of 1 Cor. 4:18-21 reveals that those who resist Paul will have the authority of the Lord shown to them. “For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.” (V. 20) In 14:37 Paul writes, “If anyone thinks he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.” In both 2 Corinthians 10:8 and 13:10 Paul asserts that he has received authority from the Lord.
After Paul planted churches in the region of Galatia he faced resistance to his gospel. He insists that he received his apostleship from God directly, not through men (Gal. 1:1); that he received his gospel through a revelation of Jesus Christ, not through men; (Gal 1:12) and that those who were influential in the church (other apostles) added nothing to his message. (Gal 2:6)
The Thessalonians received the Word of God through Paul. “And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.” (2 Thess 2:13ESV) Are they dismissing, ignoring, or picking and choosing among the things written to them? I think not.
Paul states to Titus and the brethren in Crete that he was an apostle of Jesus Christ, “for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth... manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior.” (Titus 1:1-3) Do we have the audacity to say that God did not command that Paul be entrusted with His word?
Finally we have the second letter of Peter who writes, “And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given to him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks to them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and the unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.” (2 Peter 3:15-17 ESV) Peter explicitly equates Paul's letters with Scripture and warns his readers not to get carried away with the errors of lawless people. We may not like what Paul wrote, or we may not understand certain things but it is a staggering level of hubris (arrogance/self importance) to arrogate for ourselves whether we will deny any or all of Paul's writing as divinely inspired.
As for whether we should follow Paul's “opinions” in 1 Corinthians 7:25 and 40, have any of us been taken up into the third heaven and heard things which it is not lawful for a man to utter? ( 2 Cor. 12:1-4) Do we have his credentials of suffering for the faith of Christ? ( 2 Cor. 11:21-29) Have we manifested the signs of a true apostle? ( 2 Cor. 12:12) Can we truly say “Be imitators of me as I am of Christ?” ( 1 Cor. 11:1 cf. Phil 3:17, 2 Thess 2:14) Have we worked harder than all the other apostles, planted churches and been entrusted with writing a large portion of the New Testament? I'd much rather have Paul's opinion than anyone now living.
Some take a different tack and refer to several instances where Paul gave his opinion and come to the conclusion that they can ignore him on those grounds. What does the Bible say? Can we dismiss, or ignore or pick and choose among the eighty-seven chapters and over two thousand verses penned by Paul? Or is this an illegitimate exercise based on a false teaching that denies the inspiration, inerrancy and authority of the whole Bible?
In the second letter to Timothy, chapter three, verse sixteen, we read that “All Scripture is breathed out by God.” Peter the apostle writes in his second letter (1:16-21) that the prophetic word is more sure that his personal experience with Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration. He writes, “Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” The direct involvement of the Holy Spirit in the process of writing the Bible is crucial. Often referred to as dual authorship, it means that the Holy Spirit superintended the recording of the words of the Bible thus changing it from ancient writing to the Word of God.
The New Testament is replete with examples of the involvement of the Holy Spirit. For example, in Acts 1:16 Peter says, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David...” Mark 12:36 references Jesus saying, “David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared... and proceeds to quote from Psalm 110. Hebrews 3:7 records “Therefore as the Holy Spirit says, “ and quotes from Psalm 95. Later in the same letter (10:15ff) the author writes, “And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us, for after saying,” and quotes from Jeremiah 31:33. And no wonder for Jesus promised that the Father would give us a Helper, the Spirit of truth (John 14:16-17), and that He would teach and remind us everything that Jesus said. (John 14:25-26) The Spirit will guide us into all truth (John 16:13), which Jesus tells us is His Word. (John 17:17)
Can we somehow separate Paul's writings from this work of the Holy Spirit? Ironically some of those who claim to be most led by the Spirit do this because they don't understand that the Holy Spirit does not contradict Himself. He does not have one thing written in the Word and then tell you or I something completely different.
A perusal of 1 Cor. 4:18-21 reveals that those who resist Paul will have the authority of the Lord shown to them. “For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.” (V. 20) In 14:37 Paul writes, “If anyone thinks he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.” In both 2 Corinthians 10:8 and 13:10 Paul asserts that he has received authority from the Lord.
After Paul planted churches in the region of Galatia he faced resistance to his gospel. He insists that he received his apostleship from God directly, not through men (Gal. 1:1); that he received his gospel through a revelation of Jesus Christ, not through men; (Gal 1:12) and that those who were influential in the church (other apostles) added nothing to his message. (Gal 2:6)
The Thessalonians received the Word of God through Paul. “And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.” (2 Thess 2:13ESV) Are they dismissing, ignoring, or picking and choosing among the things written to them? I think not.
Paul states to Titus and the brethren in Crete that he was an apostle of Jesus Christ, “for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth... manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior.” (Titus 1:1-3) Do we have the audacity to say that God did not command that Paul be entrusted with His word?
Finally we have the second letter of Peter who writes, “And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given to him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks to them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and the unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.” (2 Peter 3:15-17 ESV) Peter explicitly equates Paul's letters with Scripture and warns his readers not to get carried away with the errors of lawless people. We may not like what Paul wrote, or we may not understand certain things but it is a staggering level of hubris (arrogance/self importance) to arrogate for ourselves whether we will deny any or all of Paul's writing as divinely inspired.
As for whether we should follow Paul's “opinions” in 1 Corinthians 7:25 and 40, have any of us been taken up into the third heaven and heard things which it is not lawful for a man to utter? ( 2 Cor. 12:1-4) Do we have his credentials of suffering for the faith of Christ? ( 2 Cor. 11:21-29) Have we manifested the signs of a true apostle? ( 2 Cor. 12:12) Can we truly say “Be imitators of me as I am of Christ?” ( 1 Cor. 11:1 cf. Phil 3:17, 2 Thess 2:14) Have we worked harder than all the other apostles, planted churches and been entrusted with writing a large portion of the New Testament? I'd much rather have Paul's opinion than anyone now living.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Fellowshipping with the Brethren
Wednesday evening I had the privilege of praying with Ken and Steve. Thank God for their willingness to to seek Him together, and to counsel about several themes. "Behold how good and how pleasant it is when brothers gather together in unity." (Psalm 133:1 ESV) Stayed overnight at Steve & Donna's home. Thanks for your hospitality. Off Thursday morning to see my good friend John. He has suffered through some dangerous health issues recently, and I particularly wished to know what God has been revealing to him in this time. He mentioned a strong sense of the presence of God, and appreciation for even the little things like a drink of water. May all of us exhibit the same faith and dependence on God when our time of trial comes.
Thursday afternoon I visited Ben & Jill & their baby girl. She has gained a little peach fuzz on her scalp and had the most enjoyable time playing in a plastic laundry basket. Ben & I discussed creation, and eldership a little bit, but I had gotten there later than I had hoped and he needed to go. That evening our brother Matt joined me on a visit to our brother Nick. He is a new brother that has committed himself to our fellowship. I was delighted with the course of our time together. Only the Holy Spirit can work in us the blend of gentleness and firmness that we need in our interaction with one another. Looking forward to more time spent with Nick.
Friday morning disappeared into the bowels of the T (Boston's subway system) and emerged at Harvard, where I met with our brother Gary. We are (slowly) working our way through Romans, concentrating on 8:18-25 this time. We also prayed and counseled together. He is in the last year of a doctoral program and has begun job interviews. I think he looks forward to this new season of life. Finally this morning brothers from our house church met together to explore the topics of the purpose of the Church, and what structure best facilitates its fullfillment. We explored the reality that Jesus did not stay on earth to establish the church but gave that responsibility to the apostles under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Believers rely on the teaching of the apostles for our doctrine. Why not our practice as well?
Thursday afternoon I visited Ben & Jill & their baby girl. She has gained a little peach fuzz on her scalp and had the most enjoyable time playing in a plastic laundry basket. Ben & I discussed creation, and eldership a little bit, but I had gotten there later than I had hoped and he needed to go. That evening our brother Matt joined me on a visit to our brother Nick. He is a new brother that has committed himself to our fellowship. I was delighted with the course of our time together. Only the Holy Spirit can work in us the blend of gentleness and firmness that we need in our interaction with one another. Looking forward to more time spent with Nick.
Friday morning disappeared into the bowels of the T (Boston's subway system) and emerged at Harvard, where I met with our brother Gary. We are (slowly) working our way through Romans, concentrating on 8:18-25 this time. We also prayed and counseled together. He is in the last year of a doctoral program and has begun job interviews. I think he looks forward to this new season of life. Finally this morning brothers from our house church met together to explore the topics of the purpose of the Church, and what structure best facilitates its fullfillment. We explored the reality that Jesus did not stay on earth to establish the church but gave that responsibility to the apostles under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Believers rely on the teaching of the apostles for our doctrine. Why not our practice as well?
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Leadership Tips
One of the positive effects of multiplying house churches is the need this creates for maturity and development of gifts in the individuals involved. A regular church of two hundred only requires one teacher, one worship facilitator etc. Ten house churches of twenty people each needs a minimum of ten who can teach, ten who can facilitate worship, ten who exercise hospitality by allowing the saints to gather in their homes, and can utilize many more. The other side of the coin is that lack of leadership hinders the multiplication of home based gatherings. It becomes incumbent on those whom God has called to lead to equip and mentor others. This results in the development of gifts in people that would otherwise lie dormant in a setting where they really weren't needed.
The following are a handful of tips for leaders to consider.
A. Those who take responsibility need to followup on things. Far too little is typically accomplished on the first attempt. Perseverance is the key.
B. Thank people for doing even the littlest things. Acknowledgment and recognition of people's efforts go a long way.
C. Don't try to solve every problem yourself. Ask others for their ideas and solutions. If at all possible agree with them. You will probably receive some good ideas and will help people feel that they are valuable.
D. Communicate, communicate,communicate. E-mail, phone and in person. It is much more difficult for the enemy to derail Kingdom work if we know what one another is thinking.
E. Love. God (and others) have put up with an awful lot from us over the years. We need to bear with one another.
F. In working with a troublesome person, do your best to establish trust and relationship. Ask God to help you discern why a person is doing what they are doing. Most responses are triggered by a current stimulus but fueled by a person's past experiences. But don't put up with defiance.
Josh, thanks for being used of God to draw these things out of me.
The following are a handful of tips for leaders to consider.
A. Those who take responsibility need to followup on things. Far too little is typically accomplished on the first attempt. Perseverance is the key.
B. Thank people for doing even the littlest things. Acknowledgment and recognition of people's efforts go a long way.
C. Don't try to solve every problem yourself. Ask others for their ideas and solutions. If at all possible agree with them. You will probably receive some good ideas and will help people feel that they are valuable.
D. Communicate, communicate,communicate. E-mail, phone and in person. It is much more difficult for the enemy to derail Kingdom work if we know what one another is thinking.
E. Love. God (and others) have put up with an awful lot from us over the years. We need to bear with one another.
F. In working with a troublesome person, do your best to establish trust and relationship. Ask God to help you discern why a person is doing what they are doing. Most responses are triggered by a current stimulus but fueled by a person's past experiences. But don't put up with defiance.
Josh, thanks for being used of God to draw these things out of me.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Steadfast love of God
Thursday morning met with our brother Josh for good fellowship and interaction not to mention an Anna's burrito. That evening met with the support/accountability bros, something I always need. Worked all week on the English grammar book I had purchased on Monday, taking notes and cudgeling my failing memory to retain what I read. Finally finished it tonight and will start at the beginning again tomorrow.
Had breakfast with M. T. this morning, discussing business issues. Blueberry pancakes at Terrie's Restaurant. Blessed today by numerous visitors to our house church gathering, including three college friends of Alex's, an itinerant couple named Ross & Trina, and our brother Steve, an elder in an HC in York, ME. Delighted with the hospitality of Dan and Julie, in our first time at their home. Hospitality is such an under rated gift. Steve spoke about coming to know God as Father, and about the need for developing leaders while Ross shared about the amazing ministry journey that God has taken him and his wife Trina on. I had an opportunity to give a reflection on the love of God manifested in my life and eight volunteers read verses on His love. Josh, Dan, Mary and Trina facilitated worship. Thank you, Jesus. I am exhilarated at what I see God doing. May we respond to it.
Had breakfast with M. T. this morning, discussing business issues. Blueberry pancakes at Terrie's Restaurant. Blessed today by numerous visitors to our house church gathering, including three college friends of Alex's, an itinerant couple named Ross & Trina, and our brother Steve, an elder in an HC in York, ME. Delighted with the hospitality of Dan and Julie, in our first time at their home. Hospitality is such an under rated gift. Steve spoke about coming to know God as Father, and about the need for developing leaders while Ross shared about the amazing ministry journey that God has taken him and his wife Trina on. I had an opportunity to give a reflection on the love of God manifested in my life and eight volunteers read verses on His love. Josh, Dan, Mary and Trina facilitated worship. Thank you, Jesus. I am exhilarated at what I see God doing. May we respond to it.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Soaking
Normally when I wake in the morning I get up and do something like preparing breakfast or using the facilities. On Monday I just lay there for almost an hour, reflecting on and receiving the love of God. He reminded me of the misery that my life contained before I truly knew His love, and reviewed the journey by which He persuaded me of it. Verses like Psalm 31:7 (I will rejoice and be glad in your love, for you have seen my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul), Nahum 1:7 ( The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble, He cares for those who trust in Him, and Romans 5:8 (but God shows His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us) and its companion, Romans 5:5 (and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us) paraded through my memory.
I had lived the Christian life the way I thought it should be done rather than allowing Him to live it through me. This had caused me to come to a place of utter devastation, and caused harm to many others. Yet when I finally came to the end of myself, He gave me another chance, and through a lengthy season of confession and repentance, restored me to Himself. Thank you God, for reminding me of these things as I soaked in your presence.
Had good fellowship with our brother Dale K. It seems that God often places us in situations, like work, that we can't easily get out of, in order to do His work in us. I liken it to spiritual vise grips, securing us so that the sanctifying Spirit can make us more like Christ.
Wednesday evening concluded our mini-series on the Kingdom of God. Our brother Matt W spoke of the rulers of the two kingdoms, Jesus of the kingdom of God, and the devil of the kingdom of darkness, using their diametrically opposed attributes to illustrate the differences between them.
I had lived the Christian life the way I thought it should be done rather than allowing Him to live it through me. This had caused me to come to a place of utter devastation, and caused harm to many others. Yet when I finally came to the end of myself, He gave me another chance, and through a lengthy season of confession and repentance, restored me to Himself. Thank you God, for reminding me of these things as I soaked in your presence.
Had good fellowship with our brother Dale K. It seems that God often places us in situations, like work, that we can't easily get out of, in order to do His work in us. I liken it to spiritual vise grips, securing us so that the sanctifying Spirit can make us more like Christ.
Wednesday evening concluded our mini-series on the Kingdom of God. Our brother Matt W spoke of the rulers of the two kingdoms, Jesus of the kingdom of God, and the devil of the kingdom of darkness, using their diametrically opposed attributes to illustrate the differences between them.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Accelerating
On Monday sat in on a class for people in training to teach ESL. It's been forty years since i studied English grammar & i haven't taken a college course for twenty. Currently praying about taking this course in order to teach at a language school.
While thankful for the results of the elections on Tuesday, I know i can place no faith in the world's economic or political systems.
My very good friend John was in the hospital all week with a severe bacterial infection. Am thanking God for the prayers that have gone before the throne of God on his behalf. Had good fellowship with brothers Ken & Steve this week.
Saturday morning met with some brothers from our church to explore the theme of eldership and that of brotherhood. I believe the latter is far more important. Drove out to Worcester to pray for John in the hospital, then to CT. to see my brother Kevin, then on to Burnie & Meghan's for the Mansfield HC gathering. Shared a sampling of Paul's prayers for the churches with them. Spent the night with Dale & Helen in their oasis of serenity before driving to Boston this morning.
Fellowshipped with a group in Dorchester at Mom McCoy's house. So thankful for their hospitality. Our brother Jim taught on the theme of God has made us somebody. Each group I visit is unique and special in God's sight. Finally I went to my home house church. We are transitioning out of a church planting phase into a new season. Taught on the gospel, utilizing points from the book, "What is the Gospel?" by Greg Gilbert. Also enjoyed good fellowship over the phone with our brothers Matt D. & Matt W.
While thankful for the results of the elections on Tuesday, I know i can place no faith in the world's economic or political systems.
My very good friend John was in the hospital all week with a severe bacterial infection. Am thanking God for the prayers that have gone before the throne of God on his behalf. Had good fellowship with brothers Ken & Steve this week.
Saturday morning met with some brothers from our church to explore the theme of eldership and that of brotherhood. I believe the latter is far more important. Drove out to Worcester to pray for John in the hospital, then to CT. to see my brother Kevin, then on to Burnie & Meghan's for the Mansfield HC gathering. Shared a sampling of Paul's prayers for the churches with them. Spent the night with Dale & Helen in their oasis of serenity before driving to Boston this morning.
Fellowshipped with a group in Dorchester at Mom McCoy's house. So thankful for their hospitality. Our brother Jim taught on the theme of God has made us somebody. Each group I visit is unique and special in God's sight. Finally I went to my home house church. We are transitioning out of a church planting phase into a new season. Taught on the gospel, utilizing points from the book, "What is the Gospel?" by Greg Gilbert. Also enjoyed good fellowship over the phone with our brothers Matt D. & Matt W.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Eldership
Recently my attention has been drawn to the theme of eldership in a house church context. In the nineteen area house churches that I have any degree of relationship with, only a very few have tackled this question in a way reflecting NT patterns. (I recognize that virtually all groups have people who function as elders or leaders) It is an issue whose time has come. As I reflect on it, I believe that certain key elements are necessary.
A. Elders are male (Note the phrase husband of one wife in both 1 Tim 3 & Titus 1)
B. They aspire to the task (Again 1 Tim 3:1)
C. Their wives are willing to make the sacrifice required of them in allowing their husband to give time and energy to the saints. They believe their marriage is healthy enough to stand the strain.
D. The would be elders meet the detailed qualifications laid out in 1 Tim 3 & Titus 1 including humility, the indispensable ingredient for any leader, expressed in Acts 20:19 & 1 Peter 5:1-7
E. The consensus of the church acknowledges what God has done in the candidate's life to develop in him the godly character and servant leader qualities of an elder
F. The ekklesia prays for and lays hands on the brother publicly
G. There is some form of outside validation, i.e. mature brethren from outside the group who also bear witness although the consensus of the church, as people directly affected by his ministry, is more important.
The above is intended as a working outline rather than a definitive doctrinal statement.
A. Elders are male (Note the phrase husband of one wife in both 1 Tim 3 & Titus 1)
B. They aspire to the task (Again 1 Tim 3:1)
C. Their wives are willing to make the sacrifice required of them in allowing their husband to give time and energy to the saints. They believe their marriage is healthy enough to stand the strain.
D. The would be elders meet the detailed qualifications laid out in 1 Tim 3 & Titus 1 including humility, the indispensable ingredient for any leader, expressed in Acts 20:19 & 1 Peter 5:1-7
E. The consensus of the church acknowledges what God has done in the candidate's life to develop in him the godly character and servant leader qualities of an elder
F. The ekklesia prays for and lays hands on the brother publicly
G. There is some form of outside validation, i.e. mature brethren from outside the group who also bear witness although the consensus of the church, as people directly affected by his ministry, is more important.
The above is intended as a working outline rather than a definitive doctrinal statement.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Regional Gathering
On Sunday received the joy & privilege of attending a New England wide gathering of saints meeting in homes. At least ten different groups were represented. We met in the gym of a Christian school for fellowship, the Lord's Supper as a full meal, praise and interactive sharing. We deeply appreciative the labor of love by the Sutton group, aided by the Whitinsville group in hosting this time. We also appreciate Paul, Donna, and Nic, our musicians that facilitated our worship of the King. On a personal level I was blessed with one on one times with Nick, Ed, Tom as well as connecting different people together. Very blessed to have the northern contingent from NH & ME come in numbers.
Also very thankful to God for the opportunity to pray for our brother Bruce as he leaves for a missionary journey in Asia, and to give him the opportunity to share his heart for New England. Bruce is a strategic thinker, a man who has a worldwide vision, and one who has patiently networked throughout the Body of Christ for years. I am thankful to have him in our midst.
I also want to recognize our brother Matt W, and the catalytic work that God continues to do through him. Some years ago I organized and hosted two smaller scale regional gatherings in a park in N. Reading. After the second year I got discouraged. Matt picked up the ball, changed the venue, and took the vision to the next level before handing it off to the Sutton group last year.
Also very thankful to God for the opportunity to pray for our brother Bruce as he leaves for a missionary journey in Asia, and to give him the opportunity to share his heart for New England. Bruce is a strategic thinker, a man who has a worldwide vision, and one who has patiently networked throughout the Body of Christ for years. I am thankful to have him in our midst.
I also want to recognize our brother Matt W, and the catalytic work that God continues to do through him. Some years ago I organized and hosted two smaller scale regional gatherings in a park in N. Reading. After the second year I got discouraged. Matt picked up the ball, changed the venue, and took the vision to the next level before handing it off to the Sutton group last year.
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