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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Leading part 9

If you think back to your years in school, we can all recall "teachers" that we found totally boring and those who opened a world that we hadn't seen before. What is the difference? For sure one of the characteristics is an enthusiasm to pass on knowledge on a subject that they truly loved. As they would teach that passion would show through. Its kinda like a cold virus, you can't see it with the eye but your bound to catch it. That is our topic of today. The ability for an elder to teach is a characteristic that can be easily abused, misunderstood and all around confusing. This doesn't mean that they know everything, or that when they teach everyone stops what they are doing and rushes over as though in a trance. It doesn't mean that they are gifted in teaching, although some will be for sure.

The Greek term is very simply, instruct through teaching. To instruct someone is to show them the way they should go, through revealing of truth. The intention of teaching/instructing is to bring about action. As a pastor I always try to look at the irreducible minimum and what is the application in my life. Elders are indeed expected to be able to help us on our way through teaching. Regardless if it is one on one or a group, an elder must be able to share the truths of scripture and explain what the relevance is. The Holy Spirit will get hold of a person and bring about change and conviction if need be as the elder is submissive to the Lords instruction in their own lives. For an elder to teach he must be in the Word and have an understanding which is confirmation of an elders calling to overseeing a flock. Many look to the pastors for instruction but Biblically speaking all elders should be ready to teach. Why not spend a moment as you consider these truths to pray for your elders and the ministry they are called to? Pray for a strong walk and wisdom as well as discernment as they fill the office of elder.
In it with you
Mark

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

leading part 8

I remember visiting with a leader in a church who explained that they recently had some friends over from Egypt who disputed their faith. They used a different name to pray and this was a point of contention to the couples. They went on to explain that in order to keep the piece and remain "hospitable" they decided to pray in both names and that way they didn't offend their guests. I look at this example and see a gross misunderstanding of what it means to be hospitable. This exact word found here in 1st Timothy is only used 3 times and two of the times are used to describe elders, the third time found in 1st Peter is to all of us. It is important to note that the element of hospitality isn't just opening your home or providing a meal, although these certainly can be, but it is also a heart posture of truly caring for guests. It takes cordial to a new level and brings a warmth and genuine concern for others. It seems that many times Gods blessings that He has bestowed on us are what we use to be hospitable. All that being said let me go back to our opening illustration of the leader praying in a different name. Hospitality has no connection to putting aside our faith to not be offensive. In other words as 2nd Cor. 11:4 warns to be on guard against those preaching another Jesus other than what the Word of God teaches. We can still be hospitable and stand firm in our faith. Hospitality should never be viewed as conflicting with our faith. In deed it is many times an avenue to introduce your guests to Jesus Christ. They may just leave the dinner party with a different Spirit than which they came in.
As a side note, this weeks challenge for the 42 day commitment challenge is focused on celebration. How you doing this week with your celebration in Christ? If you need a daily devo booklet or clarification let me know.
In it with you
Mark