On Eldership

On Eldership:

“Put What Remained Into Order”

On Sunday, we followed the Word of God together! It was time for us to "put what remained into order." (Titus 1:5). Namely, we installed two elders that will shepherd the flock at Rome International Church. Eldership is meaningful and crucial to the ongoing spiritual growth of the local body. I'll let the apostle Paul take it from here:

26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.  28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.  29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.  31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.  32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
Acts 20:26–32

Paul gives his last face-to-face address to the Ephesian church, specifically to the elders of the Ephesian church.

  • He has been faithful to tell all the whole counsel of God - v. 27

  • Elders, watch yourselves and watch the flock. Why? Because the Holy Spirit (not people) gave you the charge to care for God's church. No one loves the church as much as God; he even spilled his blood for her. - v. 28

    • There are people on the way to tear her apart, and they care nothing for the gathered flock. - v. 29

    • Even among you (baptized, faith-professing members of the Ephesian church), there will be those that divide and draw others away.- v. 30

  • Be alert! How? Admonish the church with the truth of the gospel wholeheartedly for as long as God has you here. - v. 31

  • But you elders can't build the church up or keep it alive. So instead, do what you're office is designed to exemplify:

    • Rest in, marinate in, rely on, and love God and the rock-solid word of his grace

    • God and his grace are what build up a faithful elder. Faithful elders shepherd the church for this very thing:

      • Actively believe in, rest in, God and the truth of his grace.

The elders at RIC take this charge seriously, for your joy in the Lord and his glory. Would you thank the Lord with us for these two new elders and begin to pray for us regularly as we entrust ourselves and the church to God and the word of his grace?

What a joy to walk together in obedience to God's Word,

Loren

Rome International Church