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" And these were his gifts; some to be apostles, some prophets, some
evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip God's people for work
in his service, to the building up of the body of Christ." Ephesians
4:11-12 (New England Bible)
We are a New Testament Church. As members of the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ) we are committed to sharing in a community of
faith where each person in a local congregation is a minister. The
form of ministry that particular members perform is as varied as those
described by the writer in Ephesians. Some are called to be
pastors, some teachers, some for building up the Body of Christ.
Eldership is an honorable position, and carefully chosen persons are
sought out by the church as fine examples of Christian living.
Persons with a deep level of commitment are needed in today's church.
An Elder is a Shepard
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Serves communion to members confined to home, nursing home, or
hospitals - those who request it.
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Is willing and available to counsels with members on spiritual matters.
Maintain strict confidence when appropriate for pastor and
congregation.
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Is active in loving concern for people.
As a
Celebrator of Life
- Worships as a
means to
express thanksgiving (the Lord's Supper is an event of thanksgiving).
- Provides
opportunities for persons to be drawn
closer to Jesus Christ.
- Prays at the
table.
- Reads the
Scripture.
As a Support
and Counselor
- Maintains a close and
personal relation with pastor and church staff.
- Willingly ministers in
love, situations which are tense and strained.
- Acts as
spiritual advisor to pastor - an elder among elders.
- Encourages
openness, trust and servant hood among elders.
As a Church
Officer
- Serves as member of
church board.
- Keeps
spiritual needs lifted up in decision making of entire congregation.
Meets regularly with the Board of Elders to share with others, plan
special needs in the church and evaluate work done.
- Outlines and
do "housekeeping chores" so that the mechanics of the elders'
tasks do not block the elder's ministry
- Determines
who is to serve and makes it known to all elders
- Planning some
kind of orientation for new elders so that each will know what is
expected.
- Checking with
other committees to develop programs which may benefit many groups
within the church.
- Acquainting
oneself with the manifestations of the work of the area, district,
regional and general church.
- Seeks to
increase the congregation's identify with the larger church.
As a Church Member
- Attends worship
regularly.
Shares concern for deepening spiritual life of the congregation and
oneself.
Seeks to grow in Christian faith by attending church school or study
groups, and reading the Bible and praying daily.
Commits own material resources to the support of the church.
Practices good stewardship of financial resources in support of the
church's total mission.
Lives the Christian faith continuously in being, doing, and sharing
the Good News.
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