Elder Ordination

I've always wondered about the "laying on of hands".  What is there about the physical touch that makes that ceremony significant?  As I said this morning, this symbolic gesture was used throughout scripture to signify the appointment to leadership.  What did Joshua think when Moses laid hands on him knowing that as the hands were laid on his soulders so was the responsiblity of taking care of the people of God?  As the Apostles laid hands on the Seven, did that experience communicate something to them?  Did Paul and Barnabas feel a sense of empowerment to go on the mission God had called them to when the church in Antioch laid hands on them? 

This morning I decided to do something different as I laid hands on each elder.  One by one I called them by name and spoke words affirming the work Jesus is giving them.  "Shepherd the church of God", I said to the first man.  "Feed my sheep", I urged the next.  One after another I called them by name and gave them their charge.  "Take care of my flock", I said to the third.  Each man looked me in the eye.  Some had the beginnings of tears forming. 

Ten men will now form our shepherding group.  Men of courage, faith and conviction.  Men who understand the task Jesus had laid on their shoulders just as they felt the weight of my hands.  Brothers who have heard the voice of Jesus speaking to them, "Shepherd the church of God", "Feed my sheep," "Take care of my flock."  Shepherds who believe the promises of scripture, "And when the Chief Shepherd apears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." (1 Peter 5:4)  Pray for them and receive them as God's gift to his church.

Whom Should We Choose?

I love the image of sheep following their shepherd.  The shepherd is out front and the sheep go wherever the shepherd goes.  This is such a different picture than that of cowboys herding cattle.  Cowboys use whips and cutting horses to keep the cattle together.  They ride behind the herd and push them forward. 

Elder selection is not asking some cowboys to "ride herd" on the people of God!  Rather, it is the church looking among themselves to see who God has raised up to shepherd his people.  When true shepherds are appointed elders, the people willingly follow their godly leaders in the ways of Christ. 

Ordination of Elders

Before writing the sermon for this morning I looked over some past elder ordination sermons. It's difficult to re-preach sermons because people change; both congregations and preachers. What a joy it was to realize that the sermons preached for elder ordination in the past are no longer needed.

In past sermons I had focused on the congregation being submissive so that the shepherds' job would "be a joy and not a burden." I still believe that as evidenced by my quotation from Hebrews 13:17. However, it seems to me that we have matured as a congregation and do not currently need that lesson. Thankfully, there is a great spirit of unity among us and a willingness to work together and be gracious with those to whom we might disagree.

Instead, I decided to focus attention on showing appreciation for the men we have asked to serve. Nothing makes me want to do a good job like knowing that people are truly thankful and blessed by my work. I know the same is true for our elders. May we all regularly and sincerely let them know that we are always in prayer for them and that our prayers always begin with thanksgiving for God having blessed us with the gift of shepherds.

The Heart of A Shepherd

After church several people expressed interest in purchasing The Way of the Shepherd. According to Amazon it is soon to be released in paperback but they still have hardback copies available. Click here for more details.

It appears my brother's "sheep dung" comments were as accurate as they were humorous. I noticed a number of the more senior members commented on that fact. Perhaps the older we get, and the more we are involved in relationships with people we love, the more we realize how truly messy life can be.

I'm so thankful that God, in his wisdom, saw fit to equip his church with men who can lovingly shepherd the flock. The part of Ezekiel I choose not to read this morning (for the sake of time) talks about the strong sheep taking advantage of the weak. The text mentions these insensitive, abusive sheep eating their fill and then trampling the pasture with their feet (making the grass uneatable) and muddying the water after having their fill of drink. Ezekiel continues, "Because you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak sheep with your horns until you have driven them away, I will save my flock and they will no longer be plundered." (Ezekiel 34:21-22). Perhaps the most unenviable task of congregational shepherds is recognizing the bullies in a congregation and not allowing them to abuse people.

The goal of congregational shepherds is to see the flock grow strong in their faith and commitment to Jesus Christ their Lord. For that to happen the flock must have good solid Bible teaching, protection from abuse, and guidance in practical ways of living the life of a disciple. An awesome task, but God equips his people with everything they need to accomplish his will. This includes godly shepherds. May He bless us as we select these men.

The Function of Elders

I really enjoyed sharing the stage this morning with two of our congregational shepherds. I think it worked out better to hear them speak from their experience of serving in that role rather than to hear me talk about the function of elders in theory.

A lot of people worked behind the scenes to help make our worship service successful this morning. Transitioning our assemblies into the gym is no small task. Since I was gone all last week to take a course in Spiritual Formation at ACU, I really don't know exactly who was involved in the transition. However, I know Alan Richards, Boyce Tate, Scott Shaffer, and David Layman spent many hours setting up. I appreciate their service (and others who I have failed to mention.)