Sidney Moyer Called to
Serve As Elder
With the Presidential elections now
history, I had to reflect on the difference with which we “choose” our
spiritual leaders.
There are numerous scriptures that give
qualifications of those who “rule” over us whether they be overseers,
deacons, pastors or elders. These
characteristics include reverence, genuine faith, good reputation in
community and brotherhood, well-mannered households, not greedy for money
or given to wine.
I quote from the “Kingdom Dynamics”
in I Timothy 3 in the Spirit
Filled New Life Bible.
“The dominant idea among New Testament leaders was that the
ministry belonged to whole believing community.
The ordination of leaders was primarily the selecting of
individuals of proven maturity and character to lead so the whole church
could function effectively in worship, service, outreach, and the
fulfillment of individual spiritual gifts.
The qualifications for church leaders are carefully outlined in I
Timothy 3: 1-13 and Titus 1: 5-9. They
do not emphasize family line or some past rite as the Old Testament
priesthood did. Instead the focus is on the leader’s certified and
sustained ethical character. There
are over a dozen significant qualities expected, which include spiritual
preparedness, self-control, social graciousness, domestic order, and holy
living. The basis for continual ministry is continual commitment to
character….”
What would happen if this became the
criteria for our national leaders?
What if slander would mean immediate dismissal from the election
process? What if
purity was a prerequisite? What
if self-control was a virtue?
In God’s upside down kingdom, one’s
faith is not a liability. Elders
serve, not rule. Holy living
is required not optional. Domestic order is essential.
Self-control is a lifestyle. Social
graces are expected. Paul says
in I Timothy 3: 9 that genuine faith and spiritual maturity is absolute.
“They
must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.”
(NIV)
At PMC we
choose our elders through a discerning process which involves prayer,
congregational input and commissioning.
The congregation has called Sidney Moyer to serve as elder.
Sidney says, “I was
surprised as I had not visualized myself as serving in this position.
I am willing to be used by God and it is a step of faith for me to
accept this calling.”
Our Elder Team:
Tim Kennell, Pastor,
Ron Moyer,
Chairman
Sidney Moyer, Gene Schaefer, and Wally
Schaefer
By
Pat Hertzler
|