We asked all our elders who are not dedicated exclusively to the staff of the Capitol Baptist Church: “Thinking about when you became an old man, what were the first lessons that helped you and an old man the most?”Here are the answers.
Randy Alles (U. S. Marine Corps Officer)
- New Testament elders are called to graze and instruct Church members who will equip the Saints to strengthen the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11.
- 1 Timothy 3.
- 2).
- These are essential responsibilities.
- Which are often overlooked in the daily polishing of operation.
- Of a church.
- But to me it is of the utmost importance.
- Pastor and teaching allow church members to develop maturity in the Lord to be less vulnerable to strange doctrines.
- Cunning of men.
- And deception.
- The Lord and benefits for the believer.
Bill Behrens (Special Advisor on Commercial and Commercial Transactions, State Department)
What best prepared me to serve this congregation as an elder was the congregation itself, this is where many humble Saints care for me and are role models of Christ, this is where I have excellent teaching, where I was first disciplined and had the opportunity to serve and teach others.
Steve Boyer (controller, Salvation Army)
The importance of prayer was emphasized to me shortly after I grew old. The responsibility to care for so many members made me totally dependent on God. Starting our consistory meetings with a time of prayer reminded me that elders should dedicate themselves to worshipping God. , seeking to learn more about God and interceding in prayer according to his will. So watching God keep his promises in the lives of church members for sanctification in our lives is one of my most precious joys, because I see the Holy Spirit acting tangentially in us.
Jamie Dunlop (Research Director, Board of Directors)
1. La importance of a regular prayer ministry for the wounded in our church.
2. Learn from these elders the art of asking tender and kind questions.
3. The importance of listening to older people, recognizing that many situations are not what they seem.
4. Recognize that all Christians (including the elderly) constantly fight and need encouragement (Hebrews 3:13).
5. The usefulness of planning someone’s schedule in advance? Be strategic with people outside of regular disciplinary relationships.
6. Know that no old man is ready for homework. We all act with weakness and without sufficient wisdom, depending on God’s prayer to do His work through us.
Brian Fajito (co-founder of Manas Development Group)
1Pedro 5. 2-3 was a recurring lesson for me, God in his grace called us to be elders, to shepherd his flock (not ours), we are called to lead humbly and to serve as an example, if we want to serve well as Elders, we must continually remember that there is no place for pride in the light of the cross of Christ, and we must pay attention to Paul’s instructions to Timothy : “Do you pay attention to yourself and doctrine?(1 Timothy 4. 16).
Michael Griffin (Senior Programming Analyst, Office of the Director of National Intelligence)
There are many lessons I learned when I became an old man I still depend on today. First, I was surprised at how we always started each difficult topic with the scriptures, looking to find practical applications and political deviations.
Second, as I sat among pious brethren in Christ, I learned how essential it is to listen attentively to others and to be late to speak. Finally, I was (and still am) amazed by the desperate need to support everything we do with prayer. ? Because if we are not led by God, everything is in vain.
Jim Hollenbach (president, simulation strategies)
Although Mark Dever has well-deserved qualities, knowledge, experience, and reputation that surpass those of us sitting at the table, he relies on God’s plan for the leadership of the local church through a plurality of elders and humbly submits to the wisdom of college when I find myself thinking, “Am I right despite belonging to a minority?” , God’s promises and Mark’s example encouraged me to defend this sinful pride and joyfully accept the choices of my former companions.
Papu Sandu (Lead Litigation Advisor, Department of Justice)
One of the clearest lessons was a great understanding of the importance of prayer for an old man’s ministry, either in private prayer or with other elders. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve with such pious and prayerful men, and this has had a great impact on me. A second lesson is the need to cultivate a deep and fervent love for the members of our congregation; a love that seriously wants to see you prosper spiritually. This, I think, is at the heart of an old man’s work and that my brothers have modeled so well for me.
March 2007
Translation: Matheus Fernandes. Revisor: Yago Martins. © 2016 Faithful Ministério. All rights reserved. Website: MinisterioFiel. com. br. Original: a forum for alumni
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