"To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away" (1 Peter 5:1-4).
A few years ago, an elder of the Jenks Church led a unique Wednesday evening Bible class. Rather than meeting in a classroom as usual, he invited everyone interested to join him in the lobby. From there, we traveled around the area visiting our elderly and disabled members who had difficulty making it to our Wednesday evening classes. We visited some in their homes and others in a nursing home. I knew some of our members, but due to their long-term health problems, I had never met others. We were able to sit and visit, read a few verses from the Bible, and pray with some of our great saints.
I will never forget those summer classes. A great elder showed me what a true pastor looks like: a man who takes care of his flock, especially the members who would be easy to overlook.
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3 comments:
awesome!
This is truely a great story. I think we need to define minstry along the lines you just mentioned.
Please post on what other ways we can include those left on the sidelines.
Christy,
Thanks for the comment!
Mike,
I appreciate your comments, too. I agree that my former elder's actions and attitudes define ministry. I will need to think about your suggestion about other ways to include people left on the sidelines. I have not given it as much thought as I should, but if I think about other ways that I have seen it happen, I will try to share those ideas. Thanks for continually provoking good thoughts in your comments and on your blog!
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