Volume 40 Number 11                                                                                     July 1998

To be an elder in the church of Christ is the highest honor any man can attain in this world. The elder represents the Almighty and is responsible for the salvation of the souls of his flock; inasfar as he can be by his teaching and example to the flock.

An elder must not be dictatorial but lead in all humility by example. No doubt he must expect some of them will grumble about his leadership, for there are always those who resent leadership; always being sure that they are more capable to lead. The elder must be willing and able to do anything he requests. Hospitality is taught in Titus 1:8 and Hebrews 13:1. This goes beyond the local congregation and may bring others in to the fold.

He must be familiar with the Scriptures; for there will be times he will have to defend the truth before outsiders; hopefully not within the flock.

"Feed the flock." (I Pet. 5:2) Our spiritual food is the Word of God. It must be pure and unadulterated. At this time we must watch because so many new translations are thrust upon the world. Accept only those translations that are the work of a large group of scholars of different backgrounds and those that have been proven by time.

There are dangerous translations. A few years ago a condensed version was offered. If received as a translation of the Holy Scriptures, this is a violation of Rev. 22:19. There are translations put out by various sects which are slanted to their previous practices. Be very careful of what you read for the world is full of blasphemous literature put out to appeal to the uninformed.

Train the youth. "Let no man despise thy youth." (I Tim. 4:12) We encourage our teenagers to take an active part in leading the worship. They will grow to be strong leaders in the future. Do not force them too fast but allow them to grow at their own pace.

Timothy was told to pray for all men (I Tim. 2:1,2). The elder should be able to go to the Father in prayer for self, the church, and individuals. James in 5:14 says if there is any sick among you, let him call for the elders and let them pray for him. Many times our Father will answer the prayer. I know that many are afraid of this prayer, but this is not asking for or teaching miracles but simply asking for blessing from our Father. When we pray we must believe that we will receive or our prayer will not be answered. James 5:16 says "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."