Just a Moment…

Alistair Begg tells the story of visiting a church on vacation. That Sunday the pastor’s series in 1 Timothy came to 3:1-7. He said, “These verses are about elders. But we don’t have elders so let’s skip down to v. 8 and talk about deacons.”  We at HBC don’t have that luxury – if the Bible teaches something we’re obligated to obey it.

Leadership in the church is assigned to men called elders. Paul Krepps and I take this task seriously. Elders are shepherds,

Ac 20:18.  They care for the church – loving the sheep. Elders lead, 1 Tim 5:17. We embrace a servant-style of leadership as outlined by Jesus himself. Elders teach, 1 Tim 3:2.  Not anyone can be an elder for one must meet certain qualifications found in 1 Tim 3 and Titus 1. Such a call is humbling. We are always seeking to mentor men to serve as elders.

The word “deacon” means servant. They too have standards by which to meet, 1 Tim 3:8-11. We know exactly what elders do for the Bible tells us. The task of deacon isn’t as clear – that’s because their ministry of serving varies from time and culture.  We’re thankful for the 8 men who serve here as deacons. They are a blessing to Paul and me – as well as to the entire congregation.

In an age that resists and questions authority we must be careful to listen to Scripture when it comes to our response to church leadership. So, what must you do?  Be respectful, 1 Thess 5:12-13; follow their leadership, Heb 13:17; pray for them, Heb 3:18.  We’re thankful for the loving support we experience at HBC.