The purpose of this lesson: To generate greater insight and understanding into (1) the complexity of being a godly elder, and (2) the importance of a congregation maintaining a climate of growth and development. Spend most of the class time on the discussion questions as you seek to generate insight and awareness. Avoid the temptation to lecture and instead encourage discovery and insight. Reserve your role to guiding (What are you saying? What does that mean?) and evaluating (How would that work with this problem/situation?)
American Christians exist in an extremely complex society. In a country that experiences a fifty- percent divorce rate among first marriages, open live-together arrangements though not married, sex for recreation, and open homosexuality, how is relationship commitment to be defined? In a country that declares uncaught white collar thefts are acceptable, but stealing is a crime even if uncaught, how is loyalty in the workplace defined? When greed is an acceptable motive for human acts, how is a work ethic defined? When it is okay to defy the intent of a contract on the basis of a technicality, how is honesty to be defined? When the unsuspecting and vulnerable become the victims of scams, how is integrity defined?
Christians exist in an extremely complex society. Our world (that which significantly impacts our lives) is constantly expanding. Both the complexities of our lives and the expansion of our exposures/influences generate relevant questions that often demand answers. In the face of these complexities and problems, where do people seek answers?
For most people, everyday existence produces a barrage of ethical decisions and attacks on moral acts. Many by the age of 30 have faced situations they never dreamed existed at the age of 13. Many who swear that will never happen in my life eventually have it happen in their lives. Many are reeling from societies attacks and fear of what tomorrow may bring. In no way is the American world of today the American world of fifty years ago. No age is perfect, but there is an openness to and sanctioning of the undesirable as never before in our society.
Both we and our families seek answers to questions that rarely were asked or were non-existent a few generations ago. Things our great-grandparents likely never considered are today a part of everyday existence. No person has the awareness, the knowledge, or the wisdom to address every situation without the benefits of time to think, research, inquire, and consult with knowledgeable, wise people.
What are people to do? In spite of what we may think or verbally declare, there are no quick fixes or easy solutions. We can run away, pretend all is okay, or suggest simple solutions to complex problems. We may not like the situation, but there will be no substitute for personal strength, endurance, or personally living by standards that cause society to be questioning and skeptical. In many instances, social popularity will not be one of the options we are provided.
Basically, evading situations or providing answers that refuse to think, that over-simplify the situation, or that give partial or incorrect information, commonly produce more problems than are solved. Hasty, uniformed answers generate problems.
In these complex times of too many awkward decisions, where do we go for encouragement? Where can we forget the past and begin again? Where will we find comfort in sorrow? Where can those we love encounter second chances? When we struggle, where can we find hope instead of being shoved deeper into the mire of life? Where can we be among people who would rather help us than exploit us?
We need a place to go that provides thoughtful answers to troubling questions.
The number one place that people should turn is to a congregation of Christians!
Mature Christians think before they speak. They do not offer simplistic answers to difficult questions or situations. They represent a complex God who addresses complex situations.
Quite soon, you will be selecting elders for this congregation. These men, in this demanding task, will determine in significant ways the spiritual environment of this congregation. Yet, none of these men will serve us in this role without our personal, collective approval. Elders serve in the role of elders through our request and approval. Please, do not take your nominations and your approval lightly. (Some of the following information is found in the book, If You Want to Be a Shepherd, Walk In the Pasture, found free at www.davidchadwell.com and on West-Ark's website. You are encouraged to read it.)
Stress elder selection is a serious matter. It deserves serious consideration by Christians devoted to serious thinking/concern.
One environment that leadership in a congregation should encourage should be the environment of personal spiritual growth. The author of Hebrews was not able to share all the lessons concerning Melchizedek because his Christian readership had failed to grow (consider Hebrews 5:11-6:8). The writer classified repentance, faith, washings, laying on of hands, resurrection, and eternal judgment as elementary teachings.
Elders should be committed to the spiritual growth/development of all people with all backgrounds.
Spiritual growth sounds simple, but it is not. Obviously, there are many advantages to the growth that produces maturity. Those advantages can be illustrated in the ways a person can live (chronologically endure) but not mature (not be able to mentally develop).
It is very challenging to produce a climate in which people of every stage of spiritual development and ability can grow within a congregation. Such tolerance and understanding is quite complicated to produce or to maintain.
There are definite advantages to spiritual growth which results in spiritual maturing.
These six areas of personal spiritual development are worthy of an individuals consideration. They address the challenges of transformation in Christ.
However, like all maturing, this maturing involves prices.
We must understand that there are prices to pay for personal development and growth. We must understand there are personal prices to pay for growth in Jesus Christ, but the growth we experience is worth the prices we pay. All Christians need a nurturing environment that encourages when growth produces struggle.
Producing an environment in which people spiritually can grow and develop is not simple! This challenge is one of the greatest that elders will face! Choose men you trust to guide you closer to God. Choose men who are spiritually mature! Realize they may stretch your understanding biblically as they seek to lead you closer to God!
A congregation needs elders who (1) encourage growth, (2) are patient and compassionate with struggle, and (3) can be trusted to serve as guides to Gods will in Jesus Christ.
Discussion Questions
These are discussion questions. Responses are unpredictable. The students will learn from comments and interaction more memorably than through listening to a lecture. Let the students teach as you guide thoughts. Encourage thought and insightdo not repress insights and understandings.
Link to Student Guide
Lesson 1