September 23rd, 2025
by Stacy Long
by Stacy Long
Title: "Embracing God's Call: Reflections on Leadership, Faith, and Community"
In the journey of faith, there are moments when God calls us to step into new roles and responsibilities. These calls often come with a mix of excitement, trepidation, and a deep sense of purpose. Recently, our community experienced such a moment as we witnessed the appointment of new elders to guide and shepherd our congregation.
This pivotal event invites us to reflect on the nature of leadership in the church, the importance of faith-filled obedience, and the power of community in supporting God's work. Let's explore these themes and the profound insights they offer for our spiritual lives.
The Biblical Foundation of Eldership
The concept of elders is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, we see elders as respected leaders in various cultures, not just in Israel. The Hebrew word for elder, "zakane," simply means "to be old." This reminds us that wisdom often comes with age and experience.
In the New Testament, we see the early church appointing elders in every town (Titus 1:5). These were not democratically elected leaders, but rather individuals chosen by apostles through prayer, fasting, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The qualifications for elders, as outlined in Titus 1:6-9, emphasize godly character, sound doctrine, and the ability to teach and rebuke when necessary.
This biblical foundation reminds us that church leadership is not about power or popularity, but about spiritual maturity, godly character, and a commitment to sound teaching. It challenges us to cultivate these qualities in our own lives, regardless of our formal roles in the church.
The Call to Faith in Action
One of the most striking stories shared was about the prophet Haggai and the rebuilding of the temple after the Babylonian exile. The people had returned to Jerusalem but were hesitant to rebuild the temple, focusing instead on their own homes and affairs. Haggai's message was clear: it was time to act in faith and obey God's call to rebuild.
This story parallels our own lives in many ways. How often do we hesitate to act on God's prompting, waiting for perfect circumstances or unmistakable signs? The message of Haggai challenges us to move forward in faith, trusting that God will provide as we obey.
The phrase "Whether you believe you can or you can't, you are right" encapsulates this call to faith-filled action. Our beliefs and attitudes shape our reality. When we trust in God's provision and step out in obedience, we open ourselves to His power working through us.
The Power of Community and Diversity
The appointment of elders from different generations – couples in their 60s, 50s, 40s, and 30s – highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in church leadership. This multi-generational approach ensures a balance of wisdom from experience and fresh energy from younger leaders.
This diversity reminds us of the body of Christ metaphor in 1 Corinthians 12. Just as a body needs different parts to function well, the church thrives when it embraces the gifts and perspectives of all age groups. It challenges us to value and learn from those both older and younger than ourselves.
The Power of Prophetic Confirmation
Several stories were shared about prophetic confirmations of God's call. One couple received their call to eldership exactly three years after a prophetic word about their leadership potential. These moments of divine confirmation remind us that God is intimately involved in the details of our lives and the life of the church.
Such experiences encourage us to be open to God's voice, both in our personal lives and in our church communities. They remind us to pray for discernment and to be attentive to the ways God might be speaking – through Scripture, through others, and through the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit.
The Weight and Grace of Leadership
The newly appointed elders were reminded that their call comes with both responsibility and grace. The imagery of a slingshot was used, suggesting that these leaders will help propel the church forward into new realms of ministry and impact.
At the same time, there was an acknowledgment of the weight of leadership. The encouragement given was to remember that God is the ultimate burden-bearer. He equips those He calls, providing wisdom, strength, and guidance for the task at hand.
This balance of responsibility and grace applies to all of us in our various roles and callings. We're reminded to step out in faith, knowing that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
A Call to Prayer and Fasting
The community was called to a week of prayer and fasting, focusing on several key areas:
- Greater trust in the Lord for financial provision and breakthrough
- A spirit of faith and joyful generosity
- Open doors to reach the community
- Creative strategies to use the church building as a community resource
- Increased hunger for the Lord and desire for personal change
- Revival that spills out into the community
This call to prayer reminds us of the power of united, focused intercession. It challenges us to align our hearts with God's purposes and to believe for His intervention in both personal and communal areas of need.
Embracing God's Love
Perhaps the most profound reminder came near the end: none of us truly understand how deeply we are loved by the Father. Our inability to fully grasp this love can be a source of spiritual attack and hinder our growth and effectiveness.
The encouragement is to allow God to heal the deep, often unacknowledged wounds that come from not believing in His love. This healing process might be painful, like breaking up scar tissue, but it's necessary for true wholeness and freedom in Christ.
As we reflect on these themes of leadership, faith, and community, we're challenged to examine our own lives. Are we stepping out in faith when God calls? Are we embracing the diversity of gifts and perspectives in our community? Are we allowing ourselves to be fully loved by God?
May we, like the newly appointed elders, say yes to God's call on our lives, whatever that may be. May we trust in His provision, lean into His grace, and allow His love to heal and transform us. As we do, we'll find ourselves part of a vibrant, faith-filled community that's making a real difference in the world around us.
In the journey of faith, there are moments when God calls us to step into new roles and responsibilities. These calls often come with a mix of excitement, trepidation, and a deep sense of purpose. Recently, our community experienced such a moment as we witnessed the appointment of new elders to guide and shepherd our congregation.
This pivotal event invites us to reflect on the nature of leadership in the church, the importance of faith-filled obedience, and the power of community in supporting God's work. Let's explore these themes and the profound insights they offer for our spiritual lives.
The Biblical Foundation of Eldership
The concept of elders is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, we see elders as respected leaders in various cultures, not just in Israel. The Hebrew word for elder, "zakane," simply means "to be old." This reminds us that wisdom often comes with age and experience.
In the New Testament, we see the early church appointing elders in every town (Titus 1:5). These were not democratically elected leaders, but rather individuals chosen by apostles through prayer, fasting, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The qualifications for elders, as outlined in Titus 1:6-9, emphasize godly character, sound doctrine, and the ability to teach and rebuke when necessary.
This biblical foundation reminds us that church leadership is not about power or popularity, but about spiritual maturity, godly character, and a commitment to sound teaching. It challenges us to cultivate these qualities in our own lives, regardless of our formal roles in the church.
The Call to Faith in Action
One of the most striking stories shared was about the prophet Haggai and the rebuilding of the temple after the Babylonian exile. The people had returned to Jerusalem but were hesitant to rebuild the temple, focusing instead on their own homes and affairs. Haggai's message was clear: it was time to act in faith and obey God's call to rebuild.
This story parallels our own lives in many ways. How often do we hesitate to act on God's prompting, waiting for perfect circumstances or unmistakable signs? The message of Haggai challenges us to move forward in faith, trusting that God will provide as we obey.
The phrase "Whether you believe you can or you can't, you are right" encapsulates this call to faith-filled action. Our beliefs and attitudes shape our reality. When we trust in God's provision and step out in obedience, we open ourselves to His power working through us.
The Power of Community and Diversity
The appointment of elders from different generations – couples in their 60s, 50s, 40s, and 30s – highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in church leadership. This multi-generational approach ensures a balance of wisdom from experience and fresh energy from younger leaders.
This diversity reminds us of the body of Christ metaphor in 1 Corinthians 12. Just as a body needs different parts to function well, the church thrives when it embraces the gifts and perspectives of all age groups. It challenges us to value and learn from those both older and younger than ourselves.
The Power of Prophetic Confirmation
Several stories were shared about prophetic confirmations of God's call. One couple received their call to eldership exactly three years after a prophetic word about their leadership potential. These moments of divine confirmation remind us that God is intimately involved in the details of our lives and the life of the church.
Such experiences encourage us to be open to God's voice, both in our personal lives and in our church communities. They remind us to pray for discernment and to be attentive to the ways God might be speaking – through Scripture, through others, and through the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit.
The Weight and Grace of Leadership
The newly appointed elders were reminded that their call comes with both responsibility and grace. The imagery of a slingshot was used, suggesting that these leaders will help propel the church forward into new realms of ministry and impact.
At the same time, there was an acknowledgment of the weight of leadership. The encouragement given was to remember that God is the ultimate burden-bearer. He equips those He calls, providing wisdom, strength, and guidance for the task at hand.
This balance of responsibility and grace applies to all of us in our various roles and callings. We're reminded to step out in faith, knowing that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
A Call to Prayer and Fasting
The community was called to a week of prayer and fasting, focusing on several key areas:
- Greater trust in the Lord for financial provision and breakthrough
- A spirit of faith and joyful generosity
- Open doors to reach the community
- Creative strategies to use the church building as a community resource
- Increased hunger for the Lord and desire for personal change
- Revival that spills out into the community
This call to prayer reminds us of the power of united, focused intercession. It challenges us to align our hearts with God's purposes and to believe for His intervention in both personal and communal areas of need.
Embracing God's Love
Perhaps the most profound reminder came near the end: none of us truly understand how deeply we are loved by the Father. Our inability to fully grasp this love can be a source of spiritual attack and hinder our growth and effectiveness.
The encouragement is to allow God to heal the deep, often unacknowledged wounds that come from not believing in His love. This healing process might be painful, like breaking up scar tissue, but it's necessary for true wholeness and freedom in Christ.
As we reflect on these themes of leadership, faith, and community, we're challenged to examine our own lives. Are we stepping out in faith when God calls? Are we embracing the diversity of gifts and perspectives in our community? Are we allowing ourselves to be fully loved by God?
May we, like the newly appointed elders, say yes to God's call on our lives, whatever that may be. May we trust in His provision, lean into His grace, and allow His love to heal and transform us. As we do, we'll find ourselves part of a vibrant, faith-filled community that's making a real difference in the world around us.
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