The apostle Paul left the following instructions to Titus, one of his younger fellow workers, “This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you.” – Titus 1:5(ESV)
And then what follows in Titus chapter 1, is a list of qualifications for the office of elder in a church. This is on my mind, because the elders of ReCAST Church and their wives took some time this past weekend to get away together for prayer and connection. We spend a lot of time each month working through details, and seeking to guide the church through policies and management.
Two years ago we embarked on a building project and last month marked our first year working through the new reality of all that owning a facility entails. All of the details and needs of a church are much more than I could administrate on my own.
I am so grateful that God has given good men to ReCAST to lead with responsibility and integrity. Our time together this past week had moments of laughter and fun, and moments of deep honesty and prayer. Without a shared leadership, pastors routinely fall away into authoritarianism or are crushed under the weight of the needs of a church.
I am so glad for more shoulders to carry the load together. And I am also grateful for accountability in this task of serving the body of Christ. ReCAST Church is richer for having more voices in leadership working together through issues, budgets, and details of ministry. Without a good group of guys surrounding me, I am not sure I would still be a pastor.
God knew what he was doing when he instructed his early church to appoint elders. And I am so grateful for the way that God continues to raise up godly men to shoulder the load at ReCAST. I would encourage everyone who reads this to pray for your church leadership. Many in leadership are volunteers, who are only taking on that extra responsibility for the sake of the kingdom. It can often be a thankless position.
