Working with Our Elders

·36 min·3 clips

When was the last time you prayed for your church elders or thanked them for their work?

The episode is a sermon presented by a gospel preacher at Fairview Church of Christ, addressing the congregation on the topic of working with church elders. The speaker begins by asking personal questions to prompt self-reflection about members' relationships with their elders, including when they last prayed for or thanked them. He introduces two main ways to work with elders based on scripture: submitting to their leadership and appreciating them. The first point is explored through Hebrews 13:17, where submission is framed as a spiritual sacrifice that requires giving one's best with a whole heart. The speaker connects this to broader biblical themes of submission in relationships like government, marriage, and family. He then details practical aspects of submission, such as supporting elders' judgments, refraining from complaining, and accepting correction. The second point draws from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, emphasizing the need to appreciate and esteem elders for their diligent labor. The speaker explains that this involves building relationships, showing hospitality, and living in peace within the congregation. He notes that elders' work includes praying, counseling, and teaching, and that members can help by participating in church activities and living holy lives. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the elders and an invitation for non-Christians to convert. Throughout, the speaker references his own experiences as a preacher and observations of the elders, aiming to reinforce the importance of these principles for church harmony and spiritual growth.

As heard by us

A careful sermon on elder authority, congregational submission, and the weight of watching for souls.

This sermon frames congregational leadership as something the whole church must take seriously, not as a concern reserved for elders alone. It opens with a searching question about how recently Fairview members have thought about the work carried by the congregation's three…

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Why you'd press play

You want a clearer picture of what it means to follow elders who are still accountable to God's law.

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