It’s Officer Nomination Time Again!

Three new deacons were elected into office by our congregation in January, and are being officially installed into that office during worship this morning. We are grateful for our new deacons, but as our church grows, we need more than just deacons – we need new elders too.

The process of getting men into the office of elder and/or deacon starts when they are nominated by members of this congregation. In the past, our nomination period has occurred in late spring, but because the offices of deacon and elder are so vital to the health of a church, the elders have decided to move the nomination period ahead a few months so that more time can be devoted to training throughout the year.

So, here’s the plan: we will receive nominations for elder or deacon between today and March 21. The elders will review those nominations and then recommend candidates for training, which will last from April through December. While we welcome more nominations to the office of deacon, we would ask that you give special attention to those men you think are qualified to serve as elder.

The office of deacon is one of “sympathy and service.” Deacons are responsible for maintenance of the church building and grounds, as well as ministering to those in need (Acts 6:1-4; I Tim. 3:8-13). Elders are responsible for spiritual oversight of the church, including discipleship, shepherding, Sunday morning worship and church discipline (Acts 20:28-31; I Peter 5:1-4; I Tim. 3:1-7).

Here’s how to make a good nomination: read the passages listed above to understand the Biblical qualifications for office. Pray for wisdom and guidance as you discern whether the person you have in mind is a good candidate. Give consideration to persons who are faithful on Sunday mornings; who exhibit godliness, maturity, humility and love for the church; who have a firm grasp of the Gospel of grace, and a commitment to the doctrine of the Reformed tradition. Of course no one lives up to these standards perfectly, but you should consider whether the person’s life is generally characterized by these traits.

You must be a member of New Life to make a nomination. Also, seek permission from the individual before you nominate him, and make sure he also is a member of the church. If he agrees to be nominated, write his name on one of the forms available in the foyer, and drop it in the white box in the foyer by March 21.

Of course we ultimately trust in Jesus, the Head of the church, to lead and guide us into the future, but we also believe God has delegated authority to certain godly men to take part in leading local congregations. This nomination period, therefore, is an opportunity for you, the members of this congregation, to play a vital part in determining who leads us forward in pursuing the exciting and good plans the Lord has ordained for us.

My love to you in Christ,

Bob