Sunday, November 10. Sunday school. Subject: Faith That Sets an Example. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10. Teacher: Nevin Ebersole
Jesus said, “I have given you an example.”
The world lives under a dark canopy. Jesus followers live under the glow of Jesus.
Be an example of the glow of Jesus to people you meet.
Worship Service. Minister: David Wenger. Subject: Calling of a Minister. I Timothy 3:1-11, Titus 1:5-8
Each week we travel familiar roads, other times the roads we travel are less familiar.
It is the same in the life of a church. In the coming week we will travel a familiar road, but not one we travel every week or year – that of calling a new minister to serve our congregation.
It is time for a younger, more energetic man since Carl Groff will be retiring from active duty on his 70th birthday. He will be preaching and teaching on occasion but will not be on the regular schedule.
[In our congregation, seventy is the set age for retirement from active duty for our ministers. That means we currently have five retired ministers and five active ministers.]
Since our congregation began in 1772 we have followed the non-salaried, plural ministry, which means we have a team of preachers who have regular jobs for their income and preach on a schedule with the rest of the team.
When the leadership team senses the need for a new minister on the team, the moderating minister informs the congregation and a special meeting is planned – usually within in a week – and a new minister is called by the voice (vote) of the congregation.
Qualifications:
Men who will preach and teach the Word – not people-pleasing sermons – and have a clear understanding of the Word of God.
A minister must be vigilant, continually examining his own life and soul.
He must be concerned for the life of each individual in the congregation.
He must use his time wisely and keep promises.
Ministers need to enjoy meeting people, must not be given to wine or the influence of alcohol, and should not be quarrelsome, greedy or covetous.
They should have a good report inside and outside of the church.
Requirements from the Bible do not say he must be married, but if married, his wife must be helpful, hospitable, and understand that she and her husband are a team – similar to Aquila and Priscilla who were an excellent example of a husband and wife who served God together.
A minister and his wife should exhibit Christ to the congregation.
Our ministers each bring varied gifts and abilities when preaching and pastoring. This is one of the strengths and benefits of having a team of ministers.
Though a preacher’s main responsibility is to “preach the Word”, they also participate in administration; personal issues in the life of the congregation like illnesses, surgeries, anointing, marriage, funerals, baptisms; instruction to new believers; oversight to church committees, and help bring solutions to grievances.
During the coming week: pray that God’s will be done, that God’s call is clear, that The Holy Spirit will give us clear direction and that God will prepare the man for God’s call.
If you know or don’t know our congregation, join us in praying the above requests as we call a new minister.