Ordination (2)

Introduction: Today, we have the joy of celebrating the ordination of Jon Belcher and Jonathan Cronkleton to the office of Elder. I want to begin our time by reading a portion of God’s Word from I Timothy 3:1-7.

(pray)

This passage gives a list of qualifications for the office of overseer. Throughout the New Testament the title overseer, bishop, pastor, or elder are used interchangeably to describe this distinct position within the church. Before a man should be considered to serve in this office he must be maturing in the list of character qualifications given in this passage. For example…

Elders must have a blameless character.

An elder must be one-woman man. Loyal to his wife, not flirtatious or perverted.

Elders are men with clear minds, full of the Holy Spirit’s gentleness and self-control.

Elders are spiritual counselors who care for the flock of God, so they must be able to teach.

Elders must manage their own households because they will be responsible for managing God’s household.

Elders are shepherds who strive to protect the doctrine and integrity of the local church. They exemplify what it means to be a maturing follower of Jesus.

Elders prayerfully oversee and guide the body of Christ and (according to Hebrews 13:17) will give an account to the Lord for the way they care for His flock.

Our Hillcrest Bylaws describe the office of pastor/elder in this way:

A Pastor/Elder is an identified leader among the members of a local church. He is an under shepherd of Christ to the church. Along with the other Pastors/Elders, he cares for the members of the flock of God. The qualifications are the same for all Elders. However, according to I Timothy 5:17-22 some Pastors/Elders especially labor in teaching and preaching. These do so vocationally and are compensated for their work since their primary labor will be preaching and teaching. However, the “lay” Elder/Pastor usually serves uncompensated for his work. His primary labor will not be preaching, but he should be apt to teach according to I Timothy 3:2. The expectations for character and competency are common among the team of Pastors/Elders. The team of Pastors/Elders should complement one another’s giftedness for fulfilling the responsibilities of shepherding. Together, Pastors/Elders will offer guidance, counsel, administration, and care to the members of the Hillcrest body.

Transition: Today, we are not performing a ritualistic ceremony that transfers these qualities for the office of Elder to these men. We are not just going through a formal organizational tradition to make these men something they are not. Rather, ordination is Jesus’ church recognizing and affirming those among us who are willing to take on the responsibilities of an elder or deacon.

This means that Jesus is ultimately responsible to make a man ready to be ordained. It means, that our responsibility as members of Christs’ body is to recognize that work of Christ.

For example: If the army is looking for good leaders, they go to the training ground and observe their soldiers in action. The training ground where Jesus matures a man for an office in the local church is the church. Jesus raises up men among us to share in the responsibilities of shepherding and serving the flock of Christ. Furthermore, when men among the body fulfill the responsibilities of the offices of elder and deacon, everyone among the body should be edified and cared for.

Today, we a celebrating what Jesus has done in Jon and Jonathan by preparing them for the office of elder. Last December, the members of Hillcrest voted to affirm these two men in this role. Now, we have this joy of distinguishing them for service. However, there may be some among the members of Hillcrest who are wondering if God is raising you up for a similar responsibility.

Transition: And so we ask…, “How does Jesus make a man ready? How do members go about recognizing that work?” From God’s word I hope to offer two answers to these questions.

Transition: First, in 2 Timothy 1:8-9 we discover that a man must be Called by God. (Read text)

God’s Calling

Transition: What does God’s calling mean?

1. Called to Salvation

a. It may seem obvious, but this is an essential matter of importance: before a man can take on the responsibilities of an Elder, he must be converted. As we see in the text, this calling of conversion is a work of God. (explain)

b. Gentlemen, have you welcomed the good news of the gospel, showing evidence of your conversion by turning away from sin and trusting in Christ alone for your salvation? Members of Hillcrest, do you recognize the work of God in calling these men to salvation?

Transition: A man must be called to be a Christian before sharing in the office that will require him to care for other Christians. But also, he must be called to the responsibilities of the office. What does this mean? From the text that we read in 1 Timothy 3:1, we find that… (read text).

2. Called to Service

a. This means that God must change your desires to aspire to serve the responsibilities of an elder. You must come to a point of humbling your heart before Jesus to accomplish the good works of an elder. It is a calling to want what Jesus wants.

b. The prophet Jonah is an example of God changing desires. At first, he didn’t want to do the work of God. Eventually, God thoroughly convinced him that he should and would do what he asked him to do. However, this example of Jonah is also refreshing and full of encouragement. Because Jonah obviously wasn’t perfect in his responses to God. Even after he preached to Nineveh he went off sulking.

c. A calling to desire the responsibilities of the office of elder does not mean you can stop growing. You will need to continue to grow in understanding and Christlikeness. Being called to service means that Christ has gripped you deeply enough to convince you that you should serve His church in this way.

Transition: Jon and Jonathan, you must be called by God. He must give you the desire to do the work of an elder. In doing so, you will also discover that you need God’s ability. This is the second answer to our question. How does God raise up a man for this office and how do we recognize God’s work? In 1 Timothy 3:2, we are told… (read text)

God’s Ability

Transition: One of the main characteristics of an elder is the ability to teach.

1. To teach

a. This ability to teach God’s word is a gift from God. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t grow and mature in the ability. This doesn't mean that all who teach should be elders. It certainly doesn’t mean that all elders will teach in the same way. This doesn't mean that teaching is the only ability or even necessarily your greatest ability. However, if a man is called to desire the office of elder, he must be able to teach. Why? Because..

b. An elder will end up teaching in a variety of venues. Certainly, in your home. It may be in a small group. Across the table from another member in the church. A conversation at work. Or even here in this pulpit. Whatever the location may be, the requirement is that you must be able to rightly divide the word of God. You must be able to know what the Scriptures say and be able to explain what the Scriptures mean as you apply it to life. The point is, that ability is something that God gives.

For example: In I Timothy 4:14-16 the apostle Paul tells pastor Timothy to…(Read)

b. Teaching is an essential part of elder ministry. It is so important that Paul gives a special exhortation and warning to Timothy in II Timothy 4:1-6 . I extend this same caution to you, as well as a firm reminder to myself.

Transition: God strengthens those He calls with the ability to fulfill His work.

Transition: Gentlemen, as you are already discovering, there are a variety of responsibilities within the office of elder. Be encouraged, your submission to and dependence upon His truth contained in Holy Scripture that will be the lantern in the dark and direct every facet of this ministry. And so I direct you to God’s Word in 1 Peter 5:1-4 .. (read text)

Conclusion: Brothers, there is great joy in being called by God to shepherd His flock. Often, that joy will come in the form of suffering. Bearing burdens. Heart wrenching prayer. Also, it will come from encouraging words. It will be the joy of witnessing the spiritual growth in new converts and observing the faithfulness of maturing members. You will be invited into some of the greatest moments of people’s lives where you get a front row seat to the activity of God. However, the main blessing and joy of serving in the office of a shepherding elder is that when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Christ Himself will hold you tight and bring about His good purposes through you. This is for His glory. Your King will not abandon you. Your Chief Shepherd will strengthen and guide you. Your Savior will make you ready to receive the joy of your salvation! Now..

A Closing Question:

Jon Belcher… Jonathan Cronkleton; the members of Hillcrest have observed and affirmed these qualities in you. By God’s grace, will you fulfill the duties of the office of elder? If so, answer I will.

And now to the members of Hillcrest. Will you, love and support Jon & Jonathan and their families, and submit to their leadership as they fulfill this ministry? If so, say we will.

At this time, I want to present each of you with a certificate of ordination and pray for God’s blessing upon you. It will serve as a reminder to you of what God has done and will do in His church. Gather around them for a final prayer.