Elder Visitation - Big Picture Christian Life (Part 10)

Luke 14:25-27, 33 25 Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple… 33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:25-27, 33 25 Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple… 33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. Spiritual Leaders’ Role - Introductory • Two church offices: Elder & Deacon • 1 Timothy 3 = spiritual qualifications • Elder = Overseer = Pastor Spiritual Leaders’ Role – Ephesians 4:11-12 And [Jesus] gave … the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ Spiritual Leaders’ Role – Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Spiritual Leaders’ Role – 1 Peter 5:2-3 Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. Spiritual Leaders’ Role – Acts 20:28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. Spiritual Leaders’ Role - Summary • Lead • Feed • Protect • Know Spiritual Leaders’ Role – Acts 20:20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house Your Elders need to take steps to the right Elder Visitation Allay Fears 1. Not unscheduled or unannounced 2. Not heavy handed or controlling 3. Not long Elder Visitation Our Goal: Know, Read, Pray 1. Proactive instead of reactive 2. Organized and systematic 3. 45-50 minute visit 4. Two elders or maybe an elder and his wife 5. Casual catch up Elder Visitation Our Goal: Know, Read, Pray 6. Read a Psalm 7. Ask what we can pray for 8. Write down your answers 9. Pray 10. Follow up 11. Aim for 1-2 times/year What is Your Response? • Uncertain? • Enthusiastic?