Wednesday's Word

"Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task." - 1 Timothy 3:1

We’re in the middle of our nomination process for new elders and deacons at Cascade Christian Reformed. This is always been an interesting time of year. In every church I’ve served, finding the right leaders has been the key to spiritual vibrancy and church health. The right leaders set you up for “success”. A poorly chosen group can steal the joy from church.

The requirements for elders and deacons intimidate us...and they should! No one, on their own, is able to lead God's people into God‘s mission. This is something we can only do through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Some gifted business leaders have failed at spiritual leadership. Without the ability to give people raises or coerce increased performance, they don’t know how to get their grips on the organization. Others, who have excelled in the trades through hard work and perseverance, have also been frustrated. Grit and willpower can only get you so far. All of our human skills ultimately fall short of what God is calling us to do.

It doesn’t just take a talented person. We need "called" people. God equipped those he calls. Some of the best leaders have found their gifting and strengths along the way of service

In my very first church, one of our elders was one of the most powerful leaders I've encountered. He was meek and kind. In business had been a moderate success. He wasn’t rich, he didn’t have buildings or vehicles with his name stamped on them. Instead, he helped build lives with God, stamped on them. No one in the world would look at him and call him a success. I tell you though, he is great in the Kingdom of God.

Whether you’re considering serving on Council this year or not, we are all called to serve in some form of ministry. We might not be elders or deacons, but we are God's people and are called to do God's work. The character outlined in First Timothy and Titus for an elder, or deacon is the character we should all aspire to.

Don’t let the lists and requirements discourage you. Remember that God sees you as already perfect. His very Spirit is in all of us empowering us toward integrity. He is calling us to you. Let’s keep growing in Christ’s image together.

I would love it if we could all be praying for the new elders and deacons and this nomination process. My hope is that the church can find leaders who will guide us into a season of Spirit-filled ministry so that God’s glory is expanded and our church is filled with wonder. The church is God’s "Plan A" to bring his good news to the world. We have front-row seats to the adventure.

With you;

Pastor Tim

October 19       Jeremiah 33:1-34:22, 1 Timothy 4:1-16, Psalm 89:1-13, Proverbs 25:23-24

October 20       Jeremiah 35:1-36:32, 1 Timothy 5:1-25, Psalm 89:14-37, Proverbs 25:25-27

October 21        Jeremiah 37:1-38:28, 1 Timothy 6:1-21, Psalm 89:38-52, Proverbs 25:28

October 22         Jeremiah 39:1-41:18, 2 Timothy 1:1-18, Psalm 90:1-91:16, Proverbs 26:1-2

October 23         Jeremiah 42:1-44:23, 2 Timothy 2:1-21, Psalm 92:1-93:5, Proverbs 26:3-5

October 24         Jeremiah 44:24-47:7, 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17, Psalm 94:1-23, Proverbs 26:6-8

October 25         Jeremiah 48:1-49:22, 2 Timothy 4:1-22, Psalm 95:1-96:13, Proverbs 26:9-12

October 26         Jeremiah 49:23-50:46, Titus 1:1-16, Psalm 97:1-98:9, Proverbs 26:13-16