This Sunday, we'll be ordaining Southview's first Elder team. I thought I'd take a minute and define exactly what we mean by "ordination" here.
When a man or woman is ordained by a local congregation, it means they are set apart for a specific ministry work or role. Southview has three types of ordination - we ordain deacons, Elders, and ministers. Deacons and Elders are congregation members that the church has chosen to be set apart for these very important roles of serving the church and leading the church. We ordain those who feel called by God to a full time (occupational) ministry role as ministers. Ordination of a minister can come before or after formal training through seminary - that's at the local church's discretion. At Southview, the senior pastor and associate pastor(s) serve as Elders by virtue of their calling as ministers.
Elders are chosen by the congregation to lead the church. They spend time in prayer and study, discerning what we believe to be the will and direction of God for this church, and they lead the church in following that direction. While each Elder is gifted differently, each is expressly equal in the group. Each Elder brings something very important to the table, and each Elder is called by God and this church to this role.
As we prepare to formally set these 4 apart this Sunday to this work, spend some time in prayer this week thanking God for providing such godly leadership for our church. Pray that the Elder team will be effective in closing every entrance where Satan will try to come in and distract or destroy the work of this church. Pray that the Elders will gain a clear and compelling sense of the direction God would have us go as a church, and pray that we will make God smile through our obedience and commitment to Him and His Word.
I continue to be amazed and excited at the work of God in our midst. It is a joy and a privilege to serve our God with you.
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