'Elders and leaders should be vine-growers themselves'p24
This was cause for me to reflect on my history as an elder at my home congregation. It seems to me that we (I) filled our (my) time with a lot of business. At times some of our meetings in reality looked more like BOM meetings rather than the shepherds of the flock meeting to grow the vine.
In my first 2 years here in Melb I have really changed my perspective of what 'ministry' looks like.
Reflecting on my past experience it seems retraining with a new mind set is required within our sessions. Should all the elders be reading this book together?
'Should all the elders be reading this book together?'
ReplyDeleteSounds like a GREAT idea.
“The church always tends towards institutionalism and secularism.” (p14)
ReplyDeleteAn insightful (and not altogether flattering) observation...
“To be a disciple is to be called to make new disciples.” p14
A great challenge. When was the last time I worked HARD at this with my peers and neighbours (and not only the students I work with on campus)? What do I need to say 'no' to, or what activities do I need to 'prune' from my timetable so I can be obedient to the Lord' call to make disciples?
Chapter 2's focus on growing people rather maintaining structures sounds so right - but in practice is so difficult. Does it mean we are to start from scratch with each new member, discerning with them their own gifts and passions and then equipping them to serve with those - regardless of whether it fits our existing ministries? Or are we simply helping people discern where they fit best within our existing structure?
Would we be willing to reinvent our structures according to the people God gives us to love in any particular season? When are needs and opportunities to be considered more important than gifts and passions? Are there some ministries we simply consider non-negotiable regardless of those God gives us to serve alongside? I get the feeling from this chapter - the answer should be 'no'. But would we really be willing to to dump say... Sunday School - if we didn't identify any or enough in our church with the desire and ability to teach our kids? And if not - are we therefore treasuring our structures over our people's growth?
'called to make disciples'
ReplyDeleteIf we have never been discipled ourselves in the manner I think they will premote then it will be difficult to replicate the unknown. But if we want to be leaders then we need to teach ourselves.