Growing into Christ (5)

And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5.12, 13

The Elder and His Work
David Dickson (1821-1885)
“Our people know well the necessity and usefulness of the office of the eldership. All over Scotland there is a happy prejudice in favor of an elder’s visit. No elder could ever say that they did not welcome his visits. The houses and hearts of the people are ever open to those whom they have called to this office.”

Visiting people in their homes? Bringing the work of disciple-making into the personal lives of men and their families? Where does that happen today? Where are shepherds willing to do it, or people willing to abide it? It is difficult for shepherds to do their work without a spirit of cooperation and submission among the members of the church. The work of the elder is to watch over the souls of the people and to build them up in the most holy faith. Who would not welcome help in this matter? Yet in many churches the people show little zeal for following their leaders, and can even resent efforts seeking to discover their needs in the Lord. And in just as many churches, elders and pastors don’t shepherd the flock of God for growth into Christ. They run programs, conduct services, and put out fires within the congregation. We are prejudiced against God’s pattern and instruction, and for the ways we find most convenient and manageable. Where, then, is the work of disciple-making? The paucity of true disciples among the communities of Christ in our time suggests that real disciple-making, shepherd-to-sheep, isn’t happening. Are we OK with that?

Would you say that your congregation has a “happy prejudice” toward the work of elders? Why or why not?

Mission Partners Outreach
Jesus trained and deployed His followers two-by-two, to learn and serve together in proclaiming His Kingdom. Are you following this pattern? Our Mission Partners Outreach provides the resources and framework for making witness-bearing disciples in your church. Want to learn how it works? I’m currently looking for three men to work with me through this six-month training effort, including preparing a plan to implement this free training in your church. Watch this brief video, then contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.for more information.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.All quotations are from David Dickson, The Elder and His Work (Dallas: Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1990).