Exodus 18:17-18 Moses’
father-in-law, Jethro, replied, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You
and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too
heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.” (NIV)
Churches are volunteer organizations as well as faith
worship centers. For congregations to exist, they need people in the pews to
volunteer to help with the many projects and programs that each church
presents. They also require spiritual leaders who are willing to give their
time, talents, and prayers to the well-being of the whole congregation. Without
such volunteers, churches are unable to minister to both the congregation and
community; without the willing help of individuals, churches become ineffective
and diminish.
In today’s Old Testament passage (Exodus
18:13-27), Moses is experiencing burn-out by making himself available to
all the people on a daily basis. He wants to help each and every one of them, but
there are too many disputes, issues, and concerns for one man to handle. We
should also remember that Moses was eighty years old, so his energy and
enthusiasm were both limited by what he could physically manage each day.
The solution to Moses’ dilemma comes through the words of
wisdom that his father-in-law Jethro expresses. Moses has to learn to delegate more
of his community responsibilities in order to be really effective. Without the
help of others, Moses is doomed to fail because he will be unable to deal with
all of the problems and divisions of his people. So, Moses takes Jethro’s sound
advice and sets up district elders to deal with the people’s issues. The burden
is shared and the responsibilities are widened. The end result is a far more
effective system than a one-man-band. Moses can concentrate on all of the main
issues affecting the whole community; the elders can lead the people as
specialists among their own groups.
As Presbyterians, we continue this ministry through the
practice of appointing elders to our congregations. People are called and
chosen by God to give three years’ service to the local church in order to both
sustain and advance its life and mission. Those who are asked to serve are
sought because of their commitment to the church; their acceptance of such a
sacred call is a beautiful act of faith and one which should bless their
congregations. Eldership, then, is a direct calling from God to share the
burdens of the people, plan the future ahead, and strengthen the faith,
ministry, and purpose of the local church. Without these precious volunteers, a
church can lose ground; with dedicated elders, a church can blossom and grow.
Point to ponder
Have I been asked to become an elder? Why was God
asking for me?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we seek to serve You faithfully
with our time, talents, and resources to enable Your Church flourish locally,
nationally, and internationally. Prepare our hearts and minds to prayerfully
consider a call to leadership and eldership in our congregations. In Your Holy
Name, we humbly pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the Scottish
pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the
church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org.
Today’s image is one of
John’s latest bulletin drawings for Trinity Sunday. The design is based on the
banners in our sanctuary. If you would like to view a larger version, please
click this link: Trinity.
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