Anchor Devotional

See this and other editions of the Anchor Devotional online.

If someone forwarded this email to you, subscribe for yourself by signing up here.

Our Church Elders

“[An overseer] … must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” 1 Timothy 3:1-3

How do we find wise, godly leaders? We trust that the Lord will inspire a man towards leadership, particularly for the officer of church elder (“overseer”). We dare not foist leadership on someone who doesn’t want to carry out the task. That would inevitably lead to burnout or bitterness. Lest our leaders serve begrudgingly, we must first pray that God would lay this desire on their hearts.

Secondly, we must identify men of character. It is a “noble task” to which they aspire, but they cannot assume it without evidence of their good character. Sound doctrine, teaching proficiency, and leadership skills can be taught, but character is proven over time. The integrity of a godly man will be seen in his commitment to his family, his self-control, his gentleness, his hospitality. Though imperfect, he will have, in some measure, a life that leads us to say, “He looks like an elder.”

This is daunting, both for those who serve and for those considering the office. We recognize our weakness and need for Jesus, our true and sovereign servant leader.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS
1 Timothy 3:1-5

INSIGHT
Thank You, Lord, for providing elders for the good of Your church. Grant grace and protection for them. Strengthen them for shepherding Your flock. Amen

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
1 Samuel 24-25
Psalm 132
Galatians 1-2

Sign up to get the Know the Bible free email lesson series from Bible Gateway.