As a reminder, our elections for elders is this Sunday, January 9. See below the link to the document at the bottom of the page we created in the Fall, the new Plan for Trust and Unity. Members are eligible to vote, but according to our church constitution, only members 18 and above can vote in officer elections. Our meeting will begin at 11 am; I’ll give some instructions and encouragements, then we will proceed to a vote. Right after the vote, we’ll head to the gymnasium for our chili cook-off. Results of the election will not be announced on Sunday, but you will be informed of the results as soon as possible.

In preparation for the election on Sunday, I ask you again to look at 1 Peter 5:

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Look at the elder qualifications in Titus 1 and 1 Timothy 3, but also notice this pattern set up for us by Peter in his letter. An elder is to operate with humble service, and overseer looking out for your best interests, not to serve themselves, but to serve the flock of God. And notice this crucial aspect of service in v. 3: they are to be examples to the flock. So ask yourself this: is this elder or elder candidate who I want to be like in my Christian walk? Are these the believing men that I most want to emulate in my own character?

The office of elder is meant to be a very select group. To not be an elder is no slight to anybody, in fact, most of our church members are not elders. Hold this office to the highest standard and then vote your conscience. I look forward to this next season of life at Safe Harbor, and it is my intent to re-establish trust and unity in our midst as the church has come through a difficult season. The church should trust its elders, and the elders should serve with humility, transparency, and integrity. Let’s get excited about what the Lord has in store for this next chapter! We’re going to see conversions, growth in maturity, service, marriages, baptisms, lifelong friendships, and we will continue to worship our great Lord!

Hello Church! I wanted to fill you in on a new plan to build trust & unity in our church. You can read the full document here, but essentially, the five elders who are currently on session will be standing for re-election this year, in a vote that will happen on Sunday January 9th. This is for the purpose of re-affirming your trust in leadership and helping us to move forward in a united front for the gospel. Please read through the document and offer any feedback you might have to me, Pastor Mark.