There is no question the past week has probably been one of the most traumatic in the almost 25 year history of Christ Community Church. I am praying that the current season our Lord has us traveling in is one of true repentance, reconciliation and revival. It is not very often church families are put in these uncomfortable times, but I am hopeful we will really experience a process that is redemptive for all of us.

As one of the many Ruling Elders who elected to submit their resignation from the active Session last Saturday I have been asked numerous times why I chose to resign from the Session.  I could pen various explanations of why I, and many of my brethren, reached the decisions we did or executed our decisions in the manner in which they were carried out. However, in my opinion, it really wouldn’t help rebuild the congregation’s trust, move us toward reconciliation or heal the wounds that have been opened up. Let me just say we were – and still are- committed to maintaining the peace and purity of the church and rebuilding the trust the congregation lost in their Teaching and Ruling Elders. I am looking for the Holy Spirit to assist us in moving forward so we can continue to carry out the plan and purpose God has for us at C3. 

One question that has been asked of me more than once in the past days is why I – and the 23 or so men - wanted to no longer be elders at church. I’ve explained to them we may not be on the Session anymore, but we are still elders!

When a man is ordained as a Ruling Elder (even as a Teaching Elder as our pastors are) in the Presbyterian Church in America the office he holds is perpetual – or everlasting – and cannot be set aside except for acts involving discipline as outlined in the Book of Church Order. At times, he may be asked to serve on the church Session, the governing body charged with maintaining the spiritual government of the church (BCO 12-5.) But, the real responsibility in his calling and ordination is to his ability to teach and apply the Holy Scriptures to congregants and “shepherd the flock” through prayer and encouragement. (BCO 8-1)

In Chapter 8 of the BCO it describes the role of the elder and what he should be expected to do in order to maintain the spiritual well being of those in the church family:

8-3. It belongs to those in the office of elder, both severally and jointly, to watch diligently over the flock committed to his charge that no corruption of doctrine or of morals enter therein. They must exercise government and discipline, and take oversight not only of the spiritual interests of the particular church, but also the Church generally when called thereunto. They should visit the people at their homes, especially the sick. They should instruct the ignorant, comfort the mourner, nourish and guard the children of the Church. They should set a worthy example to the flock entrusted to their care by their zeal to evangelize the unconverted and make disciples. All those duties which private Christians are bound to discharge by the law of love are especially incumbent upon them by divine vocation, and are to be discharged as official duties. They should pray with and for the people, being careful and diligent in seeking the fruit of the preached Word among the flock.

 

As we move forward from this very turbulent period in our church story please remember your elders are still very involved and committed to govern and/or shepherd the church. We take our responsibilities very seriously. We must tend to the sheep as Jesus continues to do for all of us.

Some of the current elders will remain on the Session and others, like me, will move into their shepherding role. You will continue to see elders in the Prayer Room and on the first Sunday of each month serving the Lord’s Supper. You also will notice many of our elders maintain their involvement in the various CCC ministries, teaching Sunday school, leading small groups, etc.  My particular area of care and service to the congregation (young adults) has not changed. As a matter of fact, it will be better defined as I move into the role of a shepherding elder. It will receive more of my time and attention - something I am really excited about!

The governance of your church is sound. We have a “transitional” Session in place. We soon will ask the congregation to nominate men who they feel are qualified to serve so a new Session can be seated. The composition of the Session is most likely to change – and, that is not a bad thing. I am expecting it to be smaller than it has been for the past several years and possibly be comprised of younger, yet wise, faces. Please continue to pray for those YOU, the members of Christ Community Church, will want to nominate and elect on the new Session. There has never been a better opportunity to get involved in this process than right now.

I conclude with this great quote from Samuel Miller who wrote in 1831 An Essay, on the Warrant, Nature and Duties of the Office of the Ruling Elder, in the Presbyterian Church that I return to time and time again:

It is my prayer you and your elders will cultivate the environment of which Miller speaks. In order for this to happen the sheep and their shepherds need to love one another just as Christ loves us and envelope each other with a peace that only our Heavenly Father can provide.

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. – Hebrews 13:20-21

Praying for a redemptive season and that God is glorified in it all….

Grace and peace.

JMG