Thankful for Elders

It may just be perception, but it seems that I spend more time with our elders near the end of each year, as we try to set forward some plans for the coming year. Our elders at Lebanon Road are remarkable men and I spend quite a lot of time with them, but this time of year just seems to bring almost a deluge of meetings–both planned and spontaneous–as well as various other ways of communication.

Combine these frequent interactions with the month of November and our emphasis on gratitude, and you have today’s post. However, I want to spread the feeling of gratitude to more men than just the elders at Lebanon Road. Thankfully, I am often able to interact with shepherds in various places and I always leave whatever interaction I have with more admiration for these men.

I am not an elder, but I continue to be amazed at the work, office, role…whatever you want to call it…of an elder. The more these men hold their God-given role seriously, the more demanding it is. I have heard our elders say on more than one occasion that they take the shepherding of souls and that they will give account for their diligence to this task very seriously. While I certainly cannot speak for every man who serves in every eldership across the brotherhood, I think that feeling of seriousness and realization is common, if not nearly universal.

Even with that knowledge, though, the job an elder has is often thankless. They hear all the squabbles and struggles. They hear when someone doesn’t like what a teacher or preacher says (or wears). Every decision is scrutinized to the nth degree…

…and they know it.

However, I’m here today to thank elders. These men assume a role that is awesome, to say the least. They do so with no financial pay (though the Bible allows for such), and realizing that they are to consider every soul under their watch. They also do so knowing that not every person is going to treat them properly.

But they do so because they desire the office, and people need the direction of shepherds.

If you are an elder, I thank you. No one knows what you go through more than your fellow pastors, but those of us who are the beneficiaries of your sacrificial service are grateful. Though we may not show it as we should, you are appreciated for your love and direction.

COMMENTS: In the comments, please share some encouragement to the elders who regularly read this blog. Thanks!

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NOTE: This is our last post before the release of the November episode of the Faughn Family Podcast! To learn more about the program and how to listen or subscribe (for free, of course) go here.

Photo credit: John Proctor on Creative Commons

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