Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
May 21, 2017

Two Churches Have Elders
by Bill Hall (from Two Men)
Two churches have elders, but they differ tremendously in their attitudes toward the elders.
The first church sees the elders as great targets for criticism. Every move is questioned, and much discontent and unrest exist. In fact, the elders have to spend so much time dealing with the unrest that they have little time to plan and implement work that will bring the church to fulfillment of its God-given purpose.
The second church recognizes the heavy load borne by the elders, and they are thankful that there are men who are willing to do the work. They make allowances for their imperfections and seek to be supportive in every way possible. If a decision is made that some member believes to be unwise, he goes to the elders with his problem and does not stir unrest within the congregation. The members are “ready to do every good work,” willing to cooperate in any activity that is in keeping with God’s authority.
The first church thinks of the elders as mere decision makers. They resent the elders’ effort to admonish. They view any attempt to talk with someone about sin in his life as an intrusion into his privacy. They really wish the elders would just make whatever decisions they have to make and leave everybody alone.
The second church recognizes that in their role as shepherds the elders must make certain decisions pertaining to the welfare of the church, but they see them primarily as “watchers for souls” and spiritual nourishers. They respect the elders and respond to their admonitions. They know the prodding is for their good and that the elders have their spiritual and eternal welfare in mind.
The members of the first church rarely express appreciation for their elders and rarely pray for them. They see their elders’ faults but are blinded to their good traits. There is not that good elder-congregation relationship that God desires in His church. Some of the faults may lie with the elders themselves, but the congregation has really not given them the chance to rule and exercise oversight that should be theirs.
The second church is an example of peace and harmony. They appreciate their elders, pray for them, and “esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). They frequently express to them their love and support, so that the elders work among them with confidence, fulfilling their heavy responsibilities “with joy and not with grief” (Hebrews 13:17).
The first church wonders why they can’t have a strong eldership like that of the second church, never realizing that the response of the congregation itself determines to a great extent the effectiveness with which the elders oversee, lead, and rule the church. The key to change in the first church lies within just a few, who, with a change in their own attitudes, could lead the whole group into better attitudes. Could it be possible that you are among the few?

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@knology.net / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Study 9:00 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Training Class 5:00 P.M.
Worship 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.