This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach.
Next month, Cape Community Church will be accepted into Conference at the BFC Annual Conference. It is an exciting time because of this but also because we will also be on our own on July 1st. This means that, like Titus, we will appoint elders. Along with 1 Timothy 3, Titus lists the criteria for serving as elder. The list is stringent because the elder is the visible leader of the church and must have a good reputation in the community. He must be a “one woman man”, as the verse can be translated. Managing the family well is a sticky one because even the best godly parenting does not guarantee godly children in adulthood. This requires discernment.
We have three men that will begin to oversee the spiritual condition of the church. We have an awesome responsibility ahead of us but we must not fear because the Lord is with us. We must be well regarded shepherds, even though we are saved sinners, so that the community knows that our church has everything in order and in place. Pray for us as we seek to serve the Lord and his congregation.
Dear Lord, thank you that you use reconciled sinners to lead your church. Help us to serve humbly and above reproach in order to make more disciples for the kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church