You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
One of the most amazing things for Vicki and me about being grandparents is watching our children as parents. They exhibit their own ways but we can see some things we taught them come through and it is gratifying. Paul exercised a similar father/son dynamic with Timothy, calling him his child. He then commanded Timothy as his child to raise up others after him. He was telling Timothy, an elder at the church in Ephesus, to identify and train other elders that will be trusted to teach and shepherd the flock along with him and after him.
When I came on the elder board at Calvary BFC in Sinking Spring over 20 years ago, I was told to identify and train elders after me. I was equally gratified to see them join us as elders and in some cases, pastors. Cape Community Church has designated June, Elder Appreciation Month. Their task is hard and gratifying. Our thrust this year is discipleship and we are seeing the fruits of the labor. Men are getting saved and getting plugged in. In time, many may become elders after us. May we as a congregation join them in encouraging and praying for these young men who will minister in a hard time.
Dear Lord, thank you that you send who you send and draw who you draw. May you draw the next generation and send them to train the next generation after them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church