Message to the Church
Wise words of Admonition – Check them through with your Bible.
The following is a precis of the Charge to the church given by Paul Reed on the occasion of the induction of Calix Furus to Rehoboth Grace Baptist church Horsham on Saturday 6th February 2016.
The church should endeavour:
To have the right attitude and regard towards the elders of the church. 1 Thessalonians 5:12
To show respect and hold in high esteem those who minister to us, and to avoid having a critical spirit. James 3:1 & 1:9
To show understanding for the emotional and physical demands of the position of pastoral elder, and to demonstrate this through having a right and prayerful attitude towards the responsibilities inherent within the role.
To give verbal encouragement and constructive criticism where appropriate Proverbs 27:6
To pray consistently and faithfully for the protection from those who would bring dissension and discouragement 2 Thess. 3:1-2
To support the work of our full time elder by looking after his financial needs: 2 Cor 8: 1-7
To pray for boldness and clarity in preaching the gospel. C H Spurgeon, when asked about his success, replied: My people pray for me.
To be aware of the importance of the ministry of elders wives and to prayerfully support and honour their role Philippians:1:3-6
To participate in the service and put into practice what we hear and encourage the eldership by working together and being united Acts 14:22; Acts 16:40; Romans 12:8; 2 Cor 7:6
To accept new ideas; to avoid division ;to pray; to recognise each other’s gifts within the church family: Ephesians 4:11
And on a practical note to respect personal family time and hobbies!
In conclusion: “Happy is the church where people love the elders and the elders love the people, and they all love the Lord. Watch such a church – good things are bound to happen.” John Benton, quoted by Clifford Pond in his book“Only Servants”.
Charge to Calix
Gods calling to shepherd his flock: The charge to Calix by Trevor Dickerson on his induction as Pastoral Elder of Rehoboth Grace Baptist church Horsham: 2 Timothy 4v 1-5
The calling of Calix Furus to be the Pastoral Elder of Rehoboth is to be as an ‘under shepherd’ under the Great Shepherd – Jesus Christ; to be a mouthpiece and an instrument of His grace to the people of God and to those outside.
It is a timely ministry and one that requires diligence and faithfulness to the preaching of the Word of God. Not only to be an encouragement to the church but to act under Divine guidance to correct and rebuke, and to lead the people from the front. To put into words, God’s calling to us ‘to come follow me’.
The role of pastoral elder will require great patience and careful instruction. To see each other through heavens eyes; to study God’s word diligently, and to apply that learning to careful instruction so that those who hear it are built up in their faith. To recognise and encourage others in the use of their gifts and thereby to grow the ‘flock’.
To search the Scriptures for guidance and understanding so as to equip the people of God for every good work. To endure hardship but to draw strength from the Great Shepherd, who is full of compassion and grace and is never surprised or caught out by what we may say or do!
To have a heart for the lost and to do the work of an evangelist, is a way of drawing close to Jesus Christ. To recognise that we are called by God “out of darkness and into His wonderful light” and, as the under shepherd, looking for growth both numerical and spiritual.
In spreading the gospel we begin to see others and ourselves as God sees us. His heart is for the lost and this is clearly seen in Luke 15:7-10
Calix –“ Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. Keep your head in all situations, endure hardships, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”
May the God of all grace sustain, guide and empower you and give you great joy in your ministry
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