Brothers and sisters in Christ, can you join with me in a special request for our Elders as they lead us through this time of uncertainty? The Lord has appointed these men to lead our church, and admirably, they have all stepped up even more than they have before with the quarantines, closings, and other things. These men are not full time staff, they are business owners, professionals, Husbands, Fathers, and some grandfathers, who give their time in obedience to the Father's will for their lives. Of their roles, spiritually, the Bible says: They are shepherds of the flock: 1 Peter 5:1-5
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” They are worthy of honor 1 Timothy 5:17-19 ESV
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. They are Warriors who pray for their people James 5:14 ESV
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
And right now, I know that in their spiritual guidance, as well as in their personal lives, they can use our prayer. Since arriving in Murfreesboro, these men have been a rock to my family and I, and especially since the events of the past week, they have been a rock for you as well. Please join me in praying for their continued health, their families, wisdom, for their provision to their families, and their leadership of the church as the days, weeks, and months to come play out in front of our eyes. Thank them for their leadership, and encourage them as they continue to lead First Christian Church, Murfreesboro through this Crisis in Jesus' name, and in to what He has for us next.
Thank you, and God Bless you
Brian D. Doyle, Minister-FCC Murfreesboro
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