The true measure of a mature leader can be seen in the commitments they make and how diligently those commitments are fulfilled. Communities grow healthy when relationships of trust pass the test of time and become a shared history. Mutual commitment born of genuine affection emerges as the norm—rejected by none, accepted by all. You see, it’s when our commitments are reflected in our habits that we experience personal loyalty and institutional longevity.
For this reason, our commitments must be specific and defined. Most elders affirm both a specific commitment to their local church and insist that their church joins with a larger organization—whether that be a denomination or network—that will help their church become the best it can be. Why is this the case? We know that a defined commitment to a specific group of believers will ground our conviction in reality and give us particular opportunities to apply our love for Christ through specific actions. Similarly, outside commitments not only bless our churches, but they help us to live out a dependent and other-centered life organizationally as well.
An elder’s character is built through habitual acts of service to those who won’t readily defer to him, that is, other elders who aren’t excessively impressed with his gifts or intellect. But in the rhythms, rituals, and relationships found in plurality, he also finds himself to be the recipient of other leaders’ gifts and kindness. It’s in such open and dependent relationships that we elders learn just how much we need each other. It’s here where elders become a plurality.
To assist elders in the glorious cause of finding and affirming the kind of commitments that build the right culture , I developed a course titled Five Elder Commitments. Complete with videos, tools and a set of eldership affirmations, this course guides the elders through a discussion where they are able to cultivate the kind of culture that makes ministry a delight. Jason Matta, a Canadian pastor walked his elders through the course and concluded, “Our elder team studied and subscribed to the Five Elder Commitments Course because the course and commitments gave us clear, biblical, and gospel-centered language which effectively expressed our deep desire for unity, peace and love as an elder team. The Five Commitments provided us with a tangible way to stand accountable and protected, even when difficulty arises among us.”
Does this course seem timely for you and your elders? Check out the free preview and then pray together about beginning this journey.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you have called me to be a part of this team of leaders, and I want to pursue that calling for the sake of your glory and the good of the church. Please refine our commitments in the hot fire of your word, that I might lead wisely, faithfully and united with with others in serving your church.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
