1 Peter 5:1-5: What is an Elder? (The Elders Among You)

Welcome to the 1st sermon introducing the elders of Refuge Church (1 of 4). - Eric VanDyne

Who are the elders among you? They are witnesses to the sufferings of Christ. They are partakers in the glory, shepherds over the flock, overseers and instructors of God’s word. The elders are called to be examples to the flock, those who will one day receive the crowns of glory themselves. These edifying qualities are offset by a large dose of humility by those who are called and commanded to take watch-care over souls. Now it would be too easy to use these qualities to become puffed up, but elders are called not to be domineering to those in their charge, but to be examples for the flock. The elders are not to be above you, but among you. We hope you will see yours elders not as arrogant but as approachable. The guys you go to talk to after service, not intimidating but inviting. The guys you want to go out for coffee with to talk about scriptures and issues in your lives. As your elders, we want to be invited into conversations with you, to be invited into your lives, as we invite you into the life of Refuge church which ultimately spills out into the life of St. Charles and surrounding communities.