Growing into Christ (6)

… exercise yourself toward godliness. 1 Timothy 4.7

The Elder and His Work
David Dickson (1821-1885)
“The usefulness of an elder will depend in the long run more on his character than on his gifts and knowledge… His walk and conversation, his style of living, his companions and friends, his geniality, his amusements, will have an important influence, not only on his own family, but on the people of his district and congregation. Young people especially notice, and get good or evil from, much that they do not speak about to others. They should learn from us what a Christian is like, not by the frequent use of certain pious expressions, but by the clear, transparent outflow of a life ‘hid with Christ in God.’”

“What you do speaks so loudly I can’t hear what you’re saying.” That’s the saying one of my college coaches used to try to motivate us to work harder in practice, rather than our explaining to him why we thought we should be playing more. Peter instructed the elders in Asia Minor to make sure their example was what it should be, as they worked to shepherd the flock of God (1 Pet. 5.1-3). Paul pointed to his own example of humility and service to urge the Ephesian elders on in their service (Acts 20.18, 19). Jesus said that the sheep of a shepherd should know him and have enough confidence in him to follow wherever he might lead. If we’re growing into Christ, His holy form and demeanor will show through us, and exert transforming power on those we’re encouraging to grow into Him.

How do the people of your church relate to their leaders? Is it merely through programs and activities, or is there some other method?

Mission Partners Outreach
Jesus trained and deployed His followers two-by-two, to learn and serve together in proclaiming His Kingdom. Are you following this pattern? Our Mission Partners Outreach provides the resources and framework for making witness-bearing disciples in your church. Want to learn how it works? I’m currently looking for three men to work with me through this six-month training effort, which includes preparing a plan to implement this free training in your own church. Watch this brief video, then contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.for more information.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.All quotations are from David Dickson, The Elder and His Work (Dallas: Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1990).