LOCAL ELDERS by H. A. St. John

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 13, 1876

LOCAL ELDERS.

By H. A. St. John

Persons occupying the responsible position of elder in our churches, it seems to me, need to awake as never before, to the importance of the work assigned them. Every local church is God's heritage, 1 Pet. 5:3, and this heritage is committed to the charge of the elder. He should be able to feed the flock of God with clean provender, thoroughly winnowed. He should be acquainted with all the varied ways by which a good, sound spiritual growth may be attained.

The elder should have an oversight of every thing that pertains to the church. He should see that the church clerk keeps his book properly, recording plainly all that is of interest or importance to the church. He should see to it that the Systematic Benevolence treasurer is doing his work correctly, and that all, both old and young, are paying S. B. If there is no deacon, the responsibilities of this office rest upon the elder, and if there are deacons, he should instruct and encourage them in the performance of their duties.

Look at that beautiful orchard. Every tree seems to be in the finest condition. This is not the work of chance, but a careful, wise, and judicious farmer has the oversight there. Not a tree is neglected. Pruning, training, cultivating, guarding from destructive insects, and everything necessary to a healthy and vigorous growth, is faithfully attended to in season. And this is all right. Now, brother elder, take this as an illustration.

Is the wise husbandman acquainted with every tree in his orchard, whether young or old? so should you be acquainted with every member of the church committed to your charge. You should have in your possession a list of all the members, and every one of these should be considered as an invaluable treasure, a soul for whom Christ died, and of more worth than all the world. And as every one is surrounded by temptations, snares, afflictions, and a great number of evils, and evil influences, expressly calculated to prevent the bringing forth of the fruits of the Spirit, to stop spiritual growth, and to entirely destroy, how highly important it is that you, with a soul full of love for your work, and a close examination of the book of directions, the holy Bible, exercise a wise supervision over God's heritage.

To lead, in the regular meetings of the church, is but a small part of the duty of an elder. If this is all that is done, there will be a rapid declension. May the Lord bless you, reader, if such a responsibility is yours. You need a large supply of the grace of God. But the Lord has promised all needed help. It is for you, within your reach. The needed wisdom and strength is proffered by our compassionate Redeemer. H. A. ST. JOHN.