Elders/Deeks: Nomination month is underway

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our father and our Lord Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:1-2

We read in Philippians (Paul’s earliest letter to the churches) where overseers (shepherds/elders) and deacons (deeks) are mentioned and separately addressed in the greeting, evidence of servant-leadership existing as part of a church community. Paul then goes on to express his thanksgiving, his intercessory prayer, and his deep affection for the Philippians. As we read further into chapter one, Paul describes with joy his “partnership” in the gospel and grace with the Philippians. This partnership seems to be multifaceted, including shared worship, prayer and mutual support and care.

Here on the Redeemer Diaconate, we long to cultivate this partnership with you. During the month of October, we invite you to partner with us in the following ways:

If you are a Redeemer church member, please identify fellow members who are spiritually mature and who you believe might be suited for caring and supporting those in our church communities in need and nominate (redeemer.com/nominate) them.

Besides deeks, we also need new elders for all our Redeemer churches. As Kathy Keller once told me, Dave McCarty, an elder in Jenkintown, PA, once elaborated on the qualifications for being an elder. He said:

Most churches make the mistake of electing the competent, the confidant, and the successful; whereas what you really need is a man who has been broken by the knowledge of his own sin, and restored by an even greater knowledge of grace. That kind of elder can lead the congregation in being the chief repenter: repenting more quickly, more publically, more often and more deeply.

In addition to receiving nominations, we need your prayers. Paul is able to pray for the Philippians because God has begun and will complete his good work in them. We know that God is doing his good work in his children, so pray for those whom God has prepared for the work of elders and deeks to respond to his calling, and pray that their love will overflow in knowledge and wisdom.

Lastly, we understand this partnership that Paul speaks of to have a practical, even financial, implication. The work of the Diaconate is possible because of financial partners. Please consider sharing your resources by giving a financial gift to our Mercy Fund (redeemer.com/mercygift) The Mercy Fund is set up specifically for the purpose of meeting the needs of the most vulnerable individuals and families in our churches.

Throughout the month of October, and even year round, you can partner with us by supporting the vehicles of God’s mercy in each Redeemer church, helping to grow their ranks and providing them with the resources and prayer support needed for God’s continued work through them! We thank God for this mutual affection we have for one another and the partnership we share in the gospel because of our union with Christ Jesus.

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Articles in this Issue

		One ant, arguing with another ant ... Kathy Keller
		Equipping ministers to effectively walk with anxious people Redeemer Counseling Services
		Together for the city Neil Powell and John James of Birmingham, England
		HFNY is adding five new affiliates!
		Download a Free MP3 of a sermon