BE THANKFUL IF YOUR ELDERS...

BV elders with Gary Pollard (L-R: Dave Chamberlin, Ernie Barrett, Maynard Woolley, Clint Stephens; not pictured: Mark Hanstein)

Neal Pollard

• Are willing to lead you to do what's right and biblical, even if unpopular and uncomfortable.
• Want the Bible classrooms and pulpit to stay on biblical center, veering neither to the left or right (cf. Josh. 1:7)--regardless of what the churches down the street do.
• Are kind and friendly, even if at times without polish or oratorical articulation.
• Expect the best from you, but ask you to do nothing they themselves are not doing (1 Pet. 5:3).
• Are among you rather than above you or aloof from you (1 Pet. 5:1).
• Obviously love you, even if they occasionally have to correct or admonish you (1 Th. 5:12).
• Prioritize the work with spiritual objectives taking precedence over material objectives and with evangelistic goals over an internal focus.
• Ask the church to do for others rather than try to cater to our whims and desires (Heb. 13:17).
• Are impartial rather than prejudiced or cliquish.
• Are driven by "what does the Bible say" rather than "what do the people want?" (Acts 20:28).
• Stand behind and commend even difficult lessons that move us to obey God.
• Show commitment to their task through time, effort, and zeal rather than being those who go through the motions (Heb. 13:7).

For these and many more reasons, I am thankful for the Bear Valley eldership!  They are numbered among the "all" who sin and fall short of God's glory (Rom. 3:23).  They each have strengths and weaknesses.  Yet, these are men so driven by God's will and God's Word, and I am thankful to preach and attend under the oversight and authority of such men.  My heart aches for those who are not afforded such a pleasure, and it thrills for those who do.  Have you thanked God for your elders today?  Have you thanked your elders (1 Th. 5:13)?  They do not serve for recognition or accolades, but they just as surely will not rebuff your appreciation!  May we be grateful sheep!