By Kerry Rickard
As elders, we know that we are called to lead. Lead under Christ, like Christ. Leadership that has both a right heart as well as a right role. A shepherding heart and a shepherding role.
We are called to be elders that are shaped by Jesus’ example. Jesus the good shepherd (John 10:11). A true representation of leadership.
Jesus desires shepherding leaders, elders, who emulate him. Who know, lead, feed, and protect the sheep.
Most elderships have a strength in knowing the church we shepherd. We are relationally connected and people orientated.
As elders we are committed to leading the church we shepherd. Providing direction and weight to what God says is important.
Teams of elders make a specific focus on feeding the church we shepherd. We prioritise the word of God as central to life and living.
But maybe one of the areas we wrestle with is protecting the church we shepherd. We often seek to protect the church family spiritually from being led astray or lead off course. But with the ever-changing dynamic of the world we live in, we are to be protecting them practically from the risks we face when serving in the country we do.
As churches we benefit greatly from the systems that we have in New Zealand. The charities’ structure, social welfare supports, funding mechanisms, and tax structures.
But with such benefits, there are also responsibilities we have as ones who live under the authority of those who lead our country (Romans 13:1). Health & Safety, accounting, governance, employment, and compliance responsibilities. These don’t sound glamourous or overly spiritual, but they are part of protecting the church family.
Therefore, our heart and role as shepherds is to be informed about our responsibilities. It is to be proactive in making sure we have the right structures and systems in place that honour firstly, the good shepherd, but also those who he has put in authority over us in government.
I know we need to further explore this. As an elder of a local church family I am appreciative of the advice that other churches and supports, like CCCNZ, can provide.
I would encourage you to take the time as an eldership to…
Pray for wisdom and God’s guidance around our protective responsibilities.
Pursue ongoing learning because for many of us this is an unknown area.
Accept and embrace accountability as we all seek to protect both church leaders and the church family.
Protect with love using a shepherding care and sensitivity.
May our hearts and role as elders include protecting our church family we serve, legally and responsibly with a shepherding heart.
