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Tonight holds an incredibly significant moment for Christ’s Redemption Church. We will be ordaining two new Elders to our leadership. This position cannot be taken lightly. We as Elders are shepherds for the Lord our God. Yahweh has appointed us personally responsible for every sheep He places in our care.
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with sighing, for that would be harmful to you.” – Hebrews 13:17
“Keeping watch” in the original Koine Greek writings is agrypneo (ἀγρυπνέω). It means to go without sleep on behalf of others. Elders are watchmen. We must take on the grueling task of spiritual safety for all members. Due to that massive responsibility, we must stand before God, and He will judge us for our account as guardians. He will hold us in contempt if we cause harm to His flock. If we misguide. If we overlook strife. If we do not correct division. God holds us in debt.
Keeping watch takes constant vigilance. Being shepherds takes sacrifice. We give up so much personal time to do Yahweh’s work as He pours out the anointing in our lives. This is a heavy weight that cannot be taken on a whim or by any person. It must be designated and brought to pass by the Holy Spirit, Ruach Hakodesh. A task that carries supreme ultimate accountability to Yahweh. As I said, not everyone can enter into this role.
“‘ O LORD, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill? Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right and speak the truth from their heart; who do not slander with their tongue and do no evil to their friends nor heap shame upon their neighbors; in whose eyes the wicked are despised but who honor those who fear the LORD; who stand by their oath even to their hurt; who do not lend money at interest and do not take a bribe against the innocent. Those who do these things shall never be moved.’ – Psalms 15:1-5
The integrity of a person described in these verses has their private and public lives aligned. Their actions show a practice of justice, fairness, uprightness, and impartiality according to the Word of God. They do not hold to hypocrisy or deceit. They speak truth to others in love, mercy, grace, and humility. They must have a servant’s heart. They must be willing to correct and be corrected. They must put the will and good of the church body and God’s covenants above all else.
For me, my covenant is my marriage and my obedience to Yahweh by serving as Pastor. The two will always align if I submit to Him. They come before anything else. Before my job. Before my free time. This is the promise we as Elders make to our Lord. Even at a personal cost. Those who have these characteristics shall never be moved. They reflect God’s own.
Through the Ruach Hakodesh, the voting body of our church has elected Dee Montgomery and Mary Dent to the anointed office of Elders. At this time, I ask they come forward to receive the laying on of hands, a symbolic anointing, and blessing. Afterward, if anyone has personal vows to read, they may do so.
I will ask each of you to respond yes or no to this vow. This is an oath to Yahweh by the blood of Yeshua Hamashiach, and with the guidance of the Ruach Hakodesh.
- Do you receive the truth of the Scriptures, the belief in Yahweh to be the only God you serve, Yeshua Hamashiach to be the Messiah, and the Ruach Hakodesh (the Holy Spirit) sent by the Lord to guide us?
- Do you vow to the Lord to put the needs and will of the church body before your own opinions?
- Do you promise to seek peace and unity of the leadership so that we can peaceably govern the church?
- Do you vow to uphold the office of Elder in its full anointing and weight until the Lord releases you?
As the pastor and overseer of Christ’s Redemption Church, I give this towel as a symbolic representation of the mantle of Elder. To serve this body faithfully.
At this time, I open the floor to any elected Elder to speak their personal vows.
I now anoint each of you with oil with the priestly blessing and laying on of hands by Elder Chris and me.
‘ The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. ‘ – Numbers 6:24-26
We hereby recognize Dee and Mary as ordained Elders, as they have taken the full weight this office holds. Let us now welcome them to our leadership with applause!
Now, I ask all Elders, as we go into our final time of worship, to anoint each member here today and lay on of hands. Pray over them and promise to serve and protect them.
Amen.
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