Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Elder Testimonies

Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.
Romans 12:3 (MSG)


Don’t we feel good when we do something holy and good? You know, throw that check in the plate, drink the wine and eat the bread, go to Sunday school, or show up for small group. Every time I read this scripture I am convicted about my desire to bring goodness to God when he only wants to bring it to me.

We could feel good about our very spirit-led, democratic process for electing shepherds or we could just recognize that God brings it all to us. When we do the latter, participation becomes an act of worship and we recognize that “raising up” Elders is act of thankfulness for the blessings of leadership and acknowledgement that God is working in the body at Otter Creek.

Steve Giddens

1 comment:

Amy Anderson Westerman said...

My husband Scott and I have been members at Otter Creek for two years this Christmas.

We are so amazed and impressed with the leadership of our church and the vision that you have for us.

Thanks to you and ALL our elders for leading us on the journey! :)