1. While we will regret setting the bar below the standards of Scripture in recognizing men called to the eldership, we can also in our zeal set it artificially higher than the Scriptures, and fail to recognize that some of the best gifts grow in ministry. 2. Especially remember that “able to teach” (1 Tim. 3:3), with its corollary of being able to “rebuke” (Tit. 1:9, i.e. to use the Scriptures for the ends for which they were given [2 Tim. 3:15-16]) does not specify an arena. Some are “able to teach” who are not suited to regular public preaching. 3. Look for men whose lives exhibit the spirit of, as well as an intellectual grasp of, sound doctrine. Orthodoxy with approachability is a great desideratum in an elder (approachability being the very least that “hospitable” means; Tit. 1:8). 4. Pose the most neglected question—”Do outsiders think well of him?” (1 Tim. 3:7)—and ponder why that question is important. 5. Choose those who are already “among” the flock, and the flock “among” them (1 Pet. 5: 2). Moral, domestic, occupational, didactic qualifications being met, ask, “Does this man love the flock and is he beloved by them?” Commitment to corporate prayer is often a litmus test. 6. Avoid appointing those who would commit to loving the flock if they were asked to be elders. Better by far to have men who love the sheep than men who love being shepherds (the former will become the latter, but not vice-versa). 7. Seek men who are simultaneously gentle but prepared to be courageous, and prepared to suffer if need be—to get in front to protect as well as behind to follow! An elder must be capable of both biblical rebuke and gentle restoration (Gal. 6:2). Quieter men, with quiet hearts, are worth their weight in gold and may astonish us by their wisdom. 8. Ask the question, “Would our church be willing, if need be, to pay this man a stipend to labor among us as an elder?” The answer may tell a great deal about his ministry in the flock and his esteem in their eyes. 9. Consider how well a man’s life echoes the principles of the Lord’s shepherding in Psalm 23.

Sinclair Ferguson

CATEGORY	CUISINE	TAG	YIELD
Dairy		Eat, Your, Greens	4	servings

INGREDIENTS

1		Head cauliflower; broken into florets
4		Tomatoes; sliced
1	ts	Fresh thyme leaves or 1/2tsp dried
		Salt and freshly ground black pepper
25	g	Butter
100	g	Plain flour
50	g	Rolled oats
50	g	Cheddar cheese; grated
		Salt and freshly ground black pepper
100	g	Butter

INSTRUCTIONS

CRUMBLE
Cook the cauliflower in salted, boiling water, or steam, until almost
tender. Pack tightly in a lightly buttered, heatproof dish. Cover with
tomato slices. Sprinkle with thyme leaves, salt and pepper, then dot
with the butter.
Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/gas 6.
To make the crumble, mix the flour, oats, grated cheese, salt and
pepper together in a bowl. Melt the butter and stir enough of it into
the mixture with a palette knife to make a crumbly mixture. Cool
slightly then scatter over the vegetables in a thick layer. Bake for
about 30 minutes until the crumble is golden brown and crisp. Serve
immediately
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