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
Fruits	Sami	Fruits	4	Servings

INGREDIENTS

2	pt	Strawberries
4	ts	Sugar; (4 to 6)
1	tb	Balsamic vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS

This is an exquisite dish created by the talented Mollie Katzen. She
advises the use of perfectlyRipe berries to maximize the effects of this
traditional Italian treat. Please note that the berries may be sliced and
sugared up to a day in advance. However the vinegar should be applied
within
30    minutes of serving.
1. Clean the strawberries by wiping them with a damp paper towel. Avoid
washing them directly in water as this dilutes the flavor of the berries by
ab- sorbtion. 2. Hull the strawberries, and halve or slice them. This would
depend on their size. Place the berries on a shallow pan (10-inch pie pan)
and sprinkle with sugar. 3. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow to
sit for several hours, shaking the pan every so often. If you plan you plan
on letting then sit for more than 3 1/2 hours, they will have to
beRefrigerated. 4. Sprinkle with vinegar within a half hour of serving
atRoom temperature.
.

A Message from our Provider:

“Our hopelessness and our helplessness are no barrier to (God’s) work. Indeed our utter incapacity is often the prop He delights to use for His next act… We are facing one of the principles of Yahweh’s modus operandi. When His people are without strength, without resources, without hope, without human gimmicks – then He loves to stretch forth His hand from heaven. Once we see where God often begins we will understand how we may be encouraged. #Ralph Davis”