In the Apostle Paul’s letter to Titus he clearly indicates the reason for leaving him on Crete.  That reason is found in chapter one and verse 5, “that you might set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you.”  From the text it is apparent that something was lacking in the church on Crete.  The area that was lacking was in congregational leadership.  To be more specific, elders needed to be appointed in each of these cities.  It is not unlikely that each city had its own congregation and as such had elders in each of them.  More than one elder, since the Greek word used for elder indicates a plurality.  Some today may not realize that the word elder in New Testament scripture is also used synonymously with the words overseer, pastor or bishop.  As a result we have seen many applications of congregational leadership being set up.  Some have a regional leadership under a single man while others have allowed a single leader in a congregation with “helpers” to assist in the operation of the congregation. 

In all that we do, we would do well to strive to follow the pattern set forth in the pages of scripture that have been divinely inspired of God (2 Timothy 3:16).  After much study and contemplation of the scriptures, two of our men were put forth to be considered for the ‘office of Elder’… On July 27^th we officially acknowledged them as such in our morning services. 

This past week we officially began the process of searching for the additional leadership we find in scripture, in the form of deacons.  As we go through this process, again, we shall utilize the word of God as our guide, while praying for His direction to find Godly men to serve in the capacity of Deacon.  With great anticipation we look forward to maturing into a body of believers functioning as God’s children did when Christ’s church began in the first century.

Copyright © 2008, Nolan P. Rutter