I’ve never seen the Brethren in such a state of red alert. I would
\noften leave these conferences are deep in teaching and my heart warmed
\nby the devotions regarding the glory of Christ. This time I left with
\nall that and a convicting burden as well. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The conference consisted of 16 one hour seminars spread out over a
\nperiod of two days. We would only break for about seven to ten minutes
\nbetween sessions except for meals where we had a full forty-five to an
\nhour. Shepherding was the topic and we were exposed to Biblical
\nexhortation, outright admonishment and practical helps for doing the
\nvital work.<\/p>\n
\nSome of you might not know that the Brethren do not believe in a single
\nPastor role in the local gathering. Nor do we believe in hiring a
\nPastor to be in charge of the local teaching. From Scripture we see a
\nplurality of elders who are in charge of the spiritual feeding of the
\nflock (although they may not be the ones actually doing the feeding
\nthey would be the ones directing what food is necessary, etc.) We see
\nthat gifts are given to believers and that some among us in the local
\ngathering are equipped with the ability to teach the Word, or exhort
\nfrom the Word, etc.<\/p>\n
\nSo when we have a conference regarding shepherding, it’s focused at a
\ngroup of men (this was about ninety) who are either currently elders or
\ndoing the work of an elder or wanting to get a better understanding of
\nthe work of an elder—not so much Pastors.<\/p>\n
\nImagine the open mouths when the speakers did not do the standard
\nhighlight of our adherence to New Testament principles verses the error
\nof the other groups, but turned the high beams on us. Moral impurity
\nwas exposed in all its ugliness and fingered as something hurting us,
\nindeed, Evangelicalism as a whole. Anti-intellectualism was
\nunderscored. Failure to plan-ahead was hung up for all to see. Being
\nbusy in Deacons’ work and forsaking the Elder’s work was emblazoned
\nbefore our eyes. <\/p>\n
\nHeads hung low as one of the speakers questioned the good of adhering
\nto New Testament principles in the structure of our local gatherings if
\nwe’re not feeding the flock or caring for them. Some are doing the work
\nbetter than others, but even the speakers in this conference were
\nconvicted. <\/p>\n
\nBut it wasn’t all conviction. Tons of practical ideas were laid in our
\nlaps. The speakers sat near or around the front rows furiously taking
\nas much notes as the rest of the brothers. How should the elders meet?
\nWhat should be some of the discussions? What should be the priority in
\nthe elders’ meeting? Some of the brothers even signed up for an
\naccountability list where they “covenanted” to pray for each other. <\/p>\n
\nI have the whole thing on mp3 and I’m sure it’s going to be made
\navailable on Voices for Christ as a free download. I may share some of
\nthis stuff in upcoming weeks since it also gives a peek into how the
\nBrethren do things—but it will be done spottily. Mid-Romans, Daniel and
\nsoon to start Genesis has me fairly swamped not to mention the kids and
\nlooking for a change in locale.<\/p>\n
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