2009 Elder Selection/Reaffirmation Schedule Aug 16 Sunday sermon & Bible classes focused on eldership Distribute Study Guide to all families Aug 23 Sunday sermon & Bible classes focused on eldership Distribute proposed Elder Selection Process document Aug 30 Sunday sermon & Bible classes focused on eldership Special church meeting: Discuss and vote on proposed process Elders propose Selection Committee Chair for church approval/vote Sep 6 Sunday sermon & Bible classes focused on eldership Sep 13 Selection Committee Chair proposes committee members for church approval/vote Date Process Step

2009 Elder Selection/Reaffirmation Schedule Sep 20 Distribute elder nomination forms Date Process Step Oct 4 Nominations close Selection Committee counts & notifies nominees Nominees begin consideration of willingness to serve Oct 13 Nominees accept/decline “candidacy” Oct 18 Distribute ballots with new candidates and current elders to be re-affirmed Oct 18 Selection Committee and current elders resolve any - Nov. 11scriptural objections Nov 1 Balloting closes

2009 Elder Selection/Reaffirmation Schedule Nov 2 Committee tallies votes & notifies candidates of - Nov 8results Date Process Step Nov 11 Committee announces results to church Nov 15 Installation of new and affirmed elders

Ezekiel 34: “‘For this is what the Sovereign L ORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.

12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. Ezekiel 34:11-16

13 I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. Ezekiel 34:11-16

14 I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. Ezekiel 34:11-16

15 I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign L ORD. Ezekiel 34:11-16

16 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.’” Ezekiel 34:11-16

The Importance of Shepherds to God Ezekiel 34

The Series The Importance of Shepherds to God The Importance of Shepherds to God Jesus the Good Shepherd Jesus the Good Shepherd Paul and the Ephesian Elders Paul and the Ephesian Elders Our Response/Responsibility to the Elders Our Response/Responsibility to the Elders

“Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young” Isaiah 40:10-11

“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord. Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who care for my people: “You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for your evil deeds,” declares the Lord.

Then I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:1-4

Importance of Shepherds Pastoral imagery runs throughout the Bible Pastoral imagery runs throughout the Bible "I resign the highest office in the land to become President of the United States.” "I resign the highest office in the land to become President of the United States.” Former shepherds Former shepherds Present shepherds Present shepherds “Shepherd of the shepherds” “Shepherd of the shepherds”

The work of shepherds is important: Feed the sheep Feed the sheep Strengthen the weak Strengthen the weak Heal the sick Heal the sick Bind up the crippled Bind up the crippled

The work of shepherds is important: Bring back the strays Bring back the strays Seek for the lost Seek for the lost Rule lovingly Rule lovingly Give their best to the sheep Give their best to the sheep

God wants shepherds to have a flock Every saint a shepherd Every saint a shepherd Shepherds are not spiritual police Shepherds are not spiritual police Focus is on the sheep Focus is on the sheep A shepherd must have a flock A shepherd must have a flock