Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness. Titus 1:1
Feeling a light touch on my arm, I turned to see a teenage girl, with a half smile and a shy lowering of her eyelids. ‘Can I ask you something?’ Of course she could! ‘I want to come into the Assembly’, she began, and asked what she needed to do. With a glad heart, I assured her she had just taken the first step, and I would get back to her as soon as possible. I checked with the others on the Assembly oversight, and we arranged for an interview with her, leading to her soon taking her place in the fellowship. Although it doesn’t happen often enough, times like that make me thrill with thankfulness for the role I and other elders have been given.
When Paul wrote his letter to Titus, he did so to give his younger protege guidance regarding the Assemblies on the island of Crete. Those newly saved people were beginning to gather as the Lord commanded, and they needed help in setting things up. Before the days of a completed New Testament, the role of Titus under the guidance of Paul was critical. Paul’s letter contains instructions for Titus to identify men to take the leadership roles in those Cretian Assemblies. And those instructions are essential reading for every man taking the leadership role in Assemblies ever since. Amid the joys, the prayers, and the heartaches of Assembly oversight, some of the sweetest moments are meeting with and watching young Christians taking their first big steps in their walk for their Lord.
Whether it is meeting with a prospective candidate for baptism, or interviewing someone wanting to join the Assembly fellowship, our meetings with individuals is always a joy. But it is especially so when that individual is a boy or girl with an obvious desire to please the Lord. Frequently they are shy and awkward about meeting with a group of men, but they ask, and they meet, and they thrill our souls. It isa also joyful getting to know those same youngsters, and others who are still a bit reluctant, as they attend meetings and move among us during times of fellowship. It is good to see them welcoming any words of encouragement and guidance too.
Our hearts break when we see young Christians depart when overcome by the world. But watching those young Christians who seek to grow and follow their Lord is the greatest joy of an elder’s heart. -Jim MacIntosh
Here is the link to the vidseo of this message: https://youtu.be/dg3D1gDROp4