Bring Them Back: Devotions From Time of Grace MinistryPrøve

SOMEBODY HELP ME: ELDERS In your efforts to bring someone back, you are not alone. In most Christian congregations there is a team of leaders whose mission is people's spiritual well-being. They are chosen for their maturity, leadership ability, people skills, and knowledge of the Word. These are the activities and attitudes that St. Paul wanted to see in a congregation's spiritual leaders: "Warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone" (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Your elders can help you access your congregation's education and caring programs. They will pray for you and make sure you get a warm welcome and personal attention if you are able to bring someone back to church for a visit. You can help the elders with prayer and words of encouragement. Spiritual mentoring and people management can often be exhausting and frustrating, and they need your help too.