The Perfect Elder

Let me introduce myself. My name is Craig Roberts and I’m an elder at South Valley Church in Phoenix, Oregon and I was an elder in another church in San Diego. Because of my experiences and journey through Christianity (30+ years), I’m the perfect elder. Modest, meek and humble. As a matter of fact, I’m probably the most humble man you could ever meet and that’s something I’m very proud of. You would be very glad and blessed that you were in my presence if you met me.

Now, let’s find out who I really am. Yes, I’m an elder in a local church and have been for a number of years and was previously an elder in San Diego for sometime. You might even like me if you met me. Everything else I said at first is a bunch of hooey. The real and rest of my testimony follows and with it I want to instill some hope and faith within those who think that ‘Elders’ are someone who are perfect and walk before God as Enoch did and are just waiting for God to translate them to heaven at anytime and that becoming a man used of God is unattainable. Let me be clear on this…I am chief among sinners. Like you, I suffer from the problems that my ‘flesh’ brings upon me when I don’t ‘walk in the Spirit’. We reap what we sow; it’s a Biblical principle that is inescapable.

As I reflect upon my 52 years upon this earth, I’m amazed and astounded at the fact that the Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth, in His infinite wisdom, grace and mercy has chosen me to be a son and someone He can use for His glory. Because of my faith and knowledge in our heavenly Father, I can walk uprightly before Him. Christ’s blood has allowed me to stand before Him and say ‘I am here in the righteousness of Jesus’. ”If we confess our sins before Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 Jn 1:9

The grace of God is beyond my understanding. I have yet to attain perfection in this life as I’d like. The Apostle Paul put it like this; “For I don't know what I am doing. For I don't practice what I desire to do; but what I hate, that I do. For the good which I desire, I don't do; but the evil which I don't desire, that I practice.” Rom 7:15,19. It is comforting to know that I am not alone in the struggle with sin, it’s a day by day walk and life in Christ.

I am NOT the perfect elder. Anger, lust of the flesh, the pride of life and all the other stuff that gets in the way of my walk with Christ still creeps in and tries to find a home in my soul. So why am I an elder? Because I desire to do a good work for the Lord. “If a man desires to be an overseer, he desires a good work.” 1 Tim 3:1. There is something about being in church leadership that for me anyway, helps to keep me in line. A sort of reminder if you will. It’s like when I wear my “Jesus is Boss” hat, I am constantly reminded of my walk before God and man. To be a testimony and a good one is a goal of mine as a Christian and an elder.

The Bible says “where there is no vision the people perish.” Let me encourage you, get a vision, follow after it no matter what. Something I’ve come to realize is that God is not in a hurry. Neither should we be. Let His work in you be accomplished in His time and let that work affect others around you. If God wanted perfect men to be elders, there wouldn’t be any. Yes there are Biblical qualifications for eldership but perfection is not one of them. If you have a vision to be a ‘shepherd’ of God’s people, go for it and don’t let the enemy steal that from you. Also, to be an Elder, you don’t have to be in the Eph 4:11 group (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher). I have never been ordained into one of those offices but I do love to teach; that is probably my calling and if God ever allows me to be an ordained Teacher, then it will be more of my vision fulfilled. The more common offices in the church are Pastor and/or Evangelist, if that is what God is calling you to, go for it and don’t let your shortcomings get in God’s way. Don’t let life pass by and at its end say “I wish I’d have done what God wanted me to do.

Craig has been married to his wife Mary for 27+ years and both are active in church ministry and they have 4 children ages 15, 6, 5 & 4 . He is a truck driver and enjoys his family, friends, golf, computers and ministry. Visit Craig’s web site for some excellent Christian teachings and resources in Christian faith. www.christdoctrines.org