This morning we are installing three additional elders at Karns. We should be very thankful to the three men and their families for the willingness to do the work and the sacrifices that they will make to oversee this congregation. The installation of additional elders is very serious business for the congregation. Please pray for Dave Benner, Terry Clark, and Gary Woodall, as they begin their work of leadership of the church.
1) Pray that they will be on guard (take heed). Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock (Acts 20:28).
2) Pray that they rule well. Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages”(1 Tim. 5:17).
3) Pray for them that keep watch, and pray that we do not cause grief. Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you (Hebrews 13:17).
4) We are to appreciate, (recognize) those who serve. And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves (1 Thess. 5:12).
Be sure to approach these men and their wives, Sue Benner, Teresa Clark, and Donna Woodall and thank them.
For the elders, Tony Williams