Last Sunday, Willard stood at the end of the morning worship period at read a heartfelt and endearing note from one of our young people to the elders. The note expressed gratitude for the willingness of the elders to serve in such a serious position. After worship, you could see a glow on the elders' faces because someone took the time to encourage them in their duties and thank them for the sacrifices they make for North Hamilton. Encouraging notes like this are not typical, because the service of elders is more like living on an island by yourself than being a part of a group of people that appreciate your work and help you spiritually. I do not mean that people purposefully neglect elders, but we often fail to remind them how much we appreciate what they do--especially when what they do is contrary to popular opinion. Just a few weeks ago, we were exhorted to send a note to the elders (or speak to them) to encourage them in their well-doing (Gal. 6:9). They received very few words of encouragement and just a handful of notes. Again, I cannot imagine that the congregation as a whole purposefully neglects the eldership but perhaps we take for granted how much they need encouraging words from the members of the congregation. Perhaps we assume they understand our appreciation without us saying anything. Let me draw attention to the seriousness of their work, to emphasize how much elders need to hear the appreciation of the members.

     Elders are charged with feeding the flock with pure doctrine (Acts 20:28). They are required to protect the Lord's people and stop the mouths of gainsayers and false teachers (Tit. 1:9-11). They are workers in the Lord's kingdom (1 Thess. 5:12-13). They help settle disputes in the church (Acts 15), meaning they constantly deal with conflict between people and the attitudes that prompt those conflicts. They care for the sick with prayers (Jas. 5:14). They give heed to themselves along with the flock of God (Acts 20:28). They support the weak (Acts 20:35). They watch for the souls of the congregation (Heb. 13:17).    

     Think of the practical side to all this. Elders show hospitality (1 Tim. 3:2). They constantly monitor their actions to keep a good reputation both in and out of the church (1 Tim. 3:7). They are generous with their resources (Acts 20:35). They constantly spend time with the flock and work with the people (1 Thess. 5:12-13). They rule over God's people without "lording" over the flock (1 Pet. 5:1-3). In the end, elders will stand before God in judgment and give an account (Heb. 13:17). They are daily Bible students and given to a life of prayer. In addition, elders are family men. They are husbands and fathers. They sometimes juggle their duties as an elder with their occupations. 

     Now imagine doing all of this and rarely receiving a word of encouragement. You might feel like you were on an island by yourself. Elders should not feel this way. Paul says that elders are to be "very highly esteemed" in love for their work's sake (1 Thess. 5:13). Have we done this? We cannot assume they know our appreciation. Let us actually say and do the things that demonstrate our gratitude. Write a note to each one. Personally speak to them and thank them. Participate in the work of the church. Volunteer when they ask for help. Pray for them. There is so much we can do that we are likely not doing. Perhaps we need to follow the example of our younger people and write the elders a note of thanks. Let us not take for granted how much elders need to hear and see our love for them. We serve under great men. Let them know that. ~ David B. Smith