Elder Installation, pt. 1

What a joy to have seven new brothers as part of Sojourn’s eldership as of yesterday evening. I cannot communicate how pleased I am to finally be able to call these men ‘pastor’, who have been doing the work of a pastor for months, just without the title.

Pastor Gary Almon, Pastor Bryce Butler, Pastor Simon Groce, Pastor Nathan Ivey, Pastor Jared Kennedy, Pastor James Santos, and Pastor Ty Thorne – welcome!

In case you had to miss it, these men stood one final test, affirming their desire and understanding of their calling in front of Sojourn’s members, answering ‘I do,’ to each of the following:

1.    Do you believe the historic Scriptures to be the inerrant, inspired Word of God, the only infallible authority on Christian faith and practice?

2.   Do you whole-heartedly affirm the historic Christian faith – the gospel, the church and God’s mission – as taught by the elders of this church and as lived out in the practices of this community; and if at any time you come to disagree with any of the fundamentals of the gospel, the church or God’s mission as your fellow elders hold firm, through the Scriptures, will you take initiative to make known your change in views to your fellow elders?

3.    Do you affirm Sojourn’s constitution, her government and church discipline practices thoughtfully drawn from the general principles found in the Bible?

4.   Do you promise a heart of peace and unity toward your brother elders and your church family?

5.   Do you affirm that you have been driven, as best you know of your own heart, to desire the work of an elder in this church by your love of God and a sincere desire to see Jesus’ gospel transform everything?

6.   Do you promise to be faithful and diligent in the exercise of all your duties as Christian men and elders in this church, as an individual and in community, privately and publicly; and to strive, by the grace of God, to put on Christ while putting off sin in your life and to walk above reproach before God’s church and a watching world?

7.   Do you now willingly take leadership in this church, in response to God’s call on your life and your own desire; do you promise to faithfully discharge the duties of a pastor in this community to the best of your ability, and even beyond, by the grace of God in your life?

After affirming these, Sojourn’s membership responded in kind, to receive them as leaders, answering ‘We do,’ to each of the following:

1.    Do you, the members of Sojourn, profess your readiness to receive these men, as they answer the call to be your pastors?

2.   Do you promise to receive the word of truth from these men with submission and love, following them as they follow Christ, and receive their encouragement and admonishment as they shepherd you in your Christian faith?

3.   Do you promise to encourage these men and joyfully take part in all their work as they lead this church?

4.   Do you promise to support them, with acts of service and generosity, with your time and talents and with your finances as Scripture calls you to do so; to supply them in their needs for the sake of their work for the gospel on your behalf, on the behalf of your city and on behalf of the nations?

It was a deeply encouraging time and so exciting to call these men forward as pastors. Our brotherhood as elders has been very sweet and we’re all overjoyed to see that brotherhood expand as these men step up in God’s mission. Can I get an amen?

Stay tuned for part 2 of the installation process and keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming photoblog.