Vote of Affirmation for New Elder

Dear New Hope Family,

Many warm and sunny greetings from the island of St Maarten!

I am extremely excited to share some information with you about a very important decision in the life of New Hope Church.

Your Elders (Ramon Garcia, Dan Sater and myself) are ready to propose the addition of a new Elder to our body.

Greg Osterling has been a very active member, Deacon and Chairman of the Deacon Body for many years. He is loved and respected for his godliness and kind and gracious spirit. I have worked very closely with Greg (and Cindy) since I first arrived at New Hope Church five years ago.

Your Vote of Affirmation Requested

As we gather this Sunday morning for a vote of affirmation for this proposal from our Elders, I wanted to give you a little background information on the biblical role of the Elder:

• The role of Elder or “Overseer” is mentioned numerous times in the New Testament.

• In 1 Timothy Chapter 3 and again in Titus Chapter 1, we find a listing of the godly characteristics we are to look for in the men to be considered for this crucial role in our church.

• The biblical function of the Elder is to give spiritual oversight and shepherding to the church family.

• Elders are to lead out in prayer, teaching, equipping, mentoring, strategic planning and aid in all areas of reconciliation and church discipline.

If you would like to read a little bit more about the role of the Elder in church, please take a look at this article in The Gospel Coalition magazine from a few years ago.

Praying for you,

~Pastor David