September 2005 - Elder's Corner - Events & News - Evangelical Free Church of Huntington Beach

ELDER’S CORNER for September 2005 by Joe Wheeler

Why me?

That is a question I ask myself on occasion. It is a question I ask God frequently.

What is the context?

I am on the Board of Elders of the Evangelical Free Church of Huntington Beach.

This is not something that I take lightly. In fact, I struggled with the decision to join the Elder Board the first year I was nominated. Naomi and I did go through the Elder equipping that year. But I did not begin serving at that time. I wrestled with the decision the next year, and again I did not begin serving.

Was I ignoring God’s will for me?

Maybe I was.

To be honest, I felt inadequate. I looked at the men serving on the Elder Board. They all seemed to be much more spiritually mature than I was. And I had many good things that were occupying my time. God was using me in important ways. I was the AWANA Commander, Chairman of the Missions Board, and leading a Men’s Small Group. I was already really busy. And then Amanda came along. She provided me with another good reason not to join the Elder Board.

But God used His Word and a number of people around me to lead me to serve as an Elder. I am now in my fifth consecutive year of service on the Elder Board. I did have to give up my role as AWANA Commander. That was difficult for me. I loved working with the children. But I needed to do what God wanted me to do.

What have I learned from my experience?

I AM INADEQUATE apart from God. And so are the men with whom I serve. Realizing that we are inadequate is what allows us to let God work through us to accomplish His purposes. I have been privileged to serve with other inadequate men who humbly seek God’s will for our church and in their own lives.

Would you want it any other way for our church?

So, men of our church, what about you? Are you inadequate enough to join us?

Pray about it.

Then listen to God and do what He wants you to do.

THE FEW. THE HUMBLE. THE ELDERS.