TO BE AN ELDER

ELDER'S QUALIFICATION

TO BE AN ELDER

Dedicated to the elders of the Edgewood church of Christ, Lakeland, Florida

For them we give thanks and praise to the LORD.

Parker Anthony-Bill Brown-Richard Brown-Ralph Gilcrest-Bob Kaley

It takes years for a man to mature in the faith,

And during this time of growing,

He acquires a desire for this good work,

As his passion for the LORD starts showing.

He's not required to be a flawless man,

But he has to be irreproachable,

Without possessing covetousness or greed,

But being hospitable and always approachable.

It's not acceptable to be a quarrelsome man,

Because patience and good behavior is a must.

He can't be inclined toward wine or violence,

But thoughtfully gentle and a man all can trust.

He must also be a wedded man,

Who is sober and oversees his house well,

With one wife and respectfully submissive children,

And good reports for those on the outside to tell.

With accurate ability to teach GOD's word,

To those lost in tresspasses and sin,

He will then be equipped to qualify,

To shepherd GOD's sheep that's within.

Rozita D. Martin

copyrighted

February 23, 2001