confessor of own sins, faithful to the Word, truthful

Acts 6:2-4 Lay Leader: full of spirit, wisdom,
1 Timothy 3:1-7 Pastor: sober minded, self controlled, gentle, manager,
1 Timothy 3:8:13 Pastor: not double minded, honest, faithful

motivator visionary, influence

Philippians 4:6 Be not anxious because in prayer you are comforted, be thankful, pray with confie=dence.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 Pray for all people including those near and those far, include those in authority. Live a peaceful, Godly life.
James 5:16 Repent, confess, and share forgiveness, praying together for each other

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ." 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 In our living room over the fireplace mantel, hangs a painting entitled “Never Forsaken”. The artist, Abraham Hunter, captures Jesus walking on the waves from Peter’s point of view. There are ugly and threatening storm clouds above Jesus, but there is also an illuminated white cloud in the midst of the dark sky. The water surface is rough except were Jesus is walking. I often sit and gaze at this painting trying to put myself in Peter’s place on that rough stormy night. Then I look at Jesus- arms stretched out, His gaze fixed on Peter, beaconing Peter to come to Him. Life is like the weather- some days sunny and beautiful, not a worry or concern. But then all of a sudden, the storm rolls in bringing uncertainty, anxiety and fear of drowning in brink. As Christians, we need to remember we have a loving Lord and Savior who came to us to show us the way of salvation. Jesus did not have a life free of storms, far from it. He suffered, willingly suffered, for humanity that he loved so dearly. Jesus did not promise us a bed of roses and a storm free life. Jesus did promise in His Word that he will never leave us or forsake us. Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:10-13 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 When navigating the trouble waters or storms of life, remember to keep your eyes focused on Jesus- draw closer to Him as he beacons you to come. Read His Word, lay your troubles before His throne of grace, confess your anxiety and let Him lift you up out of the drink. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles… Prayer Almighty Lord, our Redeemer and our Holy Comforter, we come before Your throne of grace confessing that we are not always faithful in thought, word and deed. Lord we find ourselves in the midst of the storm of life more from what we fail to do or choices that are not according to Your will for our lives. Lord help us to remember Your promise that You will never leave or forsake us. Lord, instill within us, your Holy Spirit, to guide us in our faith and our Christian walk according to Your will. Lord, humble us, teach us and mold us in Your image to do Your will. We lift up those who are experiencing difficulties and hardships that bring about fear and anxiety. Lord. lay Your comforting hands upon them and grant them the peace only you can give. Help us to be steadfast in prayer, in reading Your word as it is in that time spent with You that we remember Your promise to never leave or forsake us. Lord in mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.

100% have a spiritual component.

100% have a spiritual component.

Being asked to serve in a leadership capacity however, when proposals are presented for the general welfare of the congregation, members can be critical and resist engagement. "Someone else can do it"

How people are so blessed by God's giving they forget to behave in thankful ways. Especially in the area of wanting Bible Study.

It would be important that family, coworkers, neighbors, and fellow church members hear us speaking as believers and followers (good speech toward others and situations); our speech would model our conduct and vice versa=conducting ourselves as forgiven sinners; and, showing care/love (being servant-like) to our neighbor.

Above reproach would be to recognize our sinfulness, confess and repent, be active in the Word and Sacraments, and live our faith.

I don't think we have a formal emulation process for our pastor. WE do not have professional church workers on staff. There is an opportunity for growth here.

Let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly- do everything in the name of Christ- glorify his name. Teaching, encouraging , correcting actions with spirit of love, giving thanks for their work in the Chirst's name.

Make and appointment with them to visit either in office to at home- share encouragement, gratitude for their services, ask if there is any ministry items that require assistance. visits can include spouse and children- have them over for dinner. Pray with them. Call and let them know you are thinking about them.

Elders, circuit pastors, however all congregation should nurture and support the pastor and family as well

Spiritual: Left them up daily in prayer- asking God for provision, providence and guidance.; Church Responsibilities: Seek out ways to support- volunteer to assist with duties.; Family: Lift up family in prayer, invite to dinner, offer to babysit children; Physical: Donate items, offer gift to support ministry, volunteer skills for ministry; Mental: offer words of encouragement- cards, thank you cared, Lend an ear; Social: Include/ invite into social circles; Financial: Offerings to support ministry- or personal support is needed.

Learner and teacher share learning together, pay honest wages for labor, do not bear false witness- submit charge with 2-3 witnesses, lovingly confront sin- encourage confession and reconciliation,

Sharing in burdens ( listening, supporting in prayer, maintain communication- letters) and giving support to ministry ( material ( food, funds, shelter), spiritual, volunteer assistance), seek people out.

They all have a spiritual component on both sides of the equation. Person A's behaviors and Person B's response may not be reflecting the love of Christ. Need to confess, and reconcile- staying in the mind of Christ.