THOSE WHO ASPIRE TO THE OVERSEERSHIP DESIRING A GOOD WORK

The last point is an encouragement to all the elders, which is that those who aspire to the overseership desire a good work. In this regard, there is a need for some explanation. Everyone within any group has ambition and the desire to have a position to take the lead. If this is the case among us, it is not right. If some, however, desire to serve as elders for the building up of the local churches and for the benefit of God’s children and desire to truly have this kind of function and capacity, then their desire is not merely a matter of position but of function. Those who desire this function are approved and praiseworthy. Paul says that they desire a good work (1 Tim. 3:1).

I hope that the Lord will speak to each one of us so that we may see that the most necessary and crucial persons in God’s economy on the earth today are the elders. This is not just a matter of position or reputation but of bearing an important responsibility. Such a responsibility requires that the elders bear all the brothers and sisters on their shoulders, embrace them with their hearts, and bring them before God in order to “read” them and seek God’s leading for them. They then need to be the head sheep, the leading ones, the patterns among saints. Moreover, they need to teach the saints, spend much time learning and teaching the truth of God, and labor in teaching. In this way, all the churches will be strong and rich over the long term.

The church can hardly become rich and strong if there is no teaching or leading from the elders and if the church relies only on special fellowships or conferences given by a few full-time serving ones every few months. This may be compared to opening a school. A school can be successful if it formally divides up the classes and hires teachers to teach systematically day after day. The school may at times invite some renowned person to give a speech, but such activities, though helpful, are not the main reason for a school’s success. If a school has a good curriculum and the teachers are serious in their teaching, the school will still be strong and successful, even if no one of renown ever gives a speech to the students.

We do not need much help from the outside because we have the Bible, a Bible that has been opened to us, and many spiritual publications. As long as we spend the time, we will be able to enter into all these riches. Furthermore, we can practice and learn to speak for the Lord. As long as we practice and continue to labor in teaching and leading, the church will surely grow.

In regard to the number of those attending the Lord’s Day meeting, we have not experienced much increase for the past twenty years. On one hand, we thank the Lord for His preservation, yet on the other hand, we should not be satisfied. Twenty years is not a short period of time, yet we have not had much progress or propagation. This is our responsibility, and we are all accountable.

Crucial Words of Leading in the Lord's Recovery, Book 2: Leading the Saints to Practice the New Way Ordained by the Lord, Chapter 1, Section 8 - Witness Lee - Published by Living Stream Ministry