ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
September 15, 2026
Within our tradition, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), there is not one way of doing things. We are not a top-down denomination with a manual that dictates our practices. However, if I am to be completely honest, there are days when a manual would be appreciated. If you were to travel the country and visit numerous congregations within our denomination, you would see many similarities, and the most significant would be communion. How it is served, and when in the service it occurs, will be different depending on the congregation. In most congregations, you will see members of the church, not the ministers, serving at the table and sharing the elements. In a high percentage of those congregations, though not quite all, you will see women serving alongside men at the table. Size of the congregation, sanctuary architecture, style of music, expectation around dress, and even the general feel of the service is going to look very different from one church to another. But in almost all those congregations, you will find Elders. I’m not saying that you will find those who are elderly, though that will probably be true. The Elders are a specific group of people elected by the congregation to serve as the spiritual leaders and guides for the congregation. In most congregations, the Lead Pastor is considered the Lead Elder, often working alongside this important group that is, as I often say, “taking the temperature and blood pressure of the body (the congregation), seeking to respond where needed, and to help maintain the health of the body.” Elders are often presiding at the Communion Table, and are almost always those who pray at the Table. I personally pray for the members of this group by name on a regular basis, while also finding strength through the prayers they pour over me. The Nominating Committee of our church is currently being chosen, and part of its task is to invite new Elders to the team as some of the current Elders will step down as their term has concluded. I invite you to lift the Nominating Committee in your prayers, as their task is so important—pray for discernment, wisdom, grace, and a whole lot of patience. Thanks!
As Jesus called forth disciples to learn from him and to serve alongside him, we pray for those who are hearing a whisper from you, Lord God—a call to serve in one capacity or another here at Cypress Creek Christian Church. In whatever way one shares in the ministry of the church, we ask for you to be their inspiration and guide. Amen.
