This Sunday we’re commissioning Larry Smith to serve as a church Elder.  Below are promises our Elders make, as well as vows that we, as a church family, declare before God.  Questions to Elders:

• Do you reaffirm your faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?  •  I do. 
• Do you accept all Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired and inerrant Word of God, and do you affirm the Goshen Baptist Church Statement of Faith as a fitting summary of Bible doctrine?  •  I do. 
• Do you promise to serve in mutual submission alongside your fellow Elders?  •  I do.
• Do you promise to be zealous & faithful in promoting the truth of the Gospel and the purity and peace of the Church?  •  I do. 
• Will you be diligent in the exercise of all your duties as Elder, whether personal or corporate, private or public, and will you endeavor by God’s grace to uphold the Gospel and follow Jesus faithfully before this congregation?  •  I will.
• Are you willing to take personal responsibility in the life of this congregation as an Elder to help oversee the ministry and resources of the church, and to devote yourself to prayer, the ministry of the Word, and the shepherding of God’s flock, relying upon the grace of God, for the good of his church and the glory of his Name?  •  I am.

And two key questions for GBC members: 

• Do you, the members of Goshen Baptist Church, acknowledge and publicly receive Larry Smith as an Elder given by Christ to this church?  •  We do.
• Will you love him & pray for him in his ministry, & work together with him humbly and cheerfully, that by the grace of God we may accomplish the mission of the church, giving the Elders all due respect and support in their leadership to which the Lord has called them, to the glory and honor of God?  •  We will.