The Role of an Elder

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The Role of an Elders Spouse

• By Jonas and Raquel Arrais,
• General Conference Ministerial Association

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THE NEED FOR TEAMWORK
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• As workers we need to counsel together over
  difficult matters. It is right that brother
  should consult with brother. And it is our
  privilege after we have done this, to bow
  together in prayer and ask for divine wisdom and
  counsel. But for one human voice to be a
  controlling power is a sad mistake.
• Evangelism, p. 97

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An Example of Team Ministry

• The seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord,
  even the demons are subjected to us in your
  name! (Luke 1017)

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Question for Reflection

• Do you consider your spouses ministry as your
  ministry?

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Answer

• It is his work in terms of details, hours spent,
  knowledge, and physical involvement.
• But it is our work in terms of feelings
  interests, listening, observation, and support.
• Ruth Senter
• The book of the Pastors Wives

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A Spousal Team Ministry

• The conjugal ministry is the combination of a
  service for Christ with the skills and gifts that
  each spouse owns. Through this combination a more
  qualified and powerful service can be exercised
  than the one made possible by only one.
• James Cress

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Team Ministry Involves

• Communication
• Sharing
• Support
• Recognition

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Permanent Team Family

• Marriage exceeds any other human relationship.
• It is linked by a permanent bonda covenant.
• It is broader because it includes children.
• A well-ordered family is a powerful example.

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As an Elders Spouse

• What to do?
• What training do I need?
• I do not feel capable.
• How may I help?
• What should I know?

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Attitudes You Can Take

• THE RESISTANT
• Views the church as a competition with their
  marriage.
• Doesnt want to know anything about this way of
  life.
• Thinks that their spouse loves the church more
  than he/she.
• Attitude Disturbs the work of the spouse

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Attitudes You Can Take

• THE SPECTATOR
• The call was for the spouse not for her/him.
• She/he wants to be treated like another member
  of the church.
• She/he does not want major commitments.
• She/he positions herself/himself always a
  distance.
• Attitude Does not interfere nor help.

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Attitudes You Can Take

• THE SUPER WOMAN/MAN
• She/he does everything the spouse cant do.
• Her/his commitment is laudable.
• Spends many hours in the work of the church.
• Has little time left.
• Result The home and the family are compromised.

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Attitudes You Can Take

• THE MANAGER
• She/he is strong.
• She/he is possibly more loved and affectionate
  than the spouse at church.
• Takes the lead on everything
• Result She/he is in charge.

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Attitudes You Can Take

• THE PARTNER
• Cultivates a team ministry spirit.
• Complements the work of the spouse.
• Cooperates with the activities of the church.
• Considers the ministry as part of Gods plan for
  her/his life.
• Loves God, family, and the church.
• Result Helper and companion of the spouse.

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What is the Best Attitude?

• The key word is Harmony.
• Avoid tension between home and church.
• Place yourself in Gods hands.
• Recognize that God has a ministry for both of
  you.

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• These women who are doing with ready willingness
  what their hands find to do, with cheerfulness of
  spirit aiding their husbands to bear their
  burdens and training their children for God, are
  missionaries in the highest sense.
• Adventist Home, p. 245