CARE is how we look out for one another. It's how we keep each other on track, spiritually healthy and strong. At Life Links, we see CARE as being the responsibility of the whole body, not just one person (as in the pastor) or a select few (as in the elders). When everyone is involved in caring for each other, the whole church benefits.
Ephesians 4:16: from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
How CARE Works
We encourage all in our church community:
- To bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.;
- To actively build love-based relationships with others in our church community;
- To be involved in the ministry of hospitality;
- To use their talents and abilities for the betterment of our Sunday services;
- To be regularly involved in serving others in our church community.
Galatians 6:2: Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
John 13:34-35: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
1 Peter 4:9: Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
Hebrews 10:25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Galatians 5:13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
We believe that most of the spiritual and relational needs of people will be met by getting involved and interacting in this way. However, if extra help or guidance is needed, the elders can also be contacted. Each person at ACOC will be assigned to the oversight of one of the elders who will contact you and let you know who they are. This person should be your contact person if you are in need of extra assistance. If you would prefer to relate to a different elder, you may make a request and every attempt will be made to accommodate relationships that have formed naturally. If an elder is unable to help you, the pastor is also available.
The Pastors and Elders
We see the role of elders (including the pastor) as important and including the following roles as shepherds:
- Feeding the flock of God through teaching:
- Providing leadership for the flock of God:
- Bringing holistic healing to the flock of God through prayer:
- Protecting the flock of God by dispensing discipline as necessary and warding off the enemy:
1 Timothy 3:2: A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach;
1 Timothy 5:17: Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.
Titus 1:9: holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
John 21:15,17 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." (17) He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.
Psalm 23:1,2,5: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (2) He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. (5) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
1 Timothy 5:17: Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.
1 Peter 5:1-2: The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: (2) Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;
Psalm 23:1-2: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (2) He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
James 5:14-16: Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. (15) And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. (16) Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Psalm 23:1,3,5: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (3) He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. (5) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
Psalm 23:1,4 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
See also: