What's in a name?

I sometimes think that in church life September is the price you pay for August!  After a month of virtually no meetings they all come at once.

So, on Tuesday our Elders gathered.

If we met in other churches this particular group would be called by a different collective.  'Modern' congregations seem to have adopted the title 'Leadership Team'.  A term that has a certain 'thrust' behind it.

Other congregations might call such a group a 'Church Council' emphasising that it is in the coming together that discussions take place and decisions are made.

Most of the churches I've had the privilege to serve in the Baptist tradition have had 'Diaconates' - coming from the Greek word 'servant' - and I've always loved that, the idea that 'service' is at the heart of leadership.

At Amersham Free Church we follow the URC and Presbyterian convention of having 'Elders'.  It's interesting that there is always a delight expressed when younger Elders join!  In a sense the term isn't, I think, so much an age issue but the hope that the experience found within the group will prove beneficial.  Most of the good folk sitting around the table on Tuesday evening have met with similar challenges and joys on the agenda before.  We bring that experience and perspective to our current discussions and that's a blessing.

Whatever our teams are called, all of us in church life know that we need God's help as we seek to serve the local church.

Every Queen's Speech in Parliament ends the same way and it's really a prayer - suitable not only for our MPs but also for our; Leadership Teams, Church Councils, Diaconates and Elderships.  It goes like this: My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, I pray that the blessing of Almighty God will rest upon your counsels.  And a hearty 'Amen' to that!