This Sunday is an important day in the life of Amberlea. This Sunday we ordain four new ruling elders.

So what's the big deal? The big deal is that in the Presbyterian Church elders play a significant role in the life and mission of the church, God's church. So much so that that is how we, as a denomination, get our name. The Greek word presbuteros means elder and it is from this word that we get the word Presbyterian. Congregations within the Presbyterian church are ruled by elders and together with the teaching elder (pastor) share in the care and oversight of the ministry of Christ at every level of the Presbyterian church.

As I have been praying for our elders, the same words have been repeating in my mind.... servant leadership. Those words led me to a passage of scripture, John 13, that I think best illustrates the type of leadership that not only the elders are called to but the type of leadership we are all called to. A kind of leadership that is counter cultural because it's not about one's own agenda, position or greed but rather focuses simply on the other. This kind of leadership is defined by serving others and serving God, and Jesus demonstrated it in everything he did.

Tough sandals to fill, no doubt. But think of the possibilities. Think of how the world could change, think of how your world could change if only we served and were served unselfishly.

I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday.