When I was first approached, I did not think I was qualified and could not afford the time.
But still, I gave it a careful thought and a prayer asking/telling God I was not ready nor qualified to be an Elder. I felt God telling me, yes, I was not qualified and will never be ready. All He was asking were willingness and a listening and obeying heart. This I thought I could do and so I accepted the nomination.
Being an Elder has not been all that smooth, as expected. I had to rely on God to bring me out of my comfort zone. Seeing and having to make decisions that will affect the well-being of the rest of the congregation has given me greater respect to Elders that served before me and currently serving with me.
I learned my opinions were not always the best, nor had to have an answer to everything. I learned to rely on God more and more.
Being an Elder has made me bolder in my faith. It has made me more mindful of the needs of the members of the congregation. It has helped me to be more mature in my faith. I started looking not always from my points of view.
I believe there is no precondition to being an Elder, but a faith in God and a willing and humble heart.
There is no perfect time to accept. It starts with “Here I am Lord”.
Then God will show you the way and you learn so much during that journey.
– Daniel Jong
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