The only thing for certain I can say about being an Elder these last five years is that I still have so much to learn. I had NO IDEA what being an Elder would mean, nor can I really define what it has meant. I remember being asked to consider being nominated and saying no, since I didn’t think I was the right person or fit for the role, and I still felt relatively new at St. Tim’s. Though they said I could say no, they didn’t seem to accept my answer (multiple times). So, I spoke with a minister friend of mine to give me a bit of low-down on what being an Elder might mean. Afterwards, I was a definite no.
But then, I thought about what it might mean for more women to be represented, along with a younger (😊) and different voice. At that time, most of Session consisted of men around the same age who all had families, with kids around the same age. Wouldn’t it be crazy to have weirdo me, sitting at the table?? I still think I said a reluctant yes, but looking back, it was probably one of the better decisions I’ve made – I believe, that’s what they call the grace of God in action…
I thought it would be about doing church work, but I’ve honestly learned so much more about faith, church, God and myself. It’s nothing I’ve done or will do; it’s about how we come together to pray for one another, to love one another and to learn how to care for one another. It’s really opened my eyes to God’s grace and blessings, and taught me I still have so much more to learn.
I’ve learned that being an Elder is about pastorally caring for our members, as well as for their spiritual journey, which also means that I need to continually seek God, and critically study what faith means in a real way for me. I didn’t understand why we had to have our own book or bible studies; looking back, I can see how as we learned together, it helps us to be more attuned to the needs of our church as a community, and how when we’re connected with God, we can be more connected with one another.
It’s also given me the opportunity to work with and get to know people more closely than I may have otherwise. It’s shown me how though we all come with different backgrounds, opinions and strengths (and weaknesses), we deeply care for the church and for God’s work. Yes, it may be frustrating at times or sometimes it feels like there’s endless meetings, but being an Elder has shaped me into who am I today. There’s no such thing as “being ready” or “having the time” – it’s about caring for the church and community, and being open and willing to learn, serve and journey together.
– Michelle Kim
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