How Elders Show That They Care

Near the end of his long life, Jacob referred to the true God who has been shepherding me during all my existence until this day." (Genesis 48:15) Today, Jehovah shepherds his earthly servants by means of Christian overseers, or elders, under the direction of his Son,Jesus Christ, "the chief shepherd." (1Peter 5:2-4) How can overseers imitate Jehovah as they care for the older members of the flock?

Shortly after the inception of the Christian congregation, the apostles appointed "seven certified men...full of spirit and wisdom" to supervise "the daily distribution" of food among needy christian widows. (Acts 6:1-6) Later, Paul instructed the overseer Timothy to put exemplary aged widows on the list of those who were entitled to receive material help. (1Timothy 5:3, 9, 10) Likewise, congregation overseers today willingly coordinate practical assistance for elderly Christians when this is necessary. However, more is involved in caring for faithful older ones.

Near the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus sat down at the temple and "began observing how the crowd was dropping money into the treasury chests." Then someone caught his attention. Says the account: "A poor widow dropped in two small coins, which have very little value." Jesus called his disciples to him and told them: "Truly I say to you that this poor widow dropped in more than all those dropping money into the treasury chests; for they all dropped in out of their surplus, but she, out of her want, dropped in all of what she had, her whole living." (Mark12:41-44) in monetary terms, the widow's contribution was small, but Jesus knew how much his his heavenly Father values such whole-souled expressions of devotion. Regardless of the poor widow's age, Jesus did not overlook what she did.

Like Jesus, Christian overseers do not overlook what the elderly do to promote true worship. Elders have reason to commend older ones for their share in the ministry, for their participation in meetings, for their positive influence in the congregation, and for their endurance. A sincere word of encouragement can help the elderly find "cause for exultation" in their sacred service, thus avoiding frustrating commparisons with what other Christians are able to do or with their own past accomplishments. - Galatians 6:4.

Elders can acknowledge the valuable contribution made by older Christians by drawing on their experience and talents. Exemplary elderly ones may occasionally be used in demonstrations or interviews. " The audience really sits up and listens when I interview an older brother or sister who has reared children in the truth," observes one elder. Elders in another congregation report that a 70-year old pioneer sister has been successful in helping Kingdom publishers to become regular in field service. She also encourages them to do the "basics," such as reading the Bible and the daily text and then meditating on what they read.

Elders also value the contribution of older fellow overseers. Jose. "instead of accepting my suggestion, they asked what practical help I needed in order to continue caring for my responsibilities." With the assistance of a younger elder, Jose was able to continue serving joyfully as presiding overseer, and this has been a blessing to the congregation. A fellow elder states: "The brothers greatly appreciate Jose's work as an elder. They love and respect him for his experience and example of faith. He enriches our congregation."


Continued-Next time: Caring For One Another