Calvin Synod Herald, 2010 (111. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2010-01-01 / 1-2. szám
8 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD suggested Scriptures in the section on Advent.” “I have some ideas for a sermon series at Advent,” Amanda said, “and I’ll be glad to give you the Scriptures I’m looking at—we could work out themes together and talk about music and about something special for the children. Let’s choose a Sunday that you can do everything except the sermon. How does that sound?” (Bush and O’Reilly 2006, 7) Using the Talents and Spiritual Gifts of Lay Leaders When lay leaders use their talents, abilities and spiritual gifts in ministries or in other church tasks they will experience constant spiritual growth. After the pastor serves in his or her church for a couple of years the pastor will be able to identify some talented and gifted people who will be able to lead different ministries or accomplish some other important tasks in the church. If people find their place for service in the church, their spiritual lives will thrive and they will grow in their relationship with Christ. It is also important to examine and challenge the lay leaders from time to time in order to see that they are heading in the right direction and are serving in the best place for their talents and gifts. This will tell them at least two things: number one, they will see that they are not abandoned; number two, they will know that the pastor supports them and wants to help them fulfill their Christian calling to its full extent. Spiritually Mature Believers in Lay Leadership Positions Why is it important to have spiritually mature leaders in our churches? The faith, personality, attitude and life of a lay leader is a testimony. The family life of the presbyters and lay leaders, how they raise their children and the relationship they have with their family members are crucial for those in leadership positions. How the lay leader deals with conflicts at home, at the workplace or in the church can tell us a lot about a person. Trustworthiness and faithfulness are other important characteristics of a leader in the ministry. There is an important description of prerequisites for a lay leader in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and 5:17-20: Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. (1 Tim. 3:8-13) The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning. (1 Tim. 5:17-20) These are important qualifications for leaders, presbyters. Continuous spiritual growth is a very important part and process for a lay leader’s life for living an exemplary life in our congregations. If the spiritual life and the character of a leader is mature then it can be a great blessing and benefit for the whole congregation in accomplishing the ministry of Jesus Christ in our American Hungarian Reformed churches. Rev. Csaba Krasznai REFERENCES: Powell, Brad. 2009. Focus on the People. Outreach Magazine July/August; NIV Study Bible, 1985, 1995, 2002. Grand Rapids: Zondervan; Niles, Randall. 2007. Spiritual Growth - The Qualities. ThinkWorks, LLC; http:// www.allahouteod.com/sDiritual-srowth.htm (accessed June 17, 2009); Clinton, Robert J. 1988. The Making of a Leader. Colorado Springs: NavPress; Bush, Peter and O’Reilly, Christine. 2006. Pastors as Mentors and Coaches: Equipping Lay Leaders in Small Churches. Reformed Worship, Issue #79 March. Reverend Alexander Jalso and Congregation Celebrate 55th Year of Ordination Rev. Jalso celebrated not only the 10th Anniversary as the Minister of the First Hungarian Reformed Church of Homestead but more importantly his 55th Anniversary of his Ordination on Sunday, October 25, 1009. It was a very special day at our church with a special Luncheon Reception that followed the Reformation Service to honor and celebrate Reverend Jalso. At the Luncheon Reverend Jalso was presented with a gift from the Consistory and Congregation for one of the Jalso’s favorite restaurants. Presenting Reverend Jalso with this gift was our Acting Assistant Chief Elder, Rudolph F. Phillips. Rudy commented on what a special person it takes to be a minister. As Rudy said, “Having a minister in the family I know how special that person has to be and the amount of effort and time that goes into being a good minister and we at the First Hungarian Reformed Church of Homestead were extremely lucky to have found Reverend Jalso 10 years ago, for we truly did find a gem.” Reverend Ilona Komjáthy and several members of the First Hungarian Reformed Church of Pittsburgh were also in attendance and Reverend Komjáthy spoke of the closeness between Reverend Jalso and herself and how we small churches in Central Classis continue to stay together and celebrate these special occasions. Reverend Jalso has been mentoring Reverend Lisa Kerestesi, who shared ministerial duties in the Worships Service and also spoke at the Luncheon about how much she owes Reverend Jalso for helping her many years ago. Congratulatory letters were also read from Mr. Wilburn Roby, Chief Elder of the Beaver Falls Congregation and by Tünde Garai of our Hawthorne, California Congregation. Tünde also sent a beautiful white floral arrangement in celebration of Reverend Jalso and his years as a minister and for all the help and assistance he provides to her for various Synod related tasks. It was a great day in the life of the Homestead Congregation and we hope and pray to have Reverend Jalso preaching for many more years to come. Lisa S. Toth-Maskarinec Treasurer, First Hungarian Reformed Church of Homestead
