Elder Ordination - Suren Gurivireddy | Austin CFC | 2023-12-31
Summary
The speaker recounts the process by which he accepted the responsibility of becoming an Elder, emphasizing that his decision was guided by prayer and scripture study. He cites passages like Jeremiah 1:5-10 regarding God's calling, Luke 5:5 concerning faith, and Matthew 9:37-38 about the need for workers in the harvest. Ultimately, he commits to serving humbly, focusing first on personal devotion, then family, and finally contributing to the building of the church.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
A brief introduction and personal historySuren introduces himself by sharing his journey from being raised in a Catholic family in India to finding the New Covenant teachings and moving to Austin.
Feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilityUpon being asked to be an elder, Suren felt overwhelmed and turned to Titus 1:5-9 to examine if he met the biblical qualifications.Titus 1:5–9
Finding strength in God's promisesSuren reflects on how God used Jeremiah 1:5 to reassure him that despite his limitations or introversion, God provides the words and power needed for the task.
Taking a step of faith through obedienceInspired by the story of Peter in Luke 5:5, Suren expresses his willingness to obey Jesus' word even when he does not fully understand the implications.Luke 5:5
A prayer for anointing and protectionThe speaker leads the congregation in a prayer for Suren, asking God to fill him with the Holy Spirit, protect his family from spiritual attacks, and unite him with the other elders.
