ANNOUNCEMENT BY DONALD KLIEVES AND ED KELLEHER - Sunday 9/21/2008

We regret very much to announce that we are stepping down as elders. We have come to see that with our work schedules and health we are not able to function together effectively as an eldership should. An eldership is not a one man work, and to have it so, or appear to be so, is contrary to God’s word. And if we go against God’s word, we cease to be His church. This was a difficult decision in many ways; in other ways it was simple. God’s plan for his church is that it have elders and we want above all else for the church here at West Columbia to grow in love, faith and zeal. However, God wants obedience above sacrifice. Our stepping doing, even in difficult times, with great work before us, should be an example to all, that above all other considerations, we must follow God’s word. We will have a Men’s Business Meeting to reorganize the work of the church the first Sunday in October, October 5 at 1:30 PM. We will elect a chairman and assign duties as necessary. Above all, we want to maintain the spiritual growth, love, peace and unity we have achieved here at West Columbia, by obeying God. Pray that this be so and that we will fulfill all of God’s will for the church here at West Columbia.

" and called the elders of the church ... Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." - Acts 20:17,28

SCRIPTURAL REQUIREMENTS OF ELDERS

1 Timothy 3:1-7: "This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."

Titus 1:5-9: "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."