Church

Though I prefer a smaller congregation, so that everyone knows everyone else, we have found this congregation of about 500 very sound in THE WORD. One problem - the elders, one or more, will not be at the assemblies on the Lord's Day and they never announce where they are, when they will be back, or why they are not there to shepherd the flock. With a congregation this size, more than 3 elders are needed to shepherd - I do believe the elders have it in their hearts to stay sound and firm in the FAITH, but we need to see more elder activities. We have attended several funerals of members of this congregation when there would not be a single elder in attendance. That is sad. I think that the only disagreement that I have over what has been taught at Forrest Park is the question and answer lessons and how the minister tries to use "part" of the book of James as applying to us now, but rejects other parts of it as not relevant today. I totally believe that we should lift up holy hands in prayer, without doubting - (not the swaying of the body as many denominations do) - and I believe that we should call upon the elders of the church to come and pray for us when we are really sick. What does the "OIL" do? We use it for the same-like-degree. Washing in the water of baptism is an obedient thing to do - the elders annointing the sick with oil is an obedient thing to do also. We NEVER need to ask why if God tells us to do something. Be consistent in obeying all of James!