In this series we are reprinting Spokesman articles by early leaders in the CLC. Pastor Emeritus James Albrecht is the curator of the series. Rev. Egbert Albrecht (1921-2009) was a leader in the formation of the CLC. He served parishes in Marquette, Michigan, and Markesan, Wisconsin, among others. He also served as President of the Church of the Lutheran Confession. This article is from the Lutheran Spokesman of January 1973.
Congregations have again sought out of their midst men who are honest, wise, and full of the Holy Spirit to serve on their Church Councils. They assigned them responsibilities that imply many hours of work, frequent meetings, and in some cases, difficult spiritual dealings with fellow members. Then they listened to them promise that they would fulfill faithfully the duties entrusted to them. Thereafter the whole congregation joined in prayer, asking that the Holy Spirit fill these men with diligence, steadfastness, boldness and wisdom in their work.
Now At Work
Those elected members, chosen to help the pastor in building up the Kingdom of God, are now at work. Having formally assumed the obligations of their office, they are now examples to the congregation in Christian conduct, even in the manner in which they rule their own households. They are at work seeking the spiritual and temporal welfare of the congregation. They desire to glorify God through the exercise of their office.
Many men have found great joy in serving on the Church Council. Their own personal life took on new meaning. Their understanding of the Lord’s work assumed new dimensions. They made diligent use of God’s Word in their homes, turned to the Lord daily in prayer, and lived as fine examples to both young and old alike.
The Old Adam Loves Praise
Others have found that the joy they expected from this noble work was not so great as they anticipated. They began their duties with enthusiasm, but lost interest. Finally they filled out their term of office, doing only those things that were most essential. They preferred not to have their names listed again on a ballot for election to the Church Council. They did not object to the fact that they were never paid for all their hours of meetings and church duties. That was not the problem. But what troubled them was the lack of appreciation by others for what they were doing in behalf of the congregation. They became discouraged. Their Old Adam suggested time and again that their work ought to be more appreciated and rewarded.
Any worker in the Church who lets these thoughts linger in his heart will find the Lord’s work difficult. It will soon become a painful rather than joyful activity. It will turn into a half-hearted, listless effort. For in the Church much is taken for granted. He who seeks to hear many words of praise for his efforts will find little cause for joy. He will soon be disillusioned, disheartened, and disappointed.
Grateful Service
Let all those men recently elected to an office in the church remember that the real joy in church work comes from serving Jesus, who rendered such unselfish service toward us. It does not come from expressions of thanks from fellow believers. Only what is done out of love for our Savior will bring joy. He gave His life for us. This was the assignment entrusted to Him by the Father. And this fact should be thanks enough for us. It should lead us to use every ounce of energy we have to show Him how much we appreciate our salvation. Faithfulness in our church duties is one way of doing so, and joy is its by-product.
The term of office for Church Council members usually expires after one to three years. At that time the pastor will express the thanks of the entire congregation for the work that we have done. Perhaps individual members will also commend us for the same. But Jesus, who waits to grant every believer eternal life, will show us that not one single effort to further His Kingdom went unnoticed by Him. He knows how faithfully we do His work. Let it be done with joy.
1921-2009