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What makes an Elder?


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One of the things we have been praying about in Elders meetings, and specifically in our recent Elders’ afternoon was for new Elders to be identified, and for them to join the team.  Please join us praying.  
1 Timothy 3 (and Titus 1) describe the sort of things we should be praying for. The church is precious to God, and he tells us to seek Elders who have these ingredients:

“desire to be an overseer”

A God-stirred longing to love, pray for, and lead his people.

“above reproach”

Not sinless, but men who are openly repenting and growing so there is nothing hidden or that discredits Jesus.

“self-controlled, respectable… gentle, not quarrelsome, faithful…”

Godliness and gentleness are most important.  

“able to teach”

Not necessarily preaching but teaching the Bible in some setting.  God’s church is led by his Word.

“hospitable”

Hospitality can be done differently but it reflects a desire to know and share lives with God’s people. 

“must manage his own family well”

Teaching and caring for children is a good training ground for Elders: to carry authority gently, lead prayer and Bible time, encourage and love.

“to lead the household of God”

Elders carry responsibility, leadership and trusteeship.

“he must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited”

Maturity and stability take time. A key virtue needed is humility (the opposite to pride). 

“they must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith”

Elders must hold to the Bible’s authority, be clear on doctrine and ready to defend the church family against error.  This matter especially in recent times.

“they must first be tested”

Someone already serving in the church.  We all have a long way to go but the key is progress (1 Tim 4.15).

There’s some overlap with how you might choose someone for a role at work.  But also difference, because God looks for different things.  For example character and convictions matter more to God then finding someone who will “get the job done” “be successful” or be “sparky.”  Please pray for us as over time (there is no hurry) we seek to add to our team. 
Pray for us current Elders.  We all feel challenged by this list and in need of your prayers. 

The Elders, 29/11/2022
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Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have this page for you to get to know us.
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Welcome...

Come and join us...

 
Barnaby 4 Hello, my name is Barnaby, and I am the Pastor here at Lancing Tab. The aim of this website is just to give you a flavour of who we are and what we're about as a church.
 

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We’re a church for the whole community in and around Lancing. Come as you are whatever doubts and questions you have.

icon3 As a church family, we all face different challenges, but we believe the Bible’s message about Jesus’ love and rescue are what we most need.
 
icon2 We meet at our building on North Road (next to the Co-op) at 10.30am each Sunday. It’s free and informal with tea, coffee, and kids’ groups.
 
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Sat Nav Postcode BN15 9BB

Our address is:
105 North Road
Lancing
West Sussex
BN15 9BB

There is limited street parking around the Tab. A public car park in North Farm Road is a two-minute walk. The charges for the cark park are £1 on Sundays.

Accessibility: There is wheelchair access, and a sound loop for anyone who needs it. Please let one of the Welcome Team know on your arrival and they will help you to get set up. There are disabled toilets available.

 
 

Sundays...

 


SundayWEC


Our 10:30am service is simple and informal and normally runs for just over an hour. People wear anything from T-shirts to suits. You are welcome to bring kids of any age. 
 
We do the following:
  • Share news – because we’re a family.
  • Sing – because we love God.
  • Confess sin – because we don’t want to pretend, we’re anything but people in need of grace.
  • Look at the Bible – because that’s how we listen to God.
  • Pray – to ask God for his help.
  • We might have a baptism or take the Lord’s supper - to celebrate Jesus’ rescue.
  • We have coffee afterwards - to take real time together.


What about my kids?


kids

We love having the noise of lively children – so don’t worry!   They stay for the first 15 minutes of the service and then head to some excellent groups.  (Link to Itab) Creche (0-3), 4-10s group, and 11-15s group.   Older teens stay in the service.

Children stay with their parent or grown-up at the start of the service for the welcome, songs and notices. We really value worshipping God all together as a family. At the end of the notices someone will announce that it’s time for the younger members to go to their various groups. 

The kids group activities vary depending on the age but usually there is a friendly welcome, bible stories, testimonies, praying, music, craft, drama, fun games, and free play. Please pick your children up as soon as the service finishes.

If you want to get involved in the life of the church and help us make Sundays run smoothly, you can sign up to serve on a team. 
 
 
 

More than a Sunday...

 

While Sundays are a fantastic way to meet new people, it is often in smaller gatherings that you can really get to know someone. Being part of one of our pastoral groups allows you to make new friends, share together and support each other. We have a variety of groups that meet during the week, some daytime, and some evenings. 

 
kidslogo Kid’s club (£1 per child)
Reception to year 6
Wednesday 6-7pm, term time
Lots of fun. Bible stories. Hide and seek. Sports. Tuck shop!
 
Toddler Group Toddler group (£1 entry)
Wednesday 10-11.15am, term time.
Toys, craft, and songs. A chance for parents to meet and chat and have a cup of coffee.
 
Youth Youth group (£1 entry)
School years 7-11
Wednesday 7.30pm, term time.
Lots of fun. Opportunities to ask questions about the Christian faith. Games, trips to the beach, camping and much more!
 
senior Older people’s group
Tuesday fortnightly, 10.30am.
Hymns, prayer, Bible talk, coffee, and biscuits. A great place for friendship - all welcome.
 
coffee Cafe in the church
1st and 3rd Saturdays, 10am-12.
Free coffee and cake. Kids toys. A friendly space.
 
  
Have any questions? Feel free to send us a message via our contact page