Ministers and elders in the Church of Scotland
In the Church of Scotland, ministers and elders are important leaders who help guide and take care of the church and its people. Let's break down what they do, especially for us five-year-olds, so it's easier to understand.
Ministers are a bit like the shepherds of the Church of Scotland. Just like a shepherd takes care of sheep, ministers take care of the people in the church. They are the leaders who teach and talk about God's love, and they help the church members understand what the Bible says.
Ministers also do something very special called "preaching." It's like when they tell a story about God and teach us how to be good and kind to others. They stand up in front of the church and share these stories and lessons during a special time called a worship service or a sermon.
Do you remember going to Sunday school or a church service? Well, ministers are the people who lead those services and make everything run smoothly. They help organize special events at the church, like parties or picnics, where we can have fun and spend time together as a church family.
Now, let's talk about elders. Imagine you have a big family, and you have this really wise and kind grandparent who cares for everyone. That's what elders are like in the Church of Scotland. They are respected members of the church who help the minister look after everyone.
Elders help to make important decisions about the church, like what programs or activities to have, or how to spend money to help people who are in need. They also make sure that the church is a welcoming place for everyone, where people can come and feel safe and loved.
Sometimes, elders have a special role called "Session Clerk." It's like being the head of a club or a team. They help run meetings and keep everything organized. They take notes and make sure everyone's ideas and thoughts are heard.
One of the most important things ministers and elders do is visit and care for people who are sick or feeling sad. They pray for them and offer support, just like a parent or a friend would when we are not feeling well.
So, in a nutshell, ministers and elders in the Church of Scotland are like kind shepherds and wise grandparents. They teach us about God's love, help organize church activities, make important decisions, take care of us when we're feeling down, and make sure the church is a warm and welcoming place for everyone.
Ministers are a bit like the shepherds of the Church of Scotland. Just like a shepherd takes care of sheep, ministers take care of the people in the church. They are the leaders who teach and talk about God's love, and they help the church members understand what the Bible says.
Ministers also do something very special called "preaching." It's like when they tell a story about God and teach us how to be good and kind to others. They stand up in front of the church and share these stories and lessons during a special time called a worship service or a sermon.
Do you remember going to Sunday school or a church service? Well, ministers are the people who lead those services and make everything run smoothly. They help organize special events at the church, like parties or picnics, where we can have fun and spend time together as a church family.
Now, let's talk about elders. Imagine you have a big family, and you have this really wise and kind grandparent who cares for everyone. That's what elders are like in the Church of Scotland. They are respected members of the church who help the minister look after everyone.
Elders help to make important decisions about the church, like what programs or activities to have, or how to spend money to help people who are in need. They also make sure that the church is a welcoming place for everyone, where people can come and feel safe and loved.
Sometimes, elders have a special role called "Session Clerk." It's like being the head of a club or a team. They help run meetings and keep everything organized. They take notes and make sure everyone's ideas and thoughts are heard.
One of the most important things ministers and elders do is visit and care for people who are sick or feeling sad. They pray for them and offer support, just like a parent or a friend would when we are not feeling well.
So, in a nutshell, ministers and elders in the Church of Scotland are like kind shepherds and wise grandparents. They teach us about God's love, help organize church activities, make important decisions, take care of us when we're feeling down, and make sure the church is a warm and welcoming place for everyone.