Three years ago Bill and Mary became Christians. He is 38 and she is 39 years old. Shortly thereafter they joined a local Gospel-centered church. After about one year of growth and ministry involvement Bill desired to be part of the elder board and coincidentally he was asked to enter into an assessment phase to potentially become an elder.

During the assessment and potential ordination process the board became aware of some seemingly life pattern issues with Mary. She has a  history of  being treated with psychotropic drugs for manic outbursts. Also her small group has complained about how group time has turned into a time for her to address her personal issues and struggles rather than mutually edifying one another.

When attempts were made to encourage her, she would not show up at church meetings for weeks with the reasons given (even by the family) that it has something to do with her medications.

And when she does attend the meetings she typically has a new diagnosis, a new label and new medications based on on-going sessions with her psychiatrist.

Though the small group wants to care for Mary, they are growing in impatience. There are weeks of progress, but then she seems to take two steps backwards.

On a typical day Mary stays home, sleeps most of the day, surfs the Internet and watches television. Bill, meanwhile, attempts to lead the family, volunteers for ministry opportunities and is still being assessed as a potential elder.

Application Questions

1. How would you pray for Bill and Mary?
2. How would you counsel Bill and Mary?
3. Is Bill qualified to be an elder? Why or why not?
4. What would you tell their small group?

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