1 Tim 3:6 (NIV) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.

This is the criteria for not giving a new Christian an Eldership assignment. It is the same problem that takes place with new Christians when they try to do all their ministry alone.

We all need to let our light shine into the darkness of the world. And, we all need to get started doing it as soon as possible. There is nothing that takes the place of the fresh enthusiasm of a new Christian. They have a lot to offer the rest of the world.

John 4:25-30 (NIV) The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.”

Then Jesus declared, “I Who speak to you am He.” Just then His disciples returned and were surprised to find Him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do You want?” or “Why are You talking with her?”

Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a Man Who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” They came out of the town and made their way toward Him.

This woman had about as little light as anyone could have. Could this be the Christ? She really didn’t qualify for much of a position in any of the work of God. Yet the people of the town came to see Jesus. As she did her part, Jesus did His part.

John 4:39 (NIV) Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.”