Good Shepherds I Have Known:
Near the end of my first New Shepherds Orientation Workshop, an elder asked, “Who is one of the best elders you have ever served with?”. My mind went to Ed Riadon in Madisonville, Kentucky.
We met first when Gail, Jerrie Wayne, and I stayed in their home in November, 1968. We were in Madisonville to “try out” as the next preacher. During a diaper change, Jerrie Wayne, two months old, deposited a high amount of humidity on their couch. I thought that would be the end of my consideration. But Ed and Sarah were understanding, telling us they were grandparents and that had happened before.
This was my first impression of a great shepherd and his wife. Ed worked at the Post Office and introduced us to disposable diaper samples recently delivered through the mail.
I passed the “try out.” We started working with the Madisonville church in December, 1968. He invited me to go with him on visits with members, visitors, sick, new parents, bereaved, and discouraged.
One of my favorite Ed stories occurred on one of our first nights visiting. As we were finishing, he asked, “Do you like ice cream?”. When I replied in the affirmative, he pointed me to a Kwik-Pik Market. Ed bought a half-gallon box of cherry-almond-vanilla ice cream. He went into the kitchen, placed the box of ice cream on the table, retrieved a serrated edge knife from a drawer and cut the box of ice cream in two. He handed me a spoon, half the ice cream, took another for himself, and said, “I never like to eat ice cream unless I can eat all I want.” We finished the half-gallon. I knew this would be a great relationship. From the first meeting until his death, April 11, 1976, I was able to observe a good shepherd in action.
Some of the admirable characteristics I saw:
- He was firm. When the elders asked me to speak on a difficult topic, an elder would go to the pulpit before me and say, “We asked Jerrie to speak on this topic. We encourage those who need to make changes in their lives to do it today.” After the sermon, an elder would publicly thank me for the sermon and commend those who responded.
- He was compassionate. His tone was gentle, even with those who were upset with him. He gave hope and encouragement to a man we visited one night who was drunk. I was a young preacher who made mistakes. When Ed discussed those with me, he always expressed confidence I would learn and do better.
- His priorities were obvious. He spent more time with sheep than in meetings talking about “the members.” His leadership was demonstrated then in the lives of his children and decades later it is still there.
- He was approachable. Ed and Sarah often invited my family and others into their home. They were “given to hospitality.” I felt free to drop in anytime I wanted to talk.
When I think of good shepherds, I think of Ed Riadon.
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One of the most humble elders I’ve ever had the privilege to know and work with is Roy Shannon of Brushy church of Christ (David Shannon’s dad). He and his wife, Clara, are great examples of hospitality and love.
I think Roy knew everybody in Brushy and Centerville and he constantly showed love and concern for the sheep at Brushy and for the good folks in Brushy and surrounding communities. At that time he eldered along aside two other good men, Ricky Atkinson and Tony Duncan. These men loved people and it showed.
Travis, I agree. Although my mother attends the church in Centerville, Roy, and other members of the church at Brushy, visit her and she appreciates their visits.
I think of George Tolbert and his wife, Mary Jo. George practiced the grace of God in every way. He and Mary Jo were particularly hospitable. Even in difficult times they were people of hope and commitment.
George was an elder of the Park Heights Church of Christ in Hamilton, Texas for many years.
Chris, Thank you for telling of this brother and his wife who have served well. Being a good example in service is a powerful way to lead.
I HAVE WORKED W/SEVERAL WHO WHERE PURE CHRISTIAN EXAMPLES AND LOVED THE LORD…AT EASTDALE IN CHATTANOOGA…H. N. STROUD AND LESTER MASSEY…
AT FORT OGLETHORPE CHARLES LUSK AND BRO CAMP…..AT BRUSHY IT WAS ROY SHANNON AND JOE FREEMAN…GREAT MEN WHO TRULY LOVED THE LORD AND TOOK THE TIME TO DEMONSTRATE IT TO EVERYONE THEY CAME I CONTACT WITH..GUY BARBER WAS ALSO A VERY GOOD ELDER AT BRUSHY !!
Ed, Thank you for honoring some other good men. The elders at Brushy were the first elders where I held a gospel meeting to ask to meet with me after the last service. The paid me then said, “We would like to pray with you and for you.” They asked God to bless me, my family and my ministry — 1985. I have had one other congregation to do that since then. They invested 15 minutes of time that night. After 30 years, I still remember and am encouraged.