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So, do you have any advice for bringing a new elder up to speed? Tentatively, I’m thinking we should meet immediately and ask for his input on the guidelines we established for ourselves as soon as we were appointed three years ago (how we make decisions, how we communicate to the church, etc.).” For the…
I received this contact from an elder on Facebook Messenger: “Hello! Can you suggest an article on the process of appointing an additional elder at a church with elders? I know you’ve discussed this before and had some good words on the subject. Thanks!” My reply: Click to read: Who Selects Leaders in the Church? Click…
We moved back to Nashville from Sikeston, Missouri, last week. We are unpacking and finding new things every day. I don’t plan to post to New Shepherds Orientation during September and October. I may have an announcement or two. We are in an interim between interims. My plans are to start with a new congregation on…
I remember those early years. As I entered the building each Sunday morning, I was greeted by the treasurer in the foyer. He had my check in an envelope. He presented it to me in front of everyone. Then followed comments — week, after week, after week: “Where’s mine?” “How much is it?” (Easy to…
What’s the purpose of the task and the job description of the person who turns off lights after worship? Save as much electricity as possible? “We don’t need to waste the Lord’s money.” Leave quickly to eat or watch TV? “I need to go and I can’t leave before I turn out the lights because…
How do you continue to get better ideas for shepherding the flock you lead? Not long after Dale Jenkins came to Spring Meadows church, I received an invitation to one of their Non-meeting Meetings. They asked me to tell them about Family Meetings. This was something we did successfully at Berrys Chapel. The elders led…
I recommend that elders, deacons, preachers, teachers, and other leaders have a “No Suicide Contract” Read: Preventing Leadership Suicide The sudden departure of a leader is shocking and hurtful. When it’s accompanied by anger and recruiting others to quit or leave, it’s devastating. It’s not only shocking and hurtful, but it may also be dishonest. Jacob…
A young preacher friend had been with a new church about a month. He called one Monday morning asking, “Do you have a copy of a job description? I think I’m going to need one.” I had one. I mailed it to him. (This was during the Old Testament before email and messaging). But he…
Brian Jarrett graduated from Freed-Hardeman College in the spring of 1985 and came to Dalton, Georgia, to serve as an intern during the summer. He did an excellent job and endeared himself to the Central church. Brian is now pulpit preacher for the Hartsville Pike church in Gallatin, Tennessee. From left to right: Bob Sidwell, Jamie…
From the first verse of the first song, I could tell it was going to be a great singing day. An elder, Ron Benvegna, led singing with excellence. The church followed beautifully. And that wasn’t the first impressive thing about Concord Street Church of Christ in Orlando, Florida. Second row: Gail and Jerrie Barber, Kathy…