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some questions to answer the question I’ve left churches for a variety of reasons. I’m thankful I’ve never left or been asked to leave without an opportunity to speak to the church before my departure. To me, that would be the ultimate insult and punishment. After I knew I was leaving, I’ve stayed from two…
When I ask wrong questions, I will get unhelpful answers. Which would be the most productive question for elders to ask in the following sets? Please select one and consider a helpful response… What’s wrong with the church that they won’t talk to us? …or… How can we become so welcoming and approachable that people…
How do preachers get continuing education? I was blessed by congregations providing for that in my compensation package. They designated a certain amount of time and money each year for me to attend lectureships, workshops, or other special events to improve my knowledge and skills. Back row from left to right: Robby Nesbitt, Stuart McKinney,…
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…
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…
We met at the Drury Inn in Sikeston, Missouri December 8-10 for the 9th New Shepherds Orientation Workshop. In other workshops, I came to a church knowing little about them except email correspondence. I have been with Shady Acres nine months. We are beginning to get acquainted. We knew each other well enough to discuss…
When an issue comes up in your family and you need help, where do you turn? What do you do when you’re talking with someone who has a problem and you have no idea how to advise? When an incident occurs that needs action, but you’ve never encountered anything like it, who helps you consider…
In the fall of 2013, Henry Wilhoite, an elder at Fairlane Church of Christ in Shelbyville, Tennessee, called. He said, “We’ve recently appointed five elders. Four of them have never served before. Could you put something together to help us get started and be more effective?” We met in Henry’s cabin in Gatlinburg November 1,…
We had a hard working group for the 7th New Shepherds Orientation Workshop. It was a beautiful drive around the Northern border of the Smokies the weekend of August 25-27. This is one of the most culturally diverse congregations I’ve visited. The Spanish and English worship together. Their website is in both English and Spanish….