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God said double-honor (I Timothy 5:17). There was a time in my ministry when I gave no thought to honoring them, much less “double-honor”. However, when one of the godly shepherds at Maury City reached a 50-year milestone of consecutive and faithful service to the Lord’s church as an elder – he “ruled well” which…
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…
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…
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…
I didn’t post Monday afternoon. My mother, Annette Barber, was diagnosed with cancer May 31. Hospice started services June 1. Mother died June 15. I returned to Sikeston to preach Sunday and returned to Centerville Monday. We’re making preparations for her funeral Thursday. My son, Jerrie Wayne, and his family have been preparing a month…
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…