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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…
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 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…
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…
Why in the world would anybody do that? Anybody in his right mind ought to know better than that. They aren’t honest.” How I answer the question in my mind determines how I approach someone to confront and correct them. If they aren’t in their right mind and aren’t honest, I may not be working…
The time between their ordination and the workshop seemed to be a year late. After further thought, the year gave them time to observe, evaluate their rules, and to experience some of the realities of leadership. The chemistry seemed to be right: location, preparation, and eagerness to learn and implement what they learned. Gail and…