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We were anticipating more leadership in the congregation. In a few weeks, we looked forward to completing the selection process, and appointing a new shepherd or two. I asked the elders if they were planning an eldership funeral. They hadn’t thought about that. I explained. It was my observation that often when new elders are…
The response of the apostles in Acts 6 amazes me. When there was criticism because Grecian widows weren’t getting their fair share of food, the apostles replied, “We won’t be going to the grocery store to get food for our Christian sisters.” Can you imagine that attitude from men Jesus taught and trained to be…
“I am crushed by the criticism. I get so tired of all the hats I wear, jobs I do, and time I spend. I’m exhausted by the weight of responsibility I have.” Leadership can be a burden. It will be painful — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Dealing with the Pain of Leadership Begin with the…
Jerrie, We’ve just appointed five elders. Four of those have never served as a shepherd of God’s people. Do you think you could lead a workshop to help them in beginning this work?” The phone call arranged a weekend with the congregation’s elders and wives in Gatlinburg November 1, 2, 2013. That phone call was…
When new shepherds are appointed, they usually go by former shepherds’ rules which are often unconscious, unspoken, but understood. A pattern has been set about agendas (or lack of), who speaks when, prayers (number and time), how the group makes decisions, and how much deacons’ work elders do. Orientation is usually coming to the first…
“I get tired of hearing the same preacher Sunday, after Sunday, after Sunday. In two years (from 1998), I’ll have been at Berry’s Chapel seven years. In the year 2000, if I could have three months off to travel, listen to other preachers, rest, and do some special study, it’d be a great blessing to…
Why don’t people respect the authority of elders? Don’t they know the church is to follow the elders — not the preacher?” The Bible does teach that ordained men are to oversee each congregation. I’m sure there are strains of the preacheritis virus around that infect some people. Let me share with you something else…
I’m shopping for two items: an Apple watch and a tombstone. One seems more exciting than the other, but I want to buy both. With the watch, I look forward to more enjoyable runs, sending and receiving messages, checking on news and weather, and looking at emails. With the tombstone, I’m reminded I won’t be…
A couple came in when one had just learned the other was having an affair. We talked, cried, and wondered if there was any hope for this marriage. As we continued to talk, I realized they needed someone with more expertise than me. After talking and listening for an hour or two, I gave my…
This was an assigned topic for three preachers at the 21st Century Luncheon on March 2, 2009. Two other preachers answered this question. Three elders made a corresponding presentation about what they wanted preachers to know about elders. This was my response. I don’t wish for elders to know anything about preachers. Preachers are as…