Excited and Growing Church in Washington State
The sixth New Shepherds Orientation Workshop was with the Puyallup Church of Christ in Puyallup, Washington. We had the training sessions in the Holiday Inn Express in Seattle, Washington.
I was touched and encouraged. Although two of the elders were involved in deaths close to them, they were present for most of the training. One was preaching the funeral for a close friend of many years. The other’s brother had died.
[tweetthis]This church is alive and well! They are growing.[/tweetthis]
Their building fund is increasing each week. Children are bringing their change for the new building and had donated $135.00+ the previous two weeks. We saw crowded seating and an overflowing parking lot. They are looking for more property where they can relocate.
Their building fund is increasing each week. Children are bringing their change for the new building and had donated $135.00+ the previous two weeks. We saw crowded seating and an overflowing parking lot. They are looking for more property where they can relocate.
Mark Jamieson, their preacher, told me they are within 1% of having the national average of age groups and generations. Yes, they have millennials.
Not only are they present, but they are also excited about doing the Lord’s work. Gail and I were there on potluck Sunday and were able to talk with many of the Christians.
The church has recently appointed seven new deacons. I was asked to lead opening prayer of the first elders and deacons meeting for the new group.
[tweetthis]Shepherds of this church are committed to letting the deacons deak. They are caring for the sheep.[/tweetthis]
This workshop is the second one I’ve led where everyone stayed together in the same building. Although Puyallup is only a twenty-minute drive from the Hotel, they decided to stay on site. It worked well.
The elders, preacher, and wives are Chris and Jolene Bartlett, Mark and Suzy Jamieson, Gene and Carolyn McCaul, Bob and Diane Sallee, Ken and Sandy Wilson.
I am scheduling workshops for 2018.
Some of the topics we discuss are:
- What are guidelines to help us have a better discussion and workshop?
- How can elders shepherd each other?
- How will we grow together as a group?
- How will we handle criticism?
- What is a good plan to be sure we are caring adequately for all the sheep?
- How can we deal with deacons and encourage them?
- How will we develop as overseers as well as shepherds?
- How will we oversee each other?
- What can we do to keep important things from falling through the cracks?
- Will we function as deacons and be called elders?
- How can we prevent the development of a toxic “head elder”?
- What is one thing we can do to prevent conflict and promote peace?
- How will we evaluate the deacons, the ministers, and each other?
- What are some ways we can have good communication with the congregation?
- What are different kinds of meetings we should have to lead this church?
- Who should select additional leaders in this congregation?
- What is a good way to facilitate selection?
The workshop should:
- Include all shepherds, preachers, and wives.
- Meet offsite — away from the building.
- Include twelve hours of working time.
The usual schedule:
Friday — 6:00-10:00 p.m.
Saturday — 8:00-12:00 a.m.; 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Sunday:
Bible class: When Leadership Is a Gift Instead of a Grind
Sermon at worship: What Do You Say at Your Last Elders’ Meeting?
Dates I have available today for 2018: a weekend (Friday night, Saturday, Sunday morning) in March, April, May, September, October, November.