New Shepherds Orientation Workshop # 25, Riverchase Church of Christ, Hoover, Alabama

We had a beautiful weekend at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana, Alabama. The temperature was ideal. The facilities for sleeping and meeting were excellent. The food was delicious. We had all our meals there and spent Friday night there.

There were nine elders, three ministers, and their wives in the workshop. They had read four books before the workshop: Creating Biblical Leaders, by Ken Wilson, The Way of the Shepherd, by Kevin Leman and Bill Pentak, Get Fit!, by Aubrey Johnson, and Fleecy Clouds, by Gail Champion Barber.

I was impressed by the completeness and unified answers of both husbands and wives. The elders recognize the value of each one being able to disagree during the times of discussion and the necessity of being united in the decisions they make. Although they have to deal with difficult issues, each seemed to be happy to serve. Both elders and wives recognize the need for confidentiality in dealing with personal information they learn in serving others.

As in previous workshops I’ve led, they expressed the value of small group discussion of several topics presented during the weekend.

They combined their two worship times for Sunday morning. The singing was uplifting. The brother presiding at the Lord’s supper took time to present thoughts that would be helpful as we partook of the supper.

We had a good meal after services with time to talk and visit.

I appreciate the opportunity to work with the Riverchase brethren this past weekend.

Riverchase elders and ministers

Riverchase wives of elders and ministers