This past Sunday evening the circuit churches made BIG moves in our members' meeting. In short, the churches are moving toward the biblical model of having elders and deacons lead the church. The first step involved appointing elders. Each of the elders will oversee (as is their biblical responsibility - see 1 Tim 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9) two of the circuit churches. As Pastor Allen shared at the meeting, we must be doing more than maintaining our position in the churches. We must work to grow, develop, and nurture the folks in each of the churches, while investing in the communities in which they are located. The current model of the four preachers visiting each of the circuit churches once, maybe twice a month is not effective. The biblical model of elders meets this current challenge while opening the door for greater "member-care"(different from "Obama-care" or "Romney-care") being headed up by each of the elders.
Of the four men who serve regularly in the preaching ministry within the circuit of churches, three are now elders - Pastor Allen, of course, Pastor Gilmore, and yours truly. The fourth pastor has commitments outside of the church that keep him from being able to commit full time. However, he will still serve within the circuit, which is a tremendous blessing because he is a gifted teacher and a wise, godly man! Mr. Gilmore and myself were voted on by the congregation to assume the role of elder this past Sunday.
Ten years ago, the last thing I wanted to do was be in church - now the church brethren call me Pastor (pronounced PastAH Jon). God works in mysterious and amazing ways! Kirsten and I are really excited for what this means for the churches in the Buff Bay circuit! We are also humbled that the people would choose us to be part of the leadership team. Please pray for this big change within the churches and pray for me as we step into a more formal role within the church. Also, pray that this would foster great growth within the spiritual life of the church members, as well as an expansion of each church's role in the life and happenings of their respective communities.
