Time with the shepherds

What comes to your mind when you think of elders meetings? Have you ever been called to "meet with the elders?" Did this invitation elicit excitement and sweet anticipation in your heart -- or dread? ("Oh, know. I'm in trouble with the elders. What are they going to say to me?")

Years ago the thought of elders' meetings may have conjured up in our minds images of stern-faced men in dark suits sitting around a table making decisions. I hope that sort of board meeting model is fading away.

At my home church, Highland in Abilene, where my family has been for 15 + years, they at one time had such elders meetings. I've seen the old pictures of the men in their suits. And heard stories of many years ago where they sat around the proverbial table (yes, in their dark suits) making decisions. And yet I've had conversations with men such as Clois Fowler, a long-time Highland elder and deacon who shared with me many tales of the leadership at Highland. He described how even in "those days" the elders made some very courageous and Christ-centered decisions -- supporting Juan Monroy as a missionary (who was not brought to Christ through our fellowship and yet shared the dream of non-denominational Christianity); beginning Christian Homes, a wonderful adoption agency; becoming overseers of Herald of Truth, a media ministry where I worked for nine years; hiring Lynn Anderson, a young and progressive Canadian; and then for the next 19 years giving Lynn the freedom to preach expository sermons which often challenged traditional thinking.

Lynn Anderson and David Wray (an educational and spiritual formation minister for many years, as well as an elder at Highland) were used by God to help move our elders from the board meeting model to a shepherding model.

The last two years I've had the incredible privilege of serving with these men as a fellow shepherd. And I must say that our twice-a-month elders' meetings are always one of the highlights of my week. They are mostly ongoing prayer sessions. I think about last night...

1. Praying over and thanking God for Bryan and Becky Gibbs, for their work with the missiosn committee and the long-term impact Bryan has had in his work with Continent of Great Cities in recruiting teams to take the gospel to South America and beyond.

2. Having Wendell and Betty Broom come tell us of their latest missionary effort, as they prepare to head back to St. Petersburg, Russia to train leaders. In their golden years they don't indulge themselves with golf and bridge but instead continue investing in the kingdom.

3. Crying with and praying over a couple who have had a severe loss in their family.

4. Hearing some of our elders standing up and sharing some of their personal struggles and asking for the prayers of their fellow elders.

Yes, at times we are a decision-making body. However, since so much of the business decisions are made at the weekly Administrative elders meetings, our all-elder meetings are mainly about intercessory prayer. Anyone is invited to come for prayer, anointing and prayer for healing, to report on a new ministry, whatever.

I feel deeply privileged to be a part of this shepherd community. Yes, we're imperfect and make mistakes. But I truly believe it's a group of men who are seeking to be led by the Holy Spirit and to follow after the Good Shepherd --Who is the One ultimately overseeing this flock of sheep we call the Highland church.

Would you share with us any positive stories you have concerning elders meetings or being pastored by your shepherds?

Jim