How do you measure the success of an eldership process? Certainly, the best outcome is the ordination of a plurality of men who come to the office with the congregation at peace and little to no objection to be overcome. But what does it mean if men are selected but never installed? Sound familiar? I would say we still succeeded. The process was fair, clear, and executed flawlessly. It resulted in the selection of two men and, even though one of those men said he did not desire the office, our congregation remains unified and at peace.
In fact, today represents the continuation of a desire to submit to God’s will for his church by this congregation. We do not stand obstinate as rebellious sheep refusing oversight. We humbly strive toward the upward call of a church with Jesus as head and served by shepherds, deacons, teachers, and evangelists.
Every member of the congregation at North Second Street has a selection sheet in their mailbox. Prayerfully consider which men you feel have the qualities to become shepherds in this congregation. Write the name or names of those Christians on your sheet and place it in the locked box in the mailroom. During services on January 30th, Brenda Lahue and Karen Pitts will count your selections and write down each individual’s percentage. The names and percentages of anyone who reaches the 55% threshold will be announced after services.
If the Lord wills, a plurality of men will be chosen and we will proceed with the appointment process (details and dates below). May God guide us to set the church of Christ at North Second Street in order.
January 9 Put In Order (Anonymous ballots handed out to individual members)
January 30 Names counted and announced after morning services. If two or more men reach the threshold (55% of ballots returned), a Men’s Business Meeting will occur at 4:PM to ask the selected men if they desire the office. If they do, two men will be selected as Appointers.
February 6 Sheets with names of individual members put in mailboxes.
February 27 Any objections collected (no anonymous sheets accepted). The two men chosen as Appointers will schedule times to meet with those who object (if any) with the goal of reconciliation. The Appointers will act as a go between for those with questions/objections and the men under consideration.
March 27 The two men chosen as Appointers will give a conclusion/update to the congregation after morning services. If all objections have been overcome, the congregation will give assent to ordaining men as elders at North Second Street. If all objections are overcome earlier, the ordination will occur during the next scheduled worship service.
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