This is the time of year when our church elders’ transition (they serve for term…

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This is the time of year when our church elders’ transition (they serve for terms of three years) and maybe the most important thing we do is reestablish what we call a shepherding list. Goshen Church has about 327 people who are in some way part of our church family, but we are committed to coaching, holding accountable and praying for especially our formal members.

We divide our church membership by our seven elders (massively influenced by my professor Tim Whitmer) and we’ll spend the bulk of our meetings praying and catching up with those who we are entrusted with. Frankly sometimes it gets rough. We happily put on our muck boots and walk through hard times with people. But it’s worth it. Our church and community are better for our leaders’ willingness to care for people in good times and bad. I’m so thankful for them.

1 Peter 5:1–4 (NIV) To the elders among you… Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them… eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

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