We met from 6 to 10 last night. Four hours is a looong meeting. The first 2 hours is the entire board (deacons, elders, treasurers, secretaries) and the second 2 hours is separate deacon and elder meetings.
Here are some highlights from the meeting of the bored board.
Praying and deciding about helping Drew P. get seminary training and head into ministry.
Testimony from one of our deacons, Clyde, who recently has had loss of work, a serious car crash, wife in surgery for her knee, and that surgery complicated by additional serious heart issues.
His testimony in the midst of all these trials. “I have so much, so very much, to be thankful for. I deserve nothing. God has given me everything. God has been so good to us!”
We planned for the upcoming visit that our missionaries, the Kamunges will be making to Racine.
Talking about Cameron W. heading to Moody for ministry education and training.
I am also thinking of two items that qualify as potential difficulties. I will be praying aggressively about both of these and mention them so that you might do the same.
We found out that medical insurance for our staff is going up, way-up, again. The board has made it a priority to provide good benefits to our staff. But the prices keep rising at a surprising rate. We are looking for to a new, lower-cost option or some great new provision to pay the costs.
We found out that a very critical role in CrossWalk (our Sunday AM children’s ministry) will not be filled by the person we thought it would. This position provides training and support and really moves us forward in two ways. First, it improves the quality of our ministry to children and their families. Second, it enables the entire church to benefit from Darien’s ministry by freeing him from some things that are better done by someone with different gifts than his. I am praying that God will provide the right person to step into this role. Pray with me. Contact me if you think you might be the answer to these prayers.
Really good chewy oatmeal cookies. They were complimented nicely with the chilled raspberry lemonade. A fine pairing for the discriminating palates of the board members.
Our Bible study time in John 10:1-5 –
The shepherd needs to lead the whole flock forward. The shepherd also needs to take time to care for each one. How can this be done? Only be a team of shepherd with various gifts and relationships.
Jesus mentions the voice three times. What is the significance of this repetition? And of all the things he could have said about shepherds and sheep, why does he emphasize the voice so repeatedly?
The shepherd walks ahead of the sheep. This is leadership which sets an example and pays the price personally. The shepherd does not push/prod from behind but leads from the front. The sheep know his voice (they identify with him and trust him).
I remain thankful, so thankful, for the elders and deacons God has brought together in this flock. They are evidence of God’s love for the people of Racine Bible Church.