Shepherd Recognition 2009

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To the Southern Hills Family,

On January 4, Keith Boler, on behalf of the elders, made an announcement about our plans for ensuring strong leadership for the years ahead.

First, we are beginning the process to recognize additional men to serve as shepherds. We went through a similar process in mid-2007, resulting in Keith Boler being appointed to serve alongside current shepherds, Steve Baker, E. B. Jones, and Robert Smith. At that time, it was also approved by the congregation that we would institute a 3-year term of service for shepherds, meaning that every three years the men serving could either rotate out of service or be put before the congregation for reaffirmation.

This three year term should prove beneficial in a number of ways: it makes serving a more joyous opportunity knowing that it is more of a choice and calling than “lifetime commitment,” it allows elders to receive more feedback and encouragement each time they are reaffirmed, and it maintains a continuity of leadership while also allowing fresh faces and ideas to come on board.

As Keith announced, it is now time to recognize additional men to serve. Our goal is to add at least two more to those continuing to serve. Along with this goal, Keith also stated that E. B. Jones has retired from serving as an elder. E. B. has been a wonderful servant and leader for this family. His devotion to God, to prayer, and to sharing his faith have been invaluable. Robert Smith, Keith Boler, and Steve Baker will continue to serve, but it should also be noted that Robert’s expectation is to rotate out of shepherding in January 2010.

A shepherd-recognition committee has been appointed, consisting of men and women devoted to this congregation and who, most likely, will not have personal connections to anyone suggested to serve. They will guide us through this process and make recommendations under the direction of the elders.

Some of you reading this are likely to be suggested to serve. We hope you will approach this opportunity prayerfully and with open hearts and open minds. Below you will find a timeline of how we anticipate this process to proceed. You may also want to listen again to the messages John is presenting on the topic of “Kingdom Leadership” Audio is available here.

We know God will bless us richly through this process. Thank you for your prayers and your support. If you have any questions at all, please ask any of the elders or committee members.

The Shepherds of Southern Hills

 

Key Dates • Shepherd Recognition 2009

January 4th
Keith Boler announces the beginning of this process and our goal of recognizing 2 additional shepherds this year. A prayer of thanksgiving is offered for E.B.’s 11 years of faithful leadership.

January 11th
Members of the congregation can begin suggesting individuals to serve by turning in a suggestion card in the rear of the auditorium.

Each member is free to suggest as many individuals as they have confidence in. Unlike our 2007 process, you do not need to talk to the individual before turning in his name. Your card is simply an indicator of your desire to see a given individual serve. As part of their deliberations, the committee will evaluate the individual’s willingness to serve.

We are hoping to have more members turning in suggestion cards than in 2007 so as to better gauge the breadth of each individual’s support.

January 25th
Final Day to turn in suggestions.
Committee will begin its work.

March 8th
We anticipate announcing the men put forward by the committee.
We ask you to prayerfully consider each name put forward and submit a “Congregational Voice” form to indicate your followership.

March 15th
Deadline to submit a “Congregational Voice” form.

March 29th
If all names are met with broad support, additional shepherds will be recognized this day. If any name is not met with broad support, the committee will reconvene.