Elder Reaffirmation

As you know, our process of reaffirming our shepherds for the next two years concludes today. Richard Dostie, David Frost, Chip McGehee, Dan Nix, and Tom McTighe have placed themselves before us as willing to serve. You have the opportunity to decide whether you want them to continue their service.

If you have not already done so, please respond to the Survey Monkey email (dated February 28) by the end of Sunday. Husbands and wives are asked to submit responses separately. If you do not have email access, or if for some reason, you do not receive the survey monkey via email, you may fill out an affirmation ballot and leave your completed ballot in the box at the Welcome Center. For the paper ballots, only signed forms will be considered. Husbands and wives may share one ballot and both sign it, or they may fill out separate ballots.

If you do not wish for one or more of our elders to continue serving, you have the opportunity to state your reasoning in a confidential way if you choose. Elders who receive a minimum of 75 percent yes of votes submitted will be reinstalled as shepherds on March 28.

Whether in this reaffirmation season or any time, if you have any questions or concerns about any of our shepherds, individually or collectively, or you have concerns about our overall direction, don’t hesitate to reach out to any of them. They eagerly desire to know what’s on our hearts.

Most importantly, keep praying for all our leaders and for the Mandarin Family as we work together to guide people into a growing relationship with Jesus.

-Mike Johnson

Mandarin Leadership

Two years ago, the Mandarin family nominated and affirmed five men to be our shepherds, Richard Dostie, David Frost, Chip McGehee, Tom McTighe and Dan Nix. When they were installed, they agreed to a set of guidelines where they would place themselves back before the congregation in two years for reaffirmation. That time has now come.

Starting today (February 28), you will have the opportunity to decide whether you wish to affirm our shepherds to continue for another two years. At the conclusion of worship, you will receive a Survey Monkey email, and we ask you to reply to that email by no later than March 14. Husbands and wives are asked to submit responses separately.

If you do not have email access, or if for some reason, you do not receive the survey monkey via email, you may fill out an affirmation ballot and leave your completed ballot in the box at the Welcome Center. For the paper ballots, only signed forms will be considered. Husbands and wives may share one ballot and both sign it, or they may fill out separate ballots. If, for some reason, you do not wish for one or more of our shepherds to continue serving, you will have the opportunity to state your reasoning in a confidential way if you choose. Elders who receive a minimum of 75 percent yes of votes submitted will be reinstalled as shepherds on March 28.

Whether in this reaffirmation season or any time, if you have any questions or concerns about any of our shepherds, individually or collectively, or you have concerns about our overall direction, please seek them out and talk to them. They love us dearly, and they want to know what’s on your heart. Please continue to be in prayer for our shepherds and our church family as we work together to guide people into a growing relationship with Jesus.

-Mike Johnson

Elders' Corner

This past week I have been reading in the book of 1 Samuel. I have always admired Samuel’s spirit and devotion to God.

In chapter 15, God sent Saul to destroy the Amalekites. In verse 3, God says “3 Now go and completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation—men, women, children, babies, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and donkeys.” Saul did go and defeat the Amalekites, but he spared the King and the best of all the animals. Samuel confronted Saul, but Saul said he had done “all that God had commanded.” Saul could not see how his pride and greed had blinded him to what God told him to do. God then tells Samuel that He has rejected Saul as King over Israel. 10 Then the LORD said to Samuel, 11 “I am sorry that I ever made Saul king, for he has not been loyal to me and has refused to obey my command.” Samuel was so deeply moved when he heard this that he cried out to the LORD all night.

Notice Samuel’s response to God’s denouncement of Saul; “Samuel was so deeply moved when he heard this that he cried out to the LORD all night.” That is an incredible reaction. Samuel cared so much for Saul and the people of Israel that he suffered for them as God rejected Saul and set about establishing David. His ability to empathize is something I have not yet reached to that level, but the men I serve with as your elders are men that truly DO suffer for you in prayer and in spirit.

We meet, virtually, every Tuesday night and spend much time in prayer over this body at Mandarin. These men are teaching me how to develop this kind of spirit, to become more like Jesus. I look forward to growing with these men, and both you and I are privileged to have them as elders here at Mandarin. Please keep all of us in your prayers. It is our desire to serve you beyond our ability, and we thank you for your love of Jesus and your hearts to help others.

-Chip Meghee