Thursday, June 05, 2008

Changing of the Guard

A few weeks ago- it seems a whole lot longer- our Pastor resigned after being voted in as the Secretary of the Texas District (Yes, our Pastor was that great of a man).

Tonight, we vote for a new pastor. I have heard so many things about what can happen to churches when the pastor resigns and a new one is selected. I have even heard that in our own church history- long before Pastor Elms- that it was not the best process either.

As we prepare to vote this evening, I must say that our church has done wonderful. You always will have individuals who suddenly feel the need to try and control things and tell others what to do in the absence of a definitive leader; however, for the most part, their heads have not swollen so large that they have floated away.

There have been no major ‘splits’, divisive factions, or cancerous speech that has threatened to divide the unity that we have enjoyed for so many years. I can truly say- in spite of those ridiculous few who are old enough to know better- our church is healthy and thankfully still unified!

I believe the fact that we have come through this ordeal with our unity still in tact is a testament to our previous pastor, as Bro. Russo, our District Superintendent, said it would be.

I am very excited for Life Tabernacle and the future that lies ahead for her. I am also excited for the many ways that God will bless the Texas District through the leadership of Bishop Elms and his wife.

The slide today is full of pictures of Bishop Elms’ last message, the going away service, and the church dinner afterward.

Enjoy!

~

6 comments:

Linda Elms said...

Joseph, THANK YOU for your heartfelt, kind words! My heart is overwhelmed with love for you and the church at "home"! Ya'll will ALWAYS be in our hearts. I feel like crying for the great things God has done in the past, and I KNOW WITHOUT A DOUBT that GREATER things will take place, in the future! God's promises are SURE and WILL come to pass! UNITY MUST CONTINUE and it is and will! Our family is looking forward to what God has prepared for the church and the new "ANGEL" of Wichita Falls! Your love and care to us mean the world. Thank you again, for the confidence you have in Bro. Elms. I happen to agree with you! :) I can't wait to see you and everyone from Life Tabernacle at Camp Meeting! Blessings are being sent to you and the church today, and I know "God's Will" will be accomplished tonight! LOVE YOU!

Michelle said...

Thanks for sharing these pictures!

Roxana said...

(Yes, our Pastor was that great of a man). *Correction..."Yes, our pastor was AND IS that great of a man"

Thanks for the pictures of such beautiful people! (Kassie included :} I know some people around here, and she seems to like to travel...)

Keith and Carla said...

Thanks for sharing the pictures for those of us that couldn't be there! Pastor & Sis. Elms were great for the church in Wichita Falls and will be great for the District of Texas!!!

Madison S. said...

So well spoken Thank you for posting such a wonderful post! The Elms are incredible people and our new pastor will flow right in and pick up were they left off!

JAMES said...

WE ARE VERY EXCITED ABOUT OUR NEW PASTOR AND ALSO THE GREAT LEGACY THAT BRO AND SIS ELMS CREATED. GREAT PEOPLE SUCH AS THESE ARE A RARITY. OUR CHURCH IS GREATLY BLESSED IN ALL OF ITS ASPECTS. BRO. JOSEPH, SIS CARMEN AND I HAVE GREATLY APPRECIATED THE WONDERFUL TEACHING YOU HAVE DONE IN THE PRIME LIFE CLASS. KEEP UP THE GREAT AND EXCELLENT WORK OF GOD...