Dear LTCC Family,

During our elder candidate cohort, we were reminded of King Saul’s disobedience to God’s command with regard to the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 15. We were confronted with the temptation in leadership to disobey God by rationalizing what we think we’re entitled to; the temptation to partial obedience; and the temptation to blame, to name just a few of the temptations in leadership. During our discussions that particular week, and what came to be true each week as we gathered to study the office of elder, our motivations were uncovered and our idols were exposed. It was a deeply humbling process. Our time together was not primarily about information but formation. God was, and is, interested in cultivating Christ-like character in us. As we identified the idols of comfort, approval, control, and power in our lives, we were graciously pointed to repent (turn) and replace those idols with appreciating, rejoicing, and resting in Jesus. The good news of the gospel has been sweet to each of us!

Certainly, over the last 4+ months of the elder cohort, we also spent time understanding the role and responsibilities of an elder. We looked at what it means to lead, feed, protect, and care for the flock of God as under-shepherds to the Chief Shepherd Jesus. Finally, we studied some systematic theology by taking our LTCC Statement of Faith and assessing each section. 

Our elder cohort consisted of the following men:

• Mike Tedrow, Kory Queen, Chris Heck, Matt Moench, Brent Allan, Doug Goodwin (elder candidates)

• Bob Slack (current interim pastor)

• Gary Warne, Brian Peterson (current elders)

Throughout our time together, the Holy Spirit has led a number of the men to move forward with the affirmation process. We believe these men have the character and competence set forth in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 to serve as elders. It has been a privilege and honor to seek Christ with these guys. 

As has been communicated, our church constitution does not limit an affirmation of leaders to only once per year at our Annual Member Meeting in January. So, our aim is the following:

• By Sunday, March 2nd bios of each elder candidate will be posted on our website.

• On Sunday, April 14th we will have a Member Meeting with an affirmation vote prior to the meeting.

• During those 6 weeks we would encourage you to:

• Get to know the elder candidates if you don’t already (coffee, dinner, etc.).

• Resolve any personal issues following the Scriptural directives of Matthew 18:15-17.

• Bring any concerns to the current elders regarding a candidate (that are not in need of personal resolution as laid out in Matthew 18).

Thank you for praying for this process. It has been tremendously encouraging to see how the Lord is moving at LTCC!

For the elders and deacons,

Brian