Elders Appointed in Seattle and South Sound Churches

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. (1 Timothy 5:17)

Boston International Church of Christ Elder Wyndham Shaw (pictured at right) spent the weekend meeting with our congregational ministry leadership and Bible Talk Leaders, and appointed Lead Evangelist Scott Green and Ron Brumley (previously appointed Elder in two other churches) Elders to our congregation. Wyndham commended these men and their families as guardians of the congregation who have already demonstrated their capabilities, saying "Theiir spiritual and life experience demands that we seek and respect their wisdom."

Scott & his wife Lynne have two children, Steven and Ariel. Both are disciples in campus ministries at George Washington and Gonzaga Universities. Scott & Lynne are pioneers in the faith, taking an amazing step of faith moving to the unfamiliar missionary field of Hong Kong and China in the 1980s, beginning the work that has seen thousands of disciples baptized into Christ. Scott reflected on how the day fulfilled some of his personal dreams: "As a kid, I saw the division in the traidtional church life - ministers and elders who were at odds with one another. I've always dreamed, since my early "Boston days" of 1982 that we could see Biblical leadership - elders, ministers, deacons, etc. - unified, trusting each other and clear about what leadership means. We are living this in Seattle and Sunday just made that more real."

Ron & Linda have four children, all faithful disciples. They have served as an Elder couple in San Diego and Chicago and have been tireless in their service, traveling around to strengthen and encourage many churches around the world. Ron says, "After a considerable time of study, prayer and anticipation, the church here realized the Biblical significance of the occasion. I felt very grateful to God to be blessed again to be appointed to this very 'noble task.'" Their eldest son, Greg and his wife Lisa are a pillar couple in the Eastside Region, with both of their children (Sarah & Tucker) faithful disciples as well!

As their first task as Elders in the Seattle Church, Scott & Ron appointed Eastside Region disciple Greg Tacher as an Elder. Greg serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Seattle Church of Christ. He and his wife Ruthann serve as Mission Town Group leaders in the Eastside Region. They are stellar lay-leaders in the church. Their sons Jake and Drew are baptized disciples, and their third son, Sam is part of the teen ministry. But beyond that, Scott shared his thoughts, "Greg has provided a great comfort in my life. He is one of the best friends in my life. But are we appointing him because he is one of my best friends of all time? Actually, it's the other way around. It is because he is a shepherd that we know him so well as a friend." When asked what is dreams were in his new role, Greg replied, "The same dreams continue: that love abounds more and more in knowledge and depth of insight and that we are able to discern what is best to grow in personal and church maturity. If by serving I can be a part of that equation, I'll feel effective and productive for God."

Finally, South Sound Lead Evangelist Daren Overstreet appointed Daryl Wallace. It was difficult for anybody to keep their eyes dry as Daren shared, "The title he's being given today is really the life he has lived for years...There is not a family or Bible Talk that Daryl and (his wife) Ruby have not been involved in. They are personally involved in the church in a way that calls me higher." Daryl & Ruby's son Marcus is married and serves as a full-time intern with wife Naomi in the campus and teen ministry. Their daughter Stephanie is a faithful disciple in Westside Region. She and her husband Terry served in the teen ministry for years and recently moved into the family ministry with the birth of their daughter. Like all the other new Elders, Daryl's family was beyond words at this joyous occasion. Daryl says, "Ruby, my wife, was overjoyed and filled with emotion. Marcus was extremely happy for me and he was also filled with emotion. Stephanie was so happy she did even have words to characterize her feelings. After the service we all had a huge lunch celebration at the Overstreet's house with my kids their spouses and all my closest friends. It was truly an amazing day and one I will never forget."

It's hard to imagine that the Seattle and South Sound Churches could experience a more special worship service. The special performances of "When You Believe" by the Eastside Women's Choir and Darin Ford's special rendition of "O Happy Day" only accentuated the simple facts: These men and their families have done God's work - shepherding God's flock, raising their families faithfully, and endearing themselves to the congregation so much so that every member felt the spiritual celebration as they were commended before God. As we move forward as a church into our next chapter, we can rest assured that faithful and true men are in place to lead us as they follow Christ's example!

(Elders & Families pictured below)