Undershepherds of the Great Shepherd

Church Family:
Over the past several years, GCT has experienced significant growth, which has brought the need for meaningful changes in how we care for everyone who calls GCT their church family. Unfortunately, I have not done a good job of sharing the task of “shepherding the flock of God that is among us” (1 Peter 5:2). By not delegating well to other elders, I have left some pastoral needs unmet. So, I am declaring to you, from the fullness of my heart, that I am dedicated to more fully sharing the weight of all GCT’s pastoral needs with our elders. God has designed His Church to be led by a plurality of biblically qualified men who lovingly oversee, protect, teach, and care for the people of God. That is our goal.

This Sunday, we will introduce Tom Miller and Martin Graddon as candidates to join Warren Rich, Bob Highet, Kyle Mills, and me, who are already serving as elders. You will hear their testimonies and their hearts to serve you as undershepherds of our Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ. These men are already shepherding among us at GCT. If, after hearing from them on Sunday, you have any concerns or are aware of any biblical disqualifications, please speak with one of the current elders within the next two weeks (by May 1).

The qualifications for elders, as outlined in Scripture, emphasize both moral integrity and spiritual maturity. From 1 Timothy 3:1–7, Titus 1:5–9, and 1 Peter 5:1–5, an elder must be above reproach, faithful to one spouse, temperate, self-controlled, and respectable, demonstrating hospitality and sound judgment. He should be able to teach and hold firmly to the trustworthy message of the gospel so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. Elders must not be violent, quarrelsome, or given to drunkenness or greed, but should be gentle, upright, and disciplined. They are called to lead their families well, managing their own households with dignity, for one who cannot lead his own family cannot care for God’s church. Furthermore, an elder must have a good reputation with outsiders to avoid falling into disgrace. According to Peter, elders are to shepherd God’s flock willingly and eagerly, not out of compulsion or for selfish gain, but by being examples to the believers—humble, faithful stewards of God’s people, who will receive the crown of glory when the Chief Shepherd appears.

Please be in prayer as new elders join us and I more fully share the task of shepherding with them. We look forward to greater spiritual care, stronger prayerful oversight, shared faithful teaching, and wise leadership for the years ahead. I love you GCT.

See you Sunday, worshipping Jesus together: Steve