Ridgell's Originals

Just thought you might like to know what happens in an elder meeting at Southern Hills. Last night met before HIP to do a blessing and prayer for one of our members before their upcoming surgery.

After services, we met with staff and the first thing we did was welcome two new families who have joined us at SH. We meet them, introduce ourselves, and gather around them to pray over them. Often we have new Christians in at this time or sometimes we use this time to bless and pray over those working in various ministries.

We spent some time updating everyone on some exciting plans for better equipping our members to share the good news of Jesus. Staff updated us about the Groups project we are starting this Spring.

Then we spent about 45 minutes in prayer for our flock. We prayed for families in grief, those facing serious health issues, marriages in trouble, those struggling with sin, people making decisions about following Jesus, and those asking for strength to deal with ministry challenges. We gave thanks for physical healing, for those who are overcoming sin in their lives, for healed marriages, and for answered prayers. And all of these are specific and by name, not just generic.

I like the first and last parts the best. Admin and oversight is important, but we are spending as little time as we can on those. Love the shepherding.

Just thought you might like to know.

Oh yeah. After last nite's lesson, thanks to all of you who are asking to be my friend on Facebook and who are texting me. Very funny. Kinda cool. Some day I may really be as technology savvy as the average second grader.