Many disciples around the world have never met an elder. Through the global connection of the internet, we can introduce you to them. The Shepherding Service Team organized by the Delegates at the last International Leadership Conference have assembled some quick looks at the elders in the group. These are published here and on www.icocco-op.org so you can know who these people are. Disciples Today is working on a new tool that will allow you to "Ask an Elder."

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Elder and Evangelist, Athens Church of Christ, Athens, Georgia, USA

My wife Geri and I reside in Athens, Georgia, where I serve as an evangelist and as one of the elders of the Athens Church of Christ. We moved here in 2003.

I entered the ministry as a campus intern for the Crossroads Church of Christ in Gainesville, FL upon my graduation from The University of Florida in 1971. Since leaving Gainesville in 1982, I have served congregations in North Carolina, New York and Georgia.

Geri and I have four children, all of whom are faithful Christians. Our oldest, Elizabeth, is married to Kevin Thompson, who serves as our Campus Minister here in Athens. Our eldest son David serves with the Columbia Church of Christ as Campus Minister for The University of South Carolina. Our other son Jonathan is also in Columbia, and is attending graduate school. Our youngest daughter Alexandra is an undergraduate here at The University of Georgia, and is an active part of our campus ministry. We also have three young grandchildren, and we are thoroughly enjoying watching them grow up!

Geri and I passionately desire to help others walk closely with God, know their Bibles better, and have great marriages and families. As such, we maintain a busy schedule, speaking frequently at churches and conferences. We have co-authored three books on marriage and parenting and have written other books as well. We dearly love God’s church and long to see her, as the Bride of Christ, reflect to the world the fullness and joy of life in Him.

If I could offer a vital truth that I have learned through the years, it is this:

I have four simple, but great responsibilities in life, and in this order of priority: 1) Be a good son to my Father in Heaven. 2) Be a good husband to my wife. 3) Be a good father to my children. 4) Be a good friend and neighbor to everyone else. If I wholeheartedly do these four things then my life works out just fine. My effectiveness at whatever else I do proceeds from being grounded in these primary areas.

And now, as I reflect on the almost forty years I have been privileged to serve the Lord, I can say as Joshua said:

You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave… has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. (Joshua 23:14 )