"Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. 26Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. - Acts 20:25-28

11 service teams serve the International Churches of Christ around the world. The Shepherding Service Team reports on their efforts to address godly conflict resolution.

Our service team began meeting in January of 2008. The first question that came to our minds was, “How do we envision God using this group to glorify Him?” As we prayed and talked it became clear that we desired to be used for purposes of unity in the kingdom and to bring about a place where relationships can be built based on security, encouragement and communication.

Elder and Evangelist, New York City Church of Christ, Mount Vernon, NY USA

I was brought to the Lord in 1975 during my freshman year at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC where Wyndham Shaw served as campus minister. Shortly after graduation in 1978 I moved to Gainesville, Fl where Cynthia and I dated and were married in 1981.  

Elder and Evangelist, Athens Church of Christ, Athens, GA, 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.  

Elder, DFW Church of Christ, Dallas, Texas USA

I serve as a fulltime elder and Sally as a Women’s Ministry Leader in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Church of Christ. We have been married for 41 years and have lived in the “country” of Texas (most Texans believe their state is a country!) for over 15 years.  

Elder, The South Florida Church of Christ, Davie, Florida, USA

Pat and I live in Pembroke Pines, Florida where I serve as an Elder and she as a Women’s Ministry Leader in the South Florida Church of Christ. We have been here since January of 1999 and served as a Region Leader until appointed Elder in September of that same year. 

Elder, Seattle Church of Christ

Linda and I just celebrated our 46th wedding anniversary. During these busy years, God has blessed us with four children and ten grandchildren. 

Elder, Chicago Church of Christ, Chicago, IL

After being baptized in Columbus, Ohio in 1979, I experienced the tremendous feeling of knowing that I belonged to the family of God for the very first time. I had a relationship with my heavenly Father, but I had many “fathers in the faith” as well.  

Elder, Los Angeles International Church of Christ

Gloria and I live in Playa Del Rey, on the West Side of Los Angeles, where I serve full-time as elder and she as women’s ministry leader. We have served in these roles in Los Angeles since 1992. 

Elder, Boston Church of Christ

My experience in ministry and church leadership began as a student leader in the congregation where I was baptized into Christ, the Crossroads Church of Christ in Gainesville, FL. After being trained there, I went on to serve as a campus minister at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC.  

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 International Leadership Conference have assembled some quick looks at the elder who serve on the team. Click here for the rest of the stories. Disciples Today is working on a new tool that will allow you to "Ask an Elder."

The newly formed Shepherding Service Team targets needs to develop more relationships, more elders and help with conflict resolution.

At the 2007 International Leadership Conference in Los Angeles the Shepherding Service Team was one of ten service teams to be formed at the request to the delegates. Sam Powell (New York) was asked to be chairman of this team. Along with Sam, Al Baird (Los Angeles), Wyndham Shaw (Boston), John Brush (Miami), Sam Laing (Athens, Ga.), Jeff Balsom (Chicago), Bill Hooper (Dallas), and Ron Brumley (Seattle) are the brothers who make up the Shepherding Service Team. 

This team is beginning with two missions. First, the formulation and development of sound conflict resolution paradigm is needed for leaders and churches. This will include input from trained mediators. Secondly, the team will address how to assist our churches in the training of more men who desire eldership.