What do you see as priorities in your new job?
I think the most important priority as an elder is to focus on the servant-leader model and realize that I am the servant of each member of the congregation. The elder’s role is not to be “the boss” or “supervisor” who dictates what each member should do to be considered a “faithful member” at Grace. Instead, his role is to humbly serve each member so that all feel loved, care for, respected, and cherished. I also believe an elder should be visible to and accessible by the congregation.
What inspired you to take on this responsibility?
I come from a religious heritage that followed the autonomous congregation principle with elders as the overseers and guardians of the “flock.” My father was an elder in this denomination, and I was encouraged from a young age to aspire to that office. However, my experience with a number of elders in this heritage led me to disdain accepting that responsibility. Fortunately, my experiences at Grace have rekindled my interest in accepting this role.
What is about it that gets your blood flowing?
That’s a tough question for me to respond to. I generally think of something that gets my blood flowing as something that generates great energy, enthusiasm and passion. And maybe that’s what I feel for this responsibility. But, I also feel very humbled by the confidence that the Session has expressed by allowing me to be considered for this office. While I hope that does not lessen the passion I feel for this responsibility, I certainly have some difficulty thinking of it in the context I infer from this question.
What person has had the most influence on your life?
It’s hard to limit it to one person. My wife, Judy, has loved me unconditionally throughout 43 years of marriage and numerous times when I was very unlovable. I’m grateful to her for her consistency and unfailing regard for me as a difficult person to live with. I’ve also been positively influenced by Dave Desforge, who has taught me that I am a Son of the King and that I have an inheritance that far surpasses anything this world can offer. And there have been others who have similarly been responsible for helping me come to where I am at this point in my life and spiritual walk.
Who are your heroes?
There are many persons in historical and contemporary times that I admire, but none has risen to hero status in my eyes.
What are your favorite movies?
I’m not a movie goer and rarely watch them, even on DVD or television. I’ve not seen the movie but I did see the stage production of Les Miserables at a difficult time in my life and it really spoke to me. The redemption of a sinner like Valjean who is hounded by a Javier and finds unbelievable unconditional regard from a priest whose silverware he has stolen really touches my heart.
What cartoon character do you most relate to?
My self-image does not permit me to think of myself as a cartoon character. (That should give you an insight into one of my recurring issues in life---my inappropriate attention to my reputation and image!) Seriously, I’m probably a Charlie Brown---always sincerely wanting to do the right thing but often messing up and needing grace and forgiveness from my friends and family.
What do you do to unwind and de-stress?
I enjoy reading and just spending time by myself. While I enjoy the company of others, there are times when I just need to sit quietly and understand that I’m not in charge.
How did you find your way to Grace?
About 10 years ago, Judy and I decided that Western NC was the place we wanted to live for the foreseeable future. We specifically settled on Hendersonville as the community we wanted to live in. Once that was determined, we started looking for a church home. An article in the Hendersonville paper about Grace’s new building and its emphasis on the arts caught our attention. On our first visit, I knew this was where I wanted to be. It took Judy a few more visits to come to the same conclusion. We became members in the spring of 1999 and have enjoyed the fellowship and teaching immensely.
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