You both became Christians as young people in the US but decided to use your many gifts to serve God in New Zealand. Why?

David: My mother believed that missionaries were true heroes. In the early 1970s, my home congregation, Cedar Hill, Texas, supported a missionary in Queensland that some readers may even remember: Thurman Self. He came home to a hero’s welcome.

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After that, I thought it would be great to be a missionary and teach people in faraway places. When I finished high school, I joined the Adventures in Missions (AIM) program connected with Sunset International Bible Institute in Lubbock, Texas. That’s where I met Mary.

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She and I wanted to go to Australia but this door closed. Instead, we were sent to New Zealand, which we quickly came to love and wanted to return to in the future. 

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Over the next few years we continued our education, worked with churches in New Zealand and the USA, and became parents to three boys. I also grew to love teaching more than preaching, so when South Pacific Bible College invited me to join the faculty, our family decided to make the big move to New Zealand. We arrived in January 1997 and have lived here since.

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Mary: My faith was initially formed by loving Christian parents who practised their walk with God genuinely in all aspects of their life. The small country church that we attended did not have a preacher or Bible classes, but I learnt much there and wanted more. As a teenager, I began attending another church where I felt I could really grow in faith. It was there that I learnt about the AIM program and shocked my family by enrolling.

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The next couple of years were formative for me. David and I met in this time, got to know each other while studying for Bible exams, and fell in love with missions. We could have stayed near home and served God in many ways but our hearts were drawn to places where workers were few and where we would be used by God to make a difference.

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David, not everyone is called to be a shepherd, but you’ve risen to the occasion twice. Why do you think shepherds are important for a congregation? Why did you accept the role?

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David: I believe it’s self-evident that God’s people need leaders. Leaders equip, support, encourage, admonish, pastor (feed), and guide God’s people. Trying to fulfil the role of the shepherd can be painful but it does have its rewards. 

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The Otumoetai congregation had gone through a rough period in the early 2000s. We lost our first eldership during this time. After a time of healing the church appointed new shepherds. My name was put forward but I declined at that time. Those years of ‘following’ greatly helped me to understand the challenge of submitting to leaders whom you didn’t always agree with.

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Many years later, the church found itself with only three elders. I didn’t think it would be in the church’s best interest if it ended up with no elders so I spoke to the elders and said that if the church wanted to appoint additional men to serve, I would seriously consider it. And so the church blessed my appointment to the eldership. 

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Sadly though, that eldership ended in crisis. Two of the elders stepped down, leaving only two of us left (the two newest). Our differences and the way we communicated came to a head and the eldership dissolved.

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Things were put into place to provide leadership in the absence of an eldership and a three-year plan was implemented to help put the church back on track. Over time, the church chose ‘official servants’ (in effect, deacons) whose task was to take care of the day-to-day affairs of the church. A year after they were appointed, the church chose and appointed three men to serve as elders. I was one of these men. 

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Again, I had a desire to serve because the church needs guidance, pastoring, equipping, and teaching. I love God’s people and God’s mission. I believe God has gifted me in these areas, and I’m growing in my role as a shepherd.

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One reward of being an elder is seeing members step up to the challenge of becoming more connected in the life of the church and her ministries. This can be in response to a sermon. Or by witnessing other Christians joyfully serving. Or when nudged by others. Whatever the reason, it’s a thrilling change to see.

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A more recent reward resulted from Mary and I making very intentional visits to members. We joined another elder, Chris Miller, and his wife, Melinda, to write cards that communicate how a specific member is valuable to God, the church, and each of us. We think of Bible verses which the person brings to mind. After that, we visit them and read our cards to them. Hearing these words from the elders has brought real change and encouragement to members. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done as an elder.

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On the other hand, it’s discouraging to witness people come to the Lord, begin their growth in discipleship, and then see their fire grow cold. That’s a real challenge.

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On occasion, I’m also faced with feelings of incompetence in my role as an elder, and how easily people can frustrate and disappoint you. But this teaches me to be more patient, forgiving, and loving. I remember that these brothers and sisters are trying to follow an often inadequate shepherd.