First Family Church in Albia, Iowa has reached another milestone in their development. On October 9th, 2022, the church appointed their first group of elders. From the beginning of the church in 2019, under the leadership of Planting Pastor Jason Laxton, the church had chosen the “elder-led” model of governance and had begun to take some first steps in that direction.
L to R: Rick Hammons, Andrew Estes, Gary Scott, Mark Lynch, Gabriel Dykes
Elder Team Development
Beginning in 2021, the church leadership team began the process of identifying potential elder candidates. They were assisted by the elders of their sponsoring church, First Family Church, Ankeny in the application and interviewing process. After additional referencing, training, and review by the congregation, Gabriel Dykes, Andrew Estes, Rick Hammons, Mark Lynch, and Gary Scott were affirmed by the congregation and installed to the role of Pastoral Elders. They affirmed their willingness and readiness to accept the responsibilities of modeling faithful discipleship, shepherding the congregation, and overseeing the church life and business.
The process and appointment service were facilitated by Ed Gregory, former Pastoral Elder at First Family, Ankeny and currently serving as Pastor/Church Support Staff with the Baptist Convention of Iowa. Ed said “It has been a real joy to see these men develop into the leadership body for the church and mature in their faith and faithfulness. Both they and the church are poised for a good future in Albia.”
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