I had an early morning meeting with Dick Foth today. Dick is a former pastor and college president and he has been my mentor since we moved to Washington, DC. When we sit down together it’s like I take a deep breath and let it back out. He has a calming and re-calibrating effect in my life. So grateful to have a sounding board that helps me process life and ministry. I think everybody needs somebody they trust enough to let it all hang out.

Not sure how to say this. And I’m not trying to open a can of theological worms. But an elder isn’t just someone who sits on a board. In the truest sense, I think an elder offers wise counsel in a more relational context. I just wonder if the church has instituionalized eldership via boards and bylaws so we “meet the law” but “miss the spirit.” Don’t get me wrong. I think an elder can be both spiritual and organizational. It’s just so easy to institutionalize things.

I guess I’m saying I’m grateful for an elder in the faith!