Shepherd's Heart 3/6/26
"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:27
It is such a great privilege serving our Lord and Savior. How blessed we are to get to bring the glory of Jesus Christ forward through servanthood. Over my nearly 30 years at Good Shepherd, I have served in a variety of roles and ministries. Some were an easy fit; others were amusing (ask me about taking my turn bleaching the baby toys); all required dependency on God. One that definitely requires constant communication with the Holy Spirit is serving on the Church Council. Interestingly, I served in this way more than two decades ago. While our pastoral leadership, staff, building, many congregants, and even greater community have changed, the role has not and the need to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance continues to be paramount. A very unique element of this service is that each member is selected by the congregation to fulfill a three-year term. For those who may not be aware, every year, three of the nine members leave upon expiration of their terms, and three new members join who had been voted on by the congregation at the Annual meeting (May 3 in 2026.) The yearly rotation keeps continuity among the remaining six while introducing additional insight and gifts from the newest members. The yearly change ensures additional accountability.
The congregation plays an active role in determining who God is calling and we are asking for your participation now. We are inviting you to nominate individuals (or yourself) that you
believe could serve in this way. Those names are forwarded to the Church Council Discernment Team (composed of former church council members) to prayerfully discern the people who will be placed on the ballot in May. As you reverently consider potential candidates, it might be helpful to know more about the role and a few of the responsibilities.
Working in partnership with the Senior Pastor and staff, the Council is primarily charged with seeing that the provisions of the church’s constitution and its bylaws are carried out. It has general oversight of the activities and long-term planning of the congregation, including its worship life, ensuring that practices are completed in accordance with the Word of God, and the faith and practice of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ. The Council oversees staffing of the church, and is responsible for the financial and property matters of the congregation. We each engage in our personal process for hearing the Holy Spirit’s direction and, together, the group engages in corporate prayer. It is our utmost desire to hear and carry out the Will of God.
While I always “report to” my Lord and Savior, I feel a heightened sense of responsibility to the congregation. We are partners in ministry at Good Shepherd and I thank you for playing your role in the Church Council discernment process. Our shared commitment to serving Him binds us and centers our actions. I am beyond grateful for each and every one of you and humbled to serve with you, the incredible body of Christ that is Good Shepherd Church.
Nancy Wiersum
Council Vice President
It is such a great privilege serving our Lord and Savior. How blessed we are to get to bring the glory of Jesus Christ forward through servanthood. Over my nearly 30 years at Good Shepherd, I have served in a variety of roles and ministries. Some were an easy fit; others were amusing (ask me about taking my turn bleaching the baby toys); all required dependency on God. One that definitely requires constant communication with the Holy Spirit is serving on the Church Council. Interestingly, I served in this way more than two decades ago. While our pastoral leadership, staff, building, many congregants, and even greater community have changed, the role has not and the need to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance continues to be paramount. A very unique element of this service is that each member is selected by the congregation to fulfill a three-year term. For those who may not be aware, every year, three of the nine members leave upon expiration of their terms, and three new members join who had been voted on by the congregation at the Annual meeting (May 3 in 2026.) The yearly rotation keeps continuity among the remaining six while introducing additional insight and gifts from the newest members. The yearly change ensures additional accountability.
The congregation plays an active role in determining who God is calling and we are asking for your participation now. We are inviting you to nominate individuals (or yourself) that you
believe could serve in this way. Those names are forwarded to the Church Council Discernment Team (composed of former church council members) to prayerfully discern the people who will be placed on the ballot in May. As you reverently consider potential candidates, it might be helpful to know more about the role and a few of the responsibilities.
Working in partnership with the Senior Pastor and staff, the Council is primarily charged with seeing that the provisions of the church’s constitution and its bylaws are carried out. It has general oversight of the activities and long-term planning of the congregation, including its worship life, ensuring that practices are completed in accordance with the Word of God, and the faith and practice of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ. The Council oversees staffing of the church, and is responsible for the financial and property matters of the congregation. We each engage in our personal process for hearing the Holy Spirit’s direction and, together, the group engages in corporate prayer. It is our utmost desire to hear and carry out the Will of God.
While I always “report to” my Lord and Savior, I feel a heightened sense of responsibility to the congregation. We are partners in ministry at Good Shepherd and I thank you for playing your role in the Church Council discernment process. Our shared commitment to serving Him binds us and centers our actions. I am beyond grateful for each and every one of you and humbled to serve with you, the incredible body of Christ that is Good Shepherd Church.
Nancy Wiersum
Council Vice President