|
What is an Elder?
The Bible uses three terms that help us understand who elders are and what they do. The first term, of course, is elder. Elder conveys a sense of spiritual maturity, wisdom and godly lifestyle (I Timothy 3) that is to be the goal of every Christian, but especially lived out by the church’s leaders. The second term is overseer or caregiver. This term carries with it a sense of responsibility for those under one’s care. Though the term overseer can convey authority, biblical leadership is always defined as service (Mark 10:41-45), and Jesus is our ideal model (John 13). The third term for biblical leadership makes this even clearer.
Pastor/Shepherd is the third term the Bible uses to describe the role of elder. In Acts 20:28 Paul tells the elders of the Ephesian church, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.” (NIV) Sheep/Shepherd is Jesus’ favorite way of describing the church. He is the “Good Shepherd,” willing to risk all to save the one sheep who has wandered off (John 10:14, Luke 15:4-7).
This attitude of service, love, and gentle but firm care is to be the standard for leadership of God’s people, and I am pleased to say that this is the type of leader God has provided for us here at Bailey!
Who are the Elders at BCC?
James Tibbe, Chairman of the Elders
Family: Becky (wife), Megan & Jason (son-in-law), Jurnee & Jaleah (granddaughters), Micah, Meredith, Jordan, Jaron & Lisa (daughter-in-law)
Work: Construction Manager
Educational Background: High School and 1 semester of Bible College
Hobbies: Working with Hands, Hunting and Fishing
One Thing Others Might Not Know About Me: I plan on coming back to the Grant area to build homes full time.
Spiritual Gifts: Discernment, Peace Maker and Encourager
Vision for BCC: Seeing many more people in our area come to know JesusChrist in a very personal way. That those who have accepted Him can grow in that relationship. I have a burden for those not walking close to the Lord.
Greg Busse
Family: Karen (wife), Michelle, Leah, Ryan and Kyle
Work: 6th grade math & science teacher at Sparta MS; varsity boys & girls tennis coach at Sparta HS
Educational Background: B.S. from Purdue University; Masters from Western Michigan University in Education
Hobbies: Horseback riding, fishing, camping, hiking and canoeing.
One Thing Others Might Not Know About Me: Own a hobby farm with horses, chickens, rabbits, cats & dog. 4-H leader
Spiritual Gifts: Teaching and Organization
Vision for BCC: Continued growth and strengthening members faith.
David VanderZanden
Family: Karen (wife), Jacob and Graham
Work: Organic Dairy Farmer
Educational Background: Studied Education at Muskegon Community College, and Grand Rapids Community College.
Hobbies: Song writing, coaching youth sports, eating, taking naps, reading.
Spiritual Gifts: To use every opportunity God gives me to tell others of God’s saving grace. To grow closer to God and to be a soldier of Christ.
Vision for BCC: I pray that BCC is a church that reaches out to the lost and serves them while also guiding them toward a rewarding life in Christ. I want us to be a counter culture church that puts it’s hope in Christ and not the things of this world.
Dan Wheat
Family: Karen (wife), Danae & Jeremy (son-in-law) and Jared
Work: VP- Operations Choice One Bank, 27 years
Educational Background: Davenport, CMU, U of W and GLCC
Interests: Music,Woodworking, Downhill Skiing, and Jeeping
Spiritual Gifts: Pastoral and Service
One Thing Others Might Not Know About Me: I love rock climbing!
Vision for BCC: To continue to impact the surrounding communities by making Christ known and drawing lost souls to Him. To grow in faith and numbers. To provide support for the needy and those afflicted with sin and sinful addictions.
 |
