The Midlands Churches of Christ

• The Erdington House group is a continuing action. We still need to find out if a solution has been found to replace Bob & Maureen in terms of hosting the house groups on a regular basis. The Shepherds should talk to those who regularly attended this group for feedback. (NB. it was noted later in the meeting that Pauline & Martin are helping with this group.)

• With regard to the future meetings of the Shepherds group, the proposal of holding this on a Monday evening for the next three months or for however long JO would be working in Boston, was agreed. This would allow JO to attend the meetings.

• TD confirmed his continued support for a brother who was of concern

It was noted that throughout the Bible such terms as shepherd, elder, deacon, minister, were very interchangeable and that the criteria set out in the Bible for these roles should be considered when considering the nominees.

It was noted that many were emerging from the congregation into roles that they may not have been interested in before due to them having the freedom to try. It was noted that the encouragement of all disciples helped them to emerge and use talents that they otherwise may not have. It was felt that the Shepherds group should aim to encourage and develop the Christians and to consider the deeper topics and issues that affected the church.

It was noted that one sister, who previously had been burdened by the pressures that came with a ‘title’, was now providing excellent help to the church now that such pressures were not coming to bear.

Warner & Kay were encouraged to remain a part of the shepherds group, even if it was at arms length. Warner was commended for his skills and talents and it was noted that these were very valuable at present. Warner was keen not to allow himself to be seen as indispensible and wanted to encourage people to rely on God’s leadership rather than his. It was proposed that Warner and Kay play a ‘part-time’ role in the Shepherding group.

Concerns were raised over the ‘prescriptive’ nature of a practising faith that Derek Edmondson often espoused. However, his recent attendance at meetings and excellent commitment was noted

It was suggested that Denzyl might not fit the criteria for a shepherd, as he was ‘young’ in the faith. He may well be better suited to help with the teens and young men in the congregation. It was agreed that all those eager to assist in the church should be encouraged to channel their energies into some worthy activity.

All nominees would be invited to the next meeting in order that we can discuss the criteria of a shepherd and the role with them.

Ade Desalu had previously requested to be paid for the work he had done so far for the church. It was agreed that AD could be paid for work done so far on a consultancy basis. The details of this would need to be discussed in finer detail. However, it was noted that AD should have sought agreement for payment from the Shepherds before proceeding with the work.

The group discussed the proposals (previously distributed via email) put forward by AD in regard to renting office space in Edgbaston. It was understood that AD had already signed a contract to lease an office space before it had been discussed and agreed at a Shepherds meeting. It was also further understood that AD had been advised verbally by telephone by AT not to proceed without agreement by the Shepherds.

However, it was agreed that some kind of office space was probably required. As to details such as location – this was up for further debate. Various other solutions were put forward. A & HT were willing to allow their study to be used as an office. DL would investigate the use of a PO Box address as a possible solution for a central location for the receipt of correspondence.

With regard to the contract for the office space in Edgbaston, JO would ask to see the document and ascertain whether or not it could be terminated without penalty. If not, it was agreed that the church would have to pay for the rent for the term of the contract. It was generally felt in the group that although AD had acted with good intentions, he had acted hastily and without prior approval. JO agreed to speak with AD regarding his conduct on this matter.