A Message from Pastor David Joynt

Friends,

On Sunday, October 20, we approved a new cohort of leaders for our community, electing Elders, Deacons, and Trustees. One phrase summarizes the distinctive task we call on them to do: shared servant leadership.

At VPC, power and leadership is shared in distinct ways. It is shared between men and women, so it is egalitarian. It is shared between lay and ordained folks, or in the classic terminology, ruling and teaching elders. It is shared between officers and congregants; those we elect represent and consult us, ultimately leading according to their consciences. It is shared through time with those elected serving limited terms, offering their gifts for a season and rotating out of their positions after three years. This sharing reflects our belief that all of us are given the gift of the Holy Spirit and that we all have a stake in the life and future of our community.

The leadership we encourage is servant leadership. Their purpose realized only when the members of our community are cared for, equipped to exercise their gifts, and inspired in their faith. Such leaders measure their success only in terms of the way others flourish and mission grows. In this way, our leaders model the mature Christian life.

Our community is wide open. Our membership allows anyone who wants to follow Jesus to join. In this way we are imitating our Lord’s willingness to share his love, wisdom, and grace with everyone, without theological or moral testing. The church is a gathering of the broken. But we also are a factory for saints, seeking growth in character and holiness. This growth is visible when we become like Jesus, more capable of his unique kind of sacrifice and service. Our leaders are called to embody this.

Finally, we expect our leaders to lead! On the Session our Elders govern our common life, making decisions in every area of our work. Each also serves with a partner to direct one of nine ministry areas. Our Deacons take primary responsibility for our ministries of care and compassion. The Trustees are principal stewards of the Valley Presbyterian Foundation, augmenting and distributing legacy gifts.

Our tradition of shared servant leadership has influenced many forms of democratic governments, including our own here in the United States. But a tradition is only as good as its bearers. Please thank them for serving and engage with them when you have ideas or concerns or needs. Please respond to their decisions and actions with candor and understanding. Please pray that your pastors and key officers will succeed in the great task of shared servant leadership.

Blessings,