West-Ark Newsletter, 18 January 2007

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Family Lines Newsletter, January 18, 2007
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Our West-Ark Church Family is blessed to welcome Shane and Natalie Hughes. Shane will begin his work as campus minister on January 21. Shane will be moving in to their Fort Smith apartment that week. Natalie will be completing her current work obligations and is due to arrive here on February 1.

Shane and Natalie are moving to Fort Smith from Abilene, Texas. For the last two years, Shane served Abilene Christian University as coordinator of chapel program and adjunct instructor of Bible. He was also the volunteer college minister for the New Life Church of Christ in Abilene. Shane is a graduate of ACU; he earned his Master of Divinity in 2004 and a B.A. in Christian Ministry in 2000. Shane grew up in Denver, Colorado.

Natalie earned her degree in Social Work from ACU in 2002 and has been working for the Department of Family and Protective Service in Abilene. Natalie grew up in Fairfax, Virginia but her parents currently live in Rogers, Arkansas and are members of the Southside Church of Christ.

Shane and Natalie have been married since August 27, 2005. They are eager to work together in the campus ministry and look forward to making new friendships in this area. Lets welcome them to our church family!

Acts 20:28 Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which he purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28, NASV).

The leadership style of shepherding is an ancient emphasis on godly leadership among Gods people. God wants His people to be led by those whose focus is on God, not controlled by those who are focused on human priorities or human agendas.

This leadership style always was Gods leadership style. In 1 Samuel 8 when Israel wanted a king, their desire was (a) for the wrong motives and (b) a distinct change in leadership styles. God never tolerated leadership over His people by evil men. The key solution to Samuels sons being evil (verse 3) was national repentance, not a change in leadership styles. God led. Humans dictated.

After God explained that kings were (a) expensive and (b) easily corrupted, Israel still insisted that the answer to their problems was a kinghe would make them like other nations, he would judge them, and he would choose their battles and lead them into battle [they would become aggressors, not victims].

Their solution became their disaster. King Saul became blinded by dedication to his own power. His fears and insecurities determined his policies. King Solomon was blinded by his building programs and foreign wives. He lost sight of the needs of Gods people. Rehoboam committed to Solomons leadership style, not the needs of Gods people. The result: in only 120 years, Israel permanently divided.

The only exception was King David [not our choice because he committed adultery and murder]. When Israel came to David in Hebron (2 Samuel 5), they asked him to be their king. King Saul was consumed with himself. They wanted a change in leadership style. They wanted a shepherd. Before David was pursued by King Saul, they said Saul was king, but David was their shepherd. They considered Davids leadership style a mandate from God (1 Samuel 5:2). The fact that Gods style of leadership over Israel was that of a shepherd is inferred in 1 Samuel 7:7.

God has tremendous interest in people. Good shepherds have tremendous interest in the flock. God wants men to lead His people out of concern for the righteous well-being of the people. The church is Gods people. It is not about money, property, or societys dictates. It is about the well-being of people. The bottom line always is this: what is in the best interest of people.

Blessed is the congregation who is led by men who are concerned about people. This is a difficult age often consuming people with societys values instead of Gods. It is easy to tell people what they should do. It is demanding to be concerned for them in their struggles when they fail. Do not be content to tell me I messed up! Love me when I fail [just as does God] and show me how to recover in Christ.

**Remember in Prayer**
Jess Huff (hospice care)
Naomi Spears, daughter of Pearl Beam, is in Sparks Hospital, room 641.
Linda Walls (visitor to The Hope Chest) has cancer and requests prayers for recovery of health.
Mitch Harper will have surgery to remove the remainder of his thyroid next Wednesday (1/25/07).
Sherria Burke had knee replacement surgery Wednesday in Fayetteville. She is doing well and will remain in the hospital for 3-4 days.
Starr Pistole (daughter-in-law of Joe and Peggy Pistole) -- chemotherapy treatments.

**Notes of Thanks**
I want to thank everyone for the cards, prayers and thoughts I received during my recent surgery. Your kindness and thoughtfulness is much appreciated! This is a great congregation to be a part of! All of the test results have come back negative so the power of prayer has worked as God promised it would. Thank you again for all your prayers! ~~Phillip Burns

West-Ark Family,
I have been overwhelmed by your concern and your gracious offers to help in whatever way necessary since Marks accident. Words cannot express my gratitude. Thank you, thank you.
~~Donna Hite

**New Bible Study Available**
Copies of David Chadwells new Bible study, Jesus: The Importance of People to God will be available this Sunday in classrooms 100, 203, and 211. The series begins on January 28. Extra copies are available in the Information Center. The lessons are posted on West-Arks web site at: http://www.westark.org/chadwell/importance .

**New Wednesday Bible Class**
Cultural Cross Exchange
Room 203, 7:15 PM
Teacher: Gary Brown
We will discuss the impact of contemporary culture on Christians and the Christians impact on the world. Class starts Jan. 17.

**Tutors Needed**
Two additional tutors are desperately needed for the Tutoring Program. If you are available Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:00 PM, contact Sheila Vaught.

**Preaching Opportunity**
at Bethel Church of Christ near Lavaca. If interested, please contact Joe Stroub of the Bethel congregation at 479-674-2210.

**Retreat Prayer Warriors Needed!**
As the Ladies Retreat draws near and the months of prayer and planning come to fruition, we ask for prayer warriors to lift this event up to the Father to make it what He wants it to be. Husbands, boyfriends and others who are unable to attend the retreat are welcome to sign the list in the foyer, committing to a time of prayer on behalf of the planning team, our speaker, and all who attend. Most importantly, we ask for prayers that Gods will be done and that His name will be glorified in it all.

**Praying Moms Make A Difference**
Worldwide Moms Day of Prayer
Saturday, January 20, 9 AM - 4 PM
Grand Avenue Baptist Church
Come by any time during the day as women come together to pray for our children, the children of our area, and the world.

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On West-Ark's Calendar of Coming Events
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**Joy Bunch**
Fun & Games Night
Saturday, January 20
6:00 p.m. Potluck in the FLC
Bring your favorite games and join the fun!

**Elders, Deacons & Ministry Leaders Meeting**
Sunday, January 21 at 4:00
Upstairs in the FLC
We plan to pray together and discuss matters that relate to the spiritual and administrative work of the church. Please help us prepare for our next West-Ark family meeting on the last Sunday of this month.
Michael Cole
For the Elders

**LTC for Sunday, January 21**
There will be a mandatory meeting for all boys participating in the LTC Bible Reading events this Sunday morning immediately following services in the Library.
4:00     Elementary Signing
            High School Quiz Bowl
5:00     Elementary Chorus

**Ladies Retreat**
February 16 & 17
Mount Sequoyah in Fayetteville.
The cost is $50 per person for rooms with two or more individuals. For those wanting to room alone the cost is $60. If attending Saturday only, the cost is $25. Online registration is available at http://www.westark.org/retreat.htm . Please sign up and pay by January 31st.

**Elder Selection Process Timeline**
Jan. 28 Feb 4 All members should submit signed nomination forms.
Feb. 5 - 10 Current elders will review the nominations.
Feb. 11 Qualified nominees will be announced as candidates for shepherds.
Feb. 12-18 Concerns about any candidate should be submitted in writing to the elders for review.
Feb. 18 - 25 Affirmation of candidates.
March 4 Dedication of elders

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*Winter Retreat 07*
The Good Shepherd (John 10)
Siloam Springs Campground
February 2nd-4th
Cost: $50* includes all meals, lodging,
And a long sleeve retreat t-shirt
Whos coming: Youth groups from Ft. Smith, Springdale, Rogers, Claremore, OK, and Joplin, MO
There has been a recent price increase for the use of the campground. Please note the change in price. We currently have more than 40 signed up to go from West-Ark and the list is full, but go ahead and sign up. Well make room for you. Money and release forms are due by Sunday, January 28th.