Leadership Needs
For some time, the council has been discussing the ongoing need for pastoral leadership within God’s Church. As many of us grow older and given recent health issues, it is only prudent that we plan carefully for the future care of the flock.
We take ordination with the utmost seriousness and have been slow to move, even when dedicated men are already filling vital roles.
As Paul instructed Timothy:
“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, soberminded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence…” (1 Timothy 3:2-4)
The council put forward three names for consideration who we believe exemplify these qualifications. The Church needs leadership of this caliber. While no one is perfect, these are the spiritual fruit and qualities we must all strive to uphold.
The three men are Ryan Welsh, Tim Vail, and Steven Orchard. Each has demonstrated consistent spiritual growth and leadership. While there are certainly other qualified men, these three meet specific, diverse needs and represent a younger generation of ministry. On a personal note, to avoid any perception of nepotism, Brian Orchard refrained from nominating his son. The recommendation was made entirely by the remaining members of the council.
Importantly, none of these men sought out or desired this office—in fact, quite the opposite. But each came to realize they are under Christ’s authority and believe they need to submit to His will.
Our focus is on the reality that the Church is a spiritual organism under Jesus Christ, meaning one is ordained to serve His spiritual body rather than a corporate entity. To emphasize this, two of the ordinations will take place on the Sabbath of the “all-church” picnic weekend, July 11. Services that day will feature speakers from three different church groups, beautifully signifying this broader shepherding responsibility. Ryan will be ordained in Denver on the following Sabbath.
Steven and Tim will be able to take on greater responsibility in Concord and Elk Grove while also helping meet the needs of other local groups. Tim is also taking on additional Feast planning duties.
Ryan will continue his dedicated work with TruthSum, a vital ministry in its own right. While areas like South Dakota are already well-served and do not currently require additional local elders, Ryan’s ordination will allow him to support Marshall as needs arise.
Additionally, we have asked Ryan to travel to the Philippines for the Feast of Tabernacles this year. They have graciously adjusted their schedules to make this work, and it will be a wonderful encouragement for our Filipino brethren to have a visiting minister and his family with them.
Our deep desire is to see the Church strengthened by dedicated shepherds who will care for Christ’s flock as we move deeper into the end times.
“…I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of
God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15)
In Christ’s service,
TFC Council Members
Brian Orchard
Robb Harris
Bill Hutchison
Gary McPherson
Marshall Stiver
Cliff Veal
