Earlier this month, the elders of Grace Church (in Richmond, Nelson) commissioned Sam Hillman as a new elder.
Sam spent several months spent getting to know the team and sitting in on meetings, and the elders affirmed their confidence in Sam's ability to lead with wisdom and integrity.
The towel Sam is holding in the photo is a gift, symbolising the servant-hearted nature of this role and a reminder of Jesus' willingness to wash the feet of his disciples.
Chair of elders, Cam Smith, says it has been a tradition at Grace as long as he can remember.
“The word ‘grace’ is embroidered onto the towel, but with a ‘small g’. There’s an obvious connection with our name as a church, but we're not putting grace with a ‘capital G’—we're putting grace with a ‘small g’ as a reminder to be gracious to the people we're shepherding.”
Together with the other elders, Cam stood before the church to pray for Sam and his wife Lauren.
“I'm giving you a towel, not a title.”
Cam says that first and foremost the team is looking for elders with integrity, godly character, humility, and a servant heart.
Please pray for Sam and the Grace Church elders as they seek to serve the Lord and their church family.
