SHEPHERDS BARN WITH ALEN WAGNER

Brother Alan Wagner stressed that leading a diverse congregation, spanning differences in politics and socioeconomic status, requires being a Christ follower first, grounding all decisions in the Bible rather than political trends. He advocated for absolute love and acceptance, focusing on a person's future growth, regardless of past sin. To maintain unity amidst doctrinal differences (like instrumental music), elders must avoid forcing personal beliefs, instead allowing members time for spiritual growth. For eldership decisions, Wagner insisted on consensus over voting, ensuring a united front is presented to the congregation, which is vital for the health of the church family.

His shepherding experience in a 600-member church highlighted the challenge of carrying the burden of crisis ministry (divorce, addiction) when the team structure failed to divide the work. His top advice for new elders is to get involved with people early—be approachable, share your own struggles, and make personal connections. This proactive engagement is crucial for plugging into the congregation, anticipating future problems, and warding off crises before they become unmanageable. He attributed his ability to handle this immense workload not to his own energy, but to the power of the Holy Spirit working through him.