Members of both the New Community and the Boston Street Adventist churches in the Denver area will long remember the elders’ ordination that took place on Sabbath, January 22. It has been over 10 years since there has been an elders’ ordination service at either of the churches, making that Sabbath indeed a special day. 

The ceremony started out with heavenly harp music by Erin Newton, followed by Wendy Bawnann who sang while playing the electric harp.

The charge was given by Elder Roger Bernard, president of the Central States Conference. He challenged the elders to live a faithful life and to be courageous and ethical leaders like Joseph. The three elders being ordained were Guy Harris from the Boston Street Church, Msafiri Lugoe also from the Boston Street Church and Ian Francis from the New Community Church.

The concept of servant leader is widely adopted and practiced in corporate America. Servant leadership in practice emphasizes interaction between management and employees to build and develop effective leadership qualities, and not emphasizing management and power. That is the model and concept the elders of both churches will be working toward to foster a more effective leadership team.

Elder Guy Harris said he accepted the call to serve as an elder due to the affirmation and support that was provided by the congregation. He has been an elder since the beginning of 2021. “I will make a difference by establishing and supporting our local church with their community missions,” he said. 

The elders harmoniously see their role as being able to support the local congregation spiritually and to provide leadership and guidance. Elder Guy, along with all the other elders, has a common role and that is to lead by example and pray for the power and baptism of the Holy Spirit.