Don Elders -- A Different Kind of Pastor
by Dean Campbell
Through extensive Bible study, Pastor Don Elders knew well the Way of the early church in Jerusalem and Judea. He had not found a modern congregation who practiced it, however, through all his many years of pastoring traditional churches in Georgia and South Carolina.
In 1997, he preached at Blue Ridge Baptist Church numerous times, and was being considered for interim Pastor. Since he had been divorced, there was dissent in the church. Even though he was truly called to the ministry, and they loved and appreciated his preaching, he was not allowed to pastor the congregation.
His dutiful wife and companion, Diane, suggested that, perhaps, they should consider praying for God's leading in starting a new and different church. 'Don was miserable,' she says, 'trying to fit in with established churches. God put him here to preach, but he's a different kind of preacher. He's down to earth, and fun to be with. The only way he was going to be effective and happy in preaching and pastoring, was to have his own church.'
They prayed, and God laid a confirmation in Don's heart: Stop trying to be Pastor of a church like others tell you to be; just do it the way the Bible says in the book of Acts.
More prayer. Was this truly God's call to establish a different new church? Don remembered the negativism that he had experienced as a pastor, along with so many 'Baptistic' rules and regulations. Churches that he had been a part of--or knew about--had one standard for the Pastor, and another standard for members.
He wanted to be Pastor of a church where every member would take the responsibility of being a minister, with everybody being equal. One standard for all, according to the Bible.
With absolute faith, and full trust, in God, they invited 13 other adults and children to meet with them in their home. They wanted to start with a small group, meeting in a home atmosphere, like the very first church family. They wanted to reach people having a hard time and needing a family to care.
What do you name this new and purposeful church? If the church family is going to be living the Way that is described in Acts, then only one name would be appropriate: Living Way Community Church. A church whose vision would be to offer 'Hope for the Hurting.'
They continued to meet in their home for almost three months, until a block building at Highway 101 and Milford Church Road became available. After about six months, Don was introduced to 'The Purpose Driven Church' by Rick Warren, Pastor of Saddleback Valley Community Church in California. Don began to read it, and learned a different way of praising and worshiping. Having the church be purpose driven, instead of program driven, made a lot of sense. Don began to pattern Living Way after much of Saddleback Valley.
Don especially liked the Biblical way of starting with people where they are...not expecting non-Christians to act like Christians from the first day. They have to be taught and encouraged in growing more Christlike. They have to have the freedom to express themselves to the Lord as they grow, not to be loaded down with denominational dogma.
A New Testament church that is living the Way must have five purposes: fellowship, discipleship, ministry, evangelism and worship. God wants us to be a member of His family; a model of His character; a minister of His Word; a messenger of His love; and a magnifier of His name.
Don was so dedicated to creating and growing this purpose driven church that he took NO salary for almost three years!
Excerpted from 'Living the Way--Why and How Living Way Community Church Came to Be the Family It Is Today.'
