What Happens Behind the Scenes

The 2024 Summer Olympics recently concluded, and I for one didn’t want them to end. There were so many feel good moments, inspirational stories, incredible accomplishments and records broken. Of course there were also stories of injuries, sadness and defeat. I realize only the top tier receive the bronze, silver or gold medals, but I believe every Olympian deserves recognition for having made it to the games. I hope you were able to tune in and catch a glimpse of greatness and inspiration seen as the athletes competed at the top of the world in their sports.

Here are a few snippets from the games. Kitaguchi Haruka made history with her first throw at Paris 2024, becoming the first Japanese woman to win the javelin Olympic gold medal on Saturday, 10 August 10. The United States Women’s Gymnastics Team won Gold and Simone Biles solidified herself as one of, if not the best, female gymnast of all time. Mijain Lopez, a Cuban wrestler, leaves his shoes on the mat after becoming the only athlete to win Gold five straight times in a single individual event. Throughout the Olympics, the inspirational stories rained down heavier than an afternoon thunderstorm in Florida. The reality is we only get a glimpse into the stories.  

We get to see athletes at their pinnacle, but there is so much work and preparation that goes on behind the scenes. NBC may run a few human-interest stories that give us some insight into an athlete’s road to the Olympics but there is a great deal of effort, hard work and practice that isn’t easily viewed or fully understood. That is true of most endeavors, not just Olympic athletes. 

Have you ever wondered, “What does the Lead Presbyter do?” 

I was asked the question recently, and it left me wondering how many other people might have it on their minds. It is a great question, and in the Presbytery of St. Augustine, the role has shifted, changed and evolved over the years. So, I thought it would be good to share some bullet points from my ministerial role. The Lead Presbyter will work with the presbytery as it responds to Christ’s call in its ministry and mission by:

  • Supporting and promoting the vision, strategic plans and goals of the presbytery
  • Striving to align the work of the presbytery with initiatives of the General Assembly as approved by the presbytery and the Coordinating Council, such as Matthew 25
  • Resourcing, equipping and maintaining fruitful relationships with our congregations and ministries; being aware of their health, changing needs, challenges and successes; meeting with and reviewing the work of the Area Relationship Coordinators
  • Fostering a sense of trust, inclusion and connection with and between our congregations and minister members; encouraging inclusion and diversity of leadership
  • Meeting regularly with the Chair of the Coordinating Council and the Stated Clerk to discern issues of opportunities within the presbytery demanding the immediate attention of the Council, directing them to the appropriate group or individual.
  • Working in collegial partnership with members of the presbytery staff and Stated Clerk through consulting and coaching.
  • Managing the administrative and operational processes of the presbytery
  • Facilitating the presbytery exploration of mission development and innovative approaches to ministry

If you have ever wondered what the Lead Presbyter does, this is a helpful list. It is a somewhat unique form of ministry. As with any role there are several things I am called to do that you might not find in the position description. When God called me into this form of ministry, I understood one of the most important things for me was to provide a listening ear and to prayerfully walk alongside and support the pastors and churches in the presbytery. If I can help you strengthen your ministry in any way, please let me know. I will do my God-given best to provide the right resources or point you in the right direction. As I write this, I have been serving alongside you for about 10 months. I have visited 42 of the 53 churches in our bounds. I know the Presbytery of St. Augustine is blessed with dedicated churches and gifted ministers. The more I learn, the more energized I become about the great things God is doing in our area. I know we will face challenges in the years to come, but I believe our best days are in front of us.

In Christ Service,
David.