The Church Council

Jerry Anderson "Wing Man": Servant-Leadership Principle

Pastoral Proclamation with the Church Council

“Jerry, I wanted to take the time on the phone with you our very first Church Council meeting in which you are not physically with us as your tenure has come to an end officially with recent health challenges that you are navigating through by the grace, strength and power of Jesus Christ. I wanted to in the presence of the Church Council make a proclamation concerning you. In the Bible, when Paul affirms a man who was a friend to him, he often uses phrases like "beloved brother," "faithful coworker," "dear friend," or "fellow soldier," highlighting the deep trust and appreciation he had for their relationship, often mentioning specific qualities that made them valuable to him in his ministry. Some examples of this are in the following verses

Timothy: Paul frequently referred to Timothy as his "beloved son" and "faithful minister," demonstrating a close mentorship and deep affection.

Luke: In Colossians, Paul calls Luke his "beloved physician," signifying a strong friendship and likely reliance on his medical expertise.

Barnabas: Though they had a temporary disagreement, Paul still considered Barnabas a close partner and "fellow laborer" in the Gospel.

The greatest examples of a relationship of trust are what Jesus Bestowed on the disciples when he invited them to call him friend.

It was May 23rd, 2023, that I was officially installed as the Lead Pastor of New Hope Fellowship and my trust was in the Lord and my joy was in serving on the Church Council of New Hope Fellowship with a man by the name of Jerry Anderson.

Jerry became an ear to listen to this Pastors heart, a confidant in which this Pastor could share is struggles openly without any fear of judgement. Jerry, you became closer than a brother and it is an honor for this pastor to count you as a friend. Your wisdom and voice along with your ability to roll up your sleeves and do the hard physical work that has been necessary is an example of Servant – Leadership and eldership. Any success or fruitfulness that has taken place is because there has been a man like you, Jerry Anderson, were always at the table with each one of us contending for God’s best for our church and community.

What exactly is a "Wingman"? In Air Force lexicon, a Wingman is a pilot who flies alongside the leader of a flying formation providing mutual support and backup in the accomplishment of a mission. The meaning in English is a friend who supports you, especially a man who supports another man when trying to meet or talk to possible partners: Therefore, it is said, in these kinds of situations it always helps to have a good wingman.

Jerry you embody what a “Man of Honor” is, who is a wingman. We are making the following proclamation in front of the Church council that on December 9, 2024, Jerry Anderson is acknowledged to be a Wing Man to our Church Council and is acknowledged to have served our church with the highest of Christian character and integrity. It will also be recognized that for every man and woman who serves on our Church Council on their official Ministry Description of their role they will be referred to as functioning as a wing man and Jerry Anderson will be the example that is given of what a wing man is and does.

It will be known as the “Jerry Anderson Wing Man Servant-Leadership Principle” that regardless of gender but the application and meaning being that of the role on this Church Council that serves the Community of faith at New Hope Fellowship.