Bob Allen

I was raised in a small, somewhat conservative, congregation of the Church of Christ located in a very small town in West Texas during the 1950s and 1960s. Bible study, scripture memorization, leading singing, teaching bible classes, visitation of the sick and Sunday lunch with visiting preachers in our home were common practices in my family. "Contending for the faith" (aka doctrinal debate) became a part of the fabric of my life and a source of false pride. Four years at ACU resulted in more understanding of scripture, and yet, at the same time a fracture between theological understanding and life practice. I was a single professional for six years. During this time I would meet and marry Janice a devout Baptist. Early in our relationship I had to reconcile doctrinal differences with this person I loved deeply. I could no longer just "beat them in a debate and write them off." Wise counsel from a former Highland Elder convinced me to focus on and agree with Janice on the important elements of our Faith and agree to disagree about areas of opinion not central to the faith. This wise counsel no doubt saved our marriage. Commitment and accountability to my wife began to harmonize my life practices and profession of faith. My spiritual frailties became self evident and dependence on the saving grace of Jesus Christ became my only hope.

Shortly following my marriage to Janice, the "Camelot" like days of my youth turned into a barren desert. My mother and sister both died of cancer following thirteen years of fervent prayers for healing. I survived viral pneumonia and prostate cancer. It was during these years that I came to understand that God is not Santa Claus. He may not give us all we think we need. However, He does not ask us to bear more than we are able to with His help. Life will take us to dark places we never planned to go. He will be with us for the duration if we are faithful and place our trust in Him. He has promised us the "ultimate healing" in heaven, not easy times here on earth. Today,I am convinced more than ever before that I am on the Journey. Today, I am not all that I will become in Him. I am not home, but I am on the way. He is with me. He will lead me home.

I believe the role of Elder is more like the Shepherd of biblical times than the member of the corporate Board of Trustees in today's world. Both roles require dedication, vision and leadership skills. Both set the tone and direction of the organization. The difference is that God sends his Shepherd to walk with members of the church in good times and in bad; to pray for them, to provide encouragement and spiritual direction forthem on the Journey. It's not about being an "official" of the church. It's about relationship with God and members of His church. There should be a personal relationship between a Shepherd and every member of his flock. This is a difficult task at Highland due to the sheer size of the congregation. Still, it is the responsibility of the shepherd to know his sheep, call them to follow him to God, and bathe them with prayer for the Journey home to eternal life with the Father.

I pray that Highland will continue to call all people to Christ, irrespective of their ethnic origin, religious heritage, or economic circumstances; that we will spread God's word and His love throughout Abilene and the world; that we will break down artificial walls of division with believers outside the traditional Church ofChrist so we may all devote our energy and efforts to those who do not know Christ. I pray that we will constantly go to the Bible to find our spiritual direction rather than remain blindly dependent on the traditions of our past; that we will be a haven for repentant sinners desperately trying to find the way back to God; that we will encourage and give relief to the fatherless, widows and underprivileged; that we will strive to live pure lives before God. I pray that we will encourage each other to remain faithful as we see the Day approaching.