Church family, we're in our final year of the first three years of having a plurality of elders. January 2023 saw us begin with Marsh Lyall, Steve Melton, and Vince Adams. Lay elders serve a three year term and, if willing, can serve an additional three year term. At the conclusion of 2025, Marsh Lyall elected not to serve a second term. Steve Melton has elected to serve a second term. And we lost Vince Adams earlier this year.

In January 2024, WBC affirmed Steve Robinson and Gary Buffaloe as lay elders. Steve has one year left on his first term. Gary has elected to step away from his elder responsibilities to move with his family to Lake Lure, NC for Lindsey to work at a Christian Camp. In January 2025, WBC affirmed Tam Hutchinson as a lay elder. He has two years remaining on his term.

The elder nomination and vetting process is important for the life and health of WBC. Elders take this responsibility seriously and have made inquiries and nominations of several men in the life of WBC. We also have accepted nominations from church members. The two nominees that we have so far in the fall of 2025 are Dustin Deal and Bruce Nisley. When a candidate is nominated, we have an informal conversation to see if the candidate "aspires to the office of elder" (1 Tim. 3:1). If the candidate says, "No," then the process stops there. If the candidate says, "Yes," then we follow the vetting process. The candidate receives a detailed doctrinal and character questionnaire. When the questionnaire is completed, the elders review the answers and set up an interview. The interview is aimed at discerning the following qualifications for the candidate:  character (above reproach), competency (ability to function as an elder), and chemistry (understanding of and fit with church leadership structure). Before an elder candidate can be presented to the church for a vote, the current body of elders is required to be unanimous. This is the only vote where we as elders demand unanimity. In other words, the vetting and presenting process for elders is quite intensive and very similar to that of a pastor or minister candidate for WBC.

WBC, by organization and structure, is elder-led and congregational-governed. This means that the elders are responsible for setting the direction of the church through shepherding, preaching, teaching, caring, leading, and serving. However, final decisions for WBC, such as budget votes, non-budgeted expenditures, staff positions, and deacon/elder voting, are still brought before the congregation. The way WBC has voted on these items changed minimally, if at all, in our addition of elders in the life of the church. When candidates Dustin Deal (Nov. 9) and Bruce Nisley (Nov. 30) are presented for a vote (secret ballot), church members are responsible to vote. Elders are not appointed by the elders but voted on by the congregation.

At the bottom of this post, we will link to the testimonies that Dustin and Bruce have shared. Dustin is no stranger to WBC. He's been at WBC almost since his teenage years and has served as a Sunday school teacher, discipleship group leader, deacon, and staff member. Bruce is not as well known, and I would encourage you to listen to his testimony following the link below. I think Dustin's service at WBC speaks for itself, but let me highlight a few reasons why the elders unanimously present Bruce as a candidate.

In the late summer, we approached Bobby Parsons (longtime church member, deacon, and church leader) about the role of elder. He politely declined but indicated that he knew someone who would make a good candidate. Bobby proceeded to nominate Bruce Nisley. In keeping with our policy, we followed the exact same vetting process for Bruce that we followed for Dustin (and each previous lay elder candidate). While we understand Bruce has been at our church for only about 3 years, he brings a theological and ministry perspective that we believe will be a great asset to WBC. In a previous church, he served 3 terms (9 years) as a lay elder overseeing the missions of the church. Currently, he is a co-teacher in Pat's Sunday School Class. As an employee for Samaritan's Purse (SP), Bruce also brings a connection with a growing membership at WBC. Having SP located in N. Wilkesboro has brought many new faces and members to WBC. Having a lay elder who understands the dynamics of working for SP and navigating the travel components of that job, we believe, will be a great asset for the members of WBC who are also employees at SP.

While Bruce will have some travel coming up in early November, he will lead the confession and prayer time on November 23. If you would like to set up a time for a conversation to get to know Bruce about this elder nomination, please reach out to the church office or message Pastor Chris or Pastor Tad. We will be happy to create a connection for you. In all these things, please continue praying for your church leaders (elders, deacons, staff). Pray for other candidates in the elder consideration process. Pray for the nominated deacons and the deacon vote coming up next month.

Grace and Peace,

Dr. Hefner