Whether born or made, leaders should be recognized and identified in practical ways in advance of receiving a title or a position. That is, true leaders will naturally emerge irrespective of their circumstances, and leadership will be demonstrated in the life of an aspiring leader. The best case scenario in any organization is that although leadership training and development are necessary, leaders are recognized for the qualities that they posses and demonstrate, rather than for the ones hopeful to emerge.
Vista’s current elders (Paul Vorst and I) are pleased to report that the two men we intend to formally recognize as new elders among the community at Vista are leaders at heart and in practice – and have been for many years. Tim Eisel and Brett Holtegel have both been faithfully walking with Jesus for decades, and have been leading and serving as part of the Vista church plant since it’s origination over 2 years ago. Additionally, we have personally witnessed their service and leadership (in and outside the church) for over 8 years each. Their appointment as elders will be a natural step of the leadership they have faithfully demonstrated over time.
Brett is married to the wonderful, talented, faithful and beautiful Kim – who in her own right is a faithful minister and leader of people. As an administrator at Central HS, the lives she has touched are almost innumerable. Model parents, Brett and Kim have two beautiful daughters equally talented and devoted to Jesus: Callie, a sophomore at Xavier University in Cincinnati, and Ellen, a Junior at Westerville Central.
Tim’s family of five also includes a wonderful, talented, faithful and beautiful wife – Cindy, whom you likely know as the tireless leader of Kids Community, but whom has been equally effective as a discipler of women. Enviable as parents, their three children begin with Justin, a fifth grader at Worthington Christian, Elisabeth a second grader and Aaron, the youngest, at age 4.
Both of these families have been of the best of friends and a huge support to the Smith family and I would suspect to many of you as well. I cannot imagine life or any success at Vista without all of them. Your current elders (Paul Vorst and I) put Brett and Tim before you with our highest praise as new Vista elders.
Nonetheless and with the greatest sincerity, we solicit your input regarding these men. As elders we must accept and embrace the highest degree of accountability and scrutiny. Paul and I desire to fully consider your critical and constructive input before their final appointment in two weeks. Please notify us of any concerns or praise you deem necessary to the decision process – we will receive it happily and with the gravity it deserves. pvorst@sbcglobal.net / mike.smith@vistacommunitychurch.org
