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We are pleased to announce a new member to our pastoral staff, James Coates. James is a graduate of The Master’s Seminary and is suitably fit in doctrine, Christian character, pastoral ministry and his understanding of the church in general. The following letter of intent was read to our congregation Sunday May 30, 2010.
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Declaration of Intent with Respect to James Coates and his Family
It is with great pleasure that the Elder Board of Grace Reformed Baptist Church of Edmonton wishes to announce the successful conclusion of the Candidacy Phase for James Coates and his family. He has demonstrated his suitability to move into Phase 3, the Sponsorship Phase, of the pastoral application process as demonstrated by his Christian character, teaching and preaching abilities, doctrinal convictions, love and leadership of his family, and most importantly of all, his evident devotion to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The Elder Board affirms James’ qualifications for further advancement in the pastoral call process and has made arrangements with the Coates’ family to come to Edmonton on a full time basis for the purpose of serving and assisting in the leadership of the members of GRBC. It is anticipated that the Coates’ will join us near the beginning of July 2010 and will begin their ministry with us at that time.
James will join the Elder Board in the capacity of a Staff Elder (his salary will be paid for by the church in accordance with the church bylaws) and will serve in an understudy capacity for the position of Associate Pastor. As such, he will serve in a role and capacity as an appointed officer of the church under the oversight of the Elder Board and directly under the supervision of our Pastor-Teacher, Pastor Lyle. James will attend all Elder Board meetings and serve as an advisor and colleague, but until he is officially affirmed by the Elder Board and brought before the church congregation at a Special Meeting called by the Elder Board for the purpose of affirming him as an Elder, he will not vote on Elder Board related matters. The time period between James’ arrival and his formal affirmation of eldership will be determined by the Elder Board. This, the Board believes, is in keeping with 1 Tim. 5:22 where we are warned, “Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others: keep yourself free from sin.” This time period will also allow everyone to recognize that James has the qualifications of an elder as described in 1 Tim. 3:2-7 and we encourage the members of the congregation to verify this for themselves.
We invite everyone in the congregation, members and regular adherents, to join us in welcoming the Coates’ family as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and, as you do to all who join our extended church family, we know and anticipate that you will continue to generously pour out your traditional warm love and fellowship upon the Coates’ as they come to join us.
The Elder Board of Grace Reformed Baptist Church of Edmonton
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780-433-0060
