Since 2009, SWBC has been functioning under the biblical polity of biblical eldership. As we move forward together as an eldership and as a congregation, we are all mindful of the need to recognize, develop, and present new elders to the church for affirmation. Presenting new men to become elders of SWBC has been one of the highest priorities of the current elders over the past 18 months.

Recognizing that God has been and is raising up men in our church to serve as elders, we are presenting the first new elder candidate since the affirmation of the original elders. After much time in prayer and conversation, we joyfully recommend Brandon Ferguson to be affirmed by the congregation as a new elder.

Brandon and his family have been attending Summit Woods for two and a half years. While a relatively new family, they are not new to church leadership, and have quickly immersed themselves into the life and ministry of our congregation. As a family, the Ferguson's have served together at Forrest Avenue’s women’s shelter. Brandon has been a regular teacher in our Equipping Class ministry (Fundamentals of the Faith, Theology-Knowing God, and Knowing God’s Will). He has also preached to our congregation during a recent Sunday evening service and has been in regular participation with the elders in the development of those who have expressed a desire to pursue pastoral ministry. Brandon has also been giving primary leadership to a large and growing Growth Group in our church over the past year. He has demonstrated a solid character that exemplifies the qualities called for of an elder in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. His commitment to the local church is evident. He has also served, for a number of years, as an elder in another congregation in the Kansas City area. He continues to pursue formal training for pastoral ministry at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

We have spent an extensive amount of time with Brandon and his family in both formal settings for discussion of his potentially serving as an elder and informal times that have allowed us the opportunity to get to know them more personally. We are confident in this recommendation. Brandon exemplifies the qualities of a solid shepherd and will serve our congregation with both Christ-like humility and biblical strength.

Available for you to download from this post is material that introduces Brandon more formally and provides his answers to many personal, family, doctrinal, and ministry questions.

To give you opportunity to get to know Brandon better and see him serve publicly, he will be teaching an equipping class at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings through August. He will also lead the mid-service prayer time and Scripture reading in the next three public worship services. Brandon will be available for questions and interaction between Equipping Classes and the Worship Gathering (10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.) for the next three weeks at the Welcome Table in the foyer. On Sunday, August 25, Brandon will give his testimony, preach and conduct a Q&A session at 6:00 p.m.

We will call a special members' meeting on Sunday, September 8 for the express purpose of having the congregation formally affirm him.

As always, the elders are available to you at your convenience to discuss with you any questions you may have. Please let us know how we may serve you.

We are thrilled to present Brandon to you as a potential elder and are confident he will serve Summit Woods with personal humility, Christ-like character, and biblical strength.

Also know that we eagerly invite your recommendations of men in whom you see the qualities of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 and who would serve Summit Woods well as an elder. Thank you to those of you who came to us recommending Brandon.

Yours in Christ,

Bret Capranica, Sam Karl, Mark Krystyniak, Rob Stouffer