AFTER 41 YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE DORRENCE H. KIRBY STEPS ASIDE AS ELDER

Barry M. Grider

Brother Dorrence H. Kirby, highly esteemed elder of the Forest Hill church of Christ, announced Wednesday evening, July 30, he was stepping aside as an elder after forty-one years of faithful service. At the time of the announcement I was near Chattanooga conducting a gospel meeting, however, Brother Kirby had informed me several weeks earlier of his plans. If it had been possible I would have fervently pleaded with brother Kirby to continue his service. I have long valued his wisdom and keen insight in matters pertaining to the Lord’s church. Paul stated to the Ephesian elders, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28). Brother Kirby has taken this charge, given to elders, very seriously. Yet despite my desire for brother Kirby to remain as one of our elders, I fully understand his decision. The responsibilities placed upon elders are weighty indeed, and brother Kirby, 75, recognizes the need to pass the torch of leadership on to those who are younger. In fact, he has stated to me he no longer could visit others as he once did. Such a statement demonstrates brother Kirby’s desire to faithfully be a shepherd of men (Heb. 13:17). Through the years he has dedicated himself to watching for souls. When he no longer believed he could adequately do this, he stepped aside.

In addition to brother Kirby’s concern for souls, he has lived an exemplary life before his fellow man. He is a man of integrity and character. He has always desired to do what is right in the sight of the Lord and he believed in doing right toward others. Personally, I have always appreciated brother Kirby’s sense of fairness. One could always approach him and know that he would listen and do what he could to help alleviate a problem or lift a burden.

Brother Kirby has been a lover of truth. He has proven that he would always stand behind and defend those who proclaim the uncompromising gospel of Jesus Christ. Brother Curtis Cates, director of Memphis School of Preaching, quoted brother Kirby as saying, "if this school has only one or two students, we are going to remain sound in the faith." How thankful we should be for men of such resolve.

One reason brother Kirby has served in such an extraordinary way is because of his beloved wife, sister Geneva. Peter writes, concerning a godly woman, "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" (1 Pet. 3:4). Sister Geneva Kirby aptly fits this description. On behalf of the congregation we salute her and are grateful for her sacrifices, and for her sharing brother Kirby with us through the years. Also, we appreciate the Kirby’s daughter JoAnn, her husband, Andy, and their two daughters, Ashley and Stephanie, all of whom are faithful members of Forest Hill. They honor their parents through the lives they live.

Brother Kirby has been part of an eldership that has helped this congregation accomplish so much for the cause of Christ. The decisions that he has helped to make have caused the Lord’s work to prosper, and we are grateful. Brother Kirby was baptized many years ago by our much-lamented former preacher, E.L. Whitaker, Jr. It must have been a great joy for brother Whitaker to see this good man serve faithfully as an elder. It has been a joy for this preacher to serve under brother Kirby, and, while I write this article with a tinge of sadness over his resignation, I know a great reward awaits him when his life on earth is over.

Brother Kirby, may God bless the sunset years of your life with good health, precious moments with your family, and continual service to Forest Hill in whatever capacity. Likewise, we are confident that "when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away" (1 Pet. 5:4).

WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT?

David Sain

To help you set and keep your priorities straight, take the following personal inventory.

1. Which is more important to you? Making sure your dog (or cat) gets fed every day or making sure that your child gets daily spiritual nourishment?
2. Which is more important to you? Watching television or taking time for prayer and Bible study every day?
3. Which is more important to you? Speaking out on current political issues or speaking out to help someone understand Bible truth?
4. Which is more important to you? The time you spend playing sports, hunting, or fishing or the time you spend with your children?
5. Which is more important to you? The time you spend adorning your body or the time you spend improving the inner man?
6. Which is more important to you? What you think of last Sunday’s sermon or what God thinks of your response to the sermon?
7. Which is more important to you? The condition and appearance of your house or what goes on inside your house?
8. Which is more important to you? The preacher speaking to you at the door after worship or the preacher speaking to you through the sermon?
9. Which is more important to you? The temperature in the church building or the spiritual temperature of the church which meets in the building?
10. Which is more important to you? The number of people who show an interest in you or the number of people in whom you show an interest?
11. Which is more important to you? The number of people who speak to you at church or the number of people to whom you speak?

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