Meet the New Elders

 

Get to know Alan Higgins...

1. How long has your family been attending Sunnybrook?

We have been attending Sunnybrook for 15 years.

2. What did you first think when you were approached about being an Elder?

I'm not worthy of eldership, fear, and excitement for the opportunity to serve.

3. Where are you currently serving God?

Various missions, LoveFeast, FIT Team, Small Group leader for Young Professionals, mentoring 2 men, travel with Water4 as trainer.

4. What is your favorite book of the Bible and why?

Favorite book of the Bible (currently, it changes...) is Matthew because seeing how God used Matthew gives me hope that I can be used for God's glory. Matthew was the lowest of the low and God used him in spite of his flaws. A very good example God's grace.

5. What are your prayers for Sunnybrook?

My prayers for Sunnybrook are: we glorify God in all we do by continuing to preach the truth, personal growth in our members/visitors by desiring a deeper relationship with God, and that they would want more knowledge of the Bible and understand why they believe.

Get to know Craig Armstrong...

1. How long has your family been attending Sunnybrook?

We have attended Sunnybrook since 1996.  We moved to our current home northwest of Stillwater in 1994.  We attended 2 or 3 different churches over the course of a year in search of the right fit for our family.  Sunnybrook was and continues to be the right fit for us.  Prior to moving to our current home, we attend and were active members of Guthrie Christian Church in Guthrie, OK.

2. What did you first think when you were approached about being an Elder?

A feeling of inadequacy.  Knowing my shortcomings better than anyone, I struggled with thoughts of not measuring up to what I thought an Elder should be.  After much time and prayer, the Spirit moved me to the realization that I nor any other man will never measure up to the thought's I had of the Eldership, but that He was only leading me to be obedient in serving in this way as I continue to grow and mature as a follower.  

3. Where are you currently serving God?

Life Group Leader, FIT team, mowing team and occasional Sunday school fill in teacher.  Served on domestic inter-city and international missions teams.  Completed the TTP course.

4. What is your favorite book of the Bible and why?

Gospel of John.  I need to be continually reminded of God's love for me and his eternal plan for all believers.  What Jesus' did on our behalf and our faith in his promises, sets us, Christians, apart from all others.  John 14:6  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

5. What are your prayers for Sunnybrook?

That Sunnybrook remains steadfast to the "Truth" as revealed in the scriptures.  I pray for wisdom and discernment for all our leadership as we continue on our journey to bring glory to God in everything we do and say.  I pray that we provide opportunities for our congregation to grow in knowledge and practice of what it means to be true followers of Jesus Christ. 

Get to know Joe Ogle...

1.  How long has your family been attending Sunnybrook?  

13 years.

2.  What did you first think when you were approached about being an Elder?  

I was humbled.  I was first approached a little over a year ago to consider eldership.  My first thought was "I'm not worthy to be an elder."

3.  Where are you currently serving God?  

Currently, I am involved with Kids Church on Sunday mornings.  I am a small group "Coach" for 11th grade boys in the youth ministry.  I am on the FIT team, and occasionally appear in an FX production.

4.  What is your favorite book of the Bible and why?  

I've really dug into Acts recently and have enjoyed studying (and hopefully modeling)

the early church.

5.  What are your prayers for Sunnybrook?

That God and his Kingdom remain the focus and intention of all that we do.

Get to know Jeremy Rebman...

1.  How long has your family been attending Sunnybrook?

Ever since we moved back home to Stillwater 5 years ago.

2.  What did you first think when you were approached about being an Elder?

I was shocked.  Then I was nervous.  Then I was excited.   Then I was nervously excited.

3.  Where are you currently serving God?

I teach ecumenical Stephen Ministries classes as a Stephen Minister and Leader. I serve on the FIT team. I am a volunteer and supporter for Angel Flight/Grace Flight. I am active in local benevolence and volunteer with a Stillwater food pantry. I serve on international missions, and I serve on the SB Missions board.  I am engaged in three discipleship relationships.  My daughter and I are memorizing the books of the Bible together.  I hope to teach TTP one day.  I clean up the communion room when my bride asks me to.

4.  What is your favorite book of the Bible and why?

Ecclesiastes, without a doubt! Sometimes, actually often, I need to be reminded that I'm "chasing the wind" when I seek pleasure outside of God. He has given us all these wonderful gifts in His creation, so we should enjoy them; but we should be watchful that we not begin to love the "creation" over the Creator. "But who can enjoy anything apart from Him?" So true!

5.  What are your prayers for Sunnybrook?

Most of all, I pray that we glorify God, regardless of the cost.  In that effort, I pray that we live missionally and carry each other's burdens.  I pray that we see each other in our brokenness, live transparently, and provide forgiveness and love the way Christ did for us.

Get to know Mark Thomas...

1.  How long has your family been attending Sunnybrook?

 

We are in our fourth year at Sunnybrook (or eleven years if you count our time at the white house).

2.  What did you first think when you were approached about being an Elder?

 

What a huge responsibility. Do I have enough gray hair? Seriously, though, it is exciting to share the vision with other men. 

3.  Where are you currently serving God?

 

I believe my first calling is to lead my family. Intentional time is spent with my sons and shared vision with my wife of ministry.  I enjoy meeting individually with men In discipleship.  In the past I have met with college guys. I meet with couples to encourage them in their finances. In the youth ministries I sponsor at camp events. At an annual men's conference I present workshops on a variety of topics. Additionally, as one called into teaching, I believe my workplace is a place to serve God. 

4.  What is your favorite book of the Bible and why?

 

One of my favorite books is Romans. It emphasizes not only Who God is, but also who we are in Christ. As we understand our position, we will have freedom to live our lives for God. 

5.  What are your prayers for Sunnybrook? 

For people to recognize who God is and His worth of worship and allegiance...the freedom we have in Christ as He paid for our sins...the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. For people to see the importance of living in Christian fellowship to encourage each other to love and good works.  For us to understand the Gospel, build meaningful relationships, and share the Gospel.