Eldership; My Experience

My experiences of eldership and community were generally positive. I have already mentioned that I was affected by some of the unintended consequences of misunderstanding regarding submission, but I don't feel that I was purposely abused in any way.

I particularly loved the fellowship with the other elders. I really felt that I belonged. I had belonged to other groups; the officers aboard a Destroyer, for example, were quite close. But the closeness among the elders was unique. Where did I have to submit in a tangible way? My resignation from the US Navy was one of the biggest decisions in my life. I had served for 15 years (only 20 were needed for retirement), I was a Lieutenant Commander being considered for promotion to Commander,and was told that I had a responsible job in Washington D.C. waiting for me. Why did I want to get out? I sensed God's call. I wanted more out of life. But, I got out in the end because the elders confirmed that decision. I made it -- but I wouldn't have done it without confirmation by the elders. Who made the decision? With the exception of the loss of retirement pay, I have no regrets -- and yes, I loved the Navy -- I like going to sea.

The next big decision was made only by Linda and I. We wanted to move into community. Of course I discussed this with Ken Pagaard and the elders, but Linda and I made the decision. It was the Heads of Household who made the decision of where we were to live. We moved into the Westby House (headed by Ken Pagaard) in Oct. '74 and moved out in June '81. It was a great experience overall. Anyone living in community realizes that some times were better than others. In fact some days were terrible.

Tough decisions in community revolved around financial items. I had some great life insurance through the Military. We were counseled to give this up. I'm not sure that this was the Lord; perhaps I am suffering another unintended consequence. When I resigned my commission from the Navy, I was offered a commission in the Navy Reserve, which I accepted. I could have become a week-end warrior and received retirement pay at age 62. I was not encouraged in this, and my duties at the church didn't allow for the time involvement. I was OK with this, but perhaps this led to another unintended consequence.

Perhaps the biggest financial decision had to do with selling our house. We purchase a new house in 1967. In 1977, the Wolfords were moving to West Virginia. The Heads of Household needed someone to purchase the Third Ave. House. Linda and I sold our home and used some of the proceeds to purchase Third Ave. House and gave the rest to the Community. Later, Third Ave. House was sold and all of the proceeds went to the Community. As far as I know, we were the only ones among the Heads to give away our home.

A side note to the housing problem which relates to another issue to be discussed below is that of corporate responsibility. The Woodends had been living in our house (Nolan Household). When the time came for us to sell, no one was there to make payments. Linda and I were concerned that the bank was going to foreclose and our credit would be tanked. The Heads were generally unconcerned. The house needed to be cleaned up and prepared for sale. The Heads gave me permission to do this. Thank God, enter Speedy (Art) Alari! He made the payments and the people to clean up and prepare the house for sale. Later the same things occurred at the sale of Third Ave. Again, Speedy saved the day! Thank you Art. I have never forgotten your kindness, generosity and encouragement.

As to corporate responsibility, I will just say that when everyone owns something, no one does. Individual responsibility evaporates. I know that when the Pletchers were in Michigan for a year, the house was used by the community. They were not happy when they returned. My only inheritance was a very nice Chevy El Camino and some good tools. My El Camino was trashed and my tools all disappeared. I moved into community with a house and two cars and a good job. I left community with no house, no car and a job that didn't even pay my rent. Oh, I forgot, I also had a gas credit card with over $1000 owing from purchasing gas for the household. Financially, living in community was the stupidest decision I have ever made. Spiritually it was the best decision I have ever made. I learned so much. The relationships formed still continue. Do I regret it? Absolutely not. Were there unintended consequences? Yes, there were.