Patrick Whitman

I would like to start by saying that I feel so honored to even be in this position. This church has shaped so much of who I am as a believer, as a husband, as a father. I feel called to be an elder because I love this church and God’s people in it. To provide some background, I grew up in the Southern Baptist megachurch in Charlotte, attended an Evangelical Presbyterian church in college, and an Anglican church after that until Ashley and I finally landed at a PCA church while we were living in southwest Virginia. Out of all the churches I grew up in, either none of them had elders or the elders were not openly evident and actively present in the day to day life of the church, so when I have contemplated eldership and the responsibilities therein, it had been such a foreign concept to me until we started attending Evergreen. 

When Ashley and I moved to Salem and started attending Evergreen in 2020, I was fairly surprised that the elders were not only openly known, but visible and highly engaged in the day to day workings in the life of the church. We had attended other PCA churches, but for whatever reason, the elders were not on display. So when we would hear Gary or Jay or Sandy stand up and introduce themselves saying “I’m one of the elders”, it was unexpected, but so refreshing. It was clear that these men viewed eldership not as a power grab, but it was as if they were saying “I’m an elder, welcome, this is my home.” 

Over the nearly six years that Ashley and I have been attending Evergreen, it has become our home too. I feel called to be an elder to serve God’s church and his people, help provide direction for the future of Evergreen, and work to create a space at Evergreen where the people of God can grow in depth of faith and intimacy with each other. This has thus far manifested itself in working with Sean to re-enliven the men’s ministry and partnering with the women’s ministry leaders to provide spaces for the men and women of Evergreen to connect and grow in their faith. 

In reading the qualifications for overseers as stated in 1 Timothy 3, they were so intimidating. As I continued to investigate and dive into eldership, I was reassured that God has equipped me to step into this role to serve his church. I was also comforted to know that any lack that I have ultimately points to the power of Christ working through me. To quote Paul from 1 Corinthians “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Ultimately, I’m grateful that God always equips those he calls into service of His church. 

But I hope that God doesn’t just use my weaknesses to further his kingdom, I hope he uses my strengths as well. And I hope to use my skills and perspective to encourage the growth of Evergreen, not just in numbers, but in depth of faith.

I will again express that I love this church. This is our home. And by God’s grace, I trust that He will use me for His purposes to further his kingdom.