Our Congregation's Leaders

The Spiritual leaders in our congregation are often called Elders or sometimes Shepherds.  Less often you may hear them referred to as Overseers.  All three terms are based on the example of the New Testament church.  In both Acts 20 and 1 Peter 5 we read all three terms applied to the same group of leaders and their work in their churches.

The term for Shepherd refers to the visionary work and care of Elders.  As Shepherds they have a responsibility to lead the church through good solid teaching, either by teaching themselves or ensuring others are teaching well.  They also look after and care for members of the church as counselors and caring men.

The term Overseer refers to the work of Elders to ensure the church is doing all the things it should.  Elders are not expected to do all the work or look over the shoulder of members.  Rather they have the ultimate responsibility to make sure each ministry is functioning as it should.

Finally, the term Elder refers to the decision-making work of the Elders.  In each congregation of the New Testament where we read about Elders, there was always more than one Elder.  They shared the work of the "Eldership."  Elders then work together and make decisions as a group. 

Elders are selected from among the congregation.  When the church identifies the need to add Elders or replace Elders who may have retired from serving, passed away, or moved away, then the church as a whole will consider men who meet the qualifications of Elders which can be found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

For each elder's bio and contact information, just click on a photo.

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Walton Harless

Walton Harless

Twickenham Shepherd

Pictured: Walton & Marna

Walton grew up in five different states as the fifth of five preacher’s kids. Marna was raised on a dairy farm with two brothers in central Kentucky. We were both blessed tremendously by faithful loving parents that were totally devoted to the Lord and each other. Walton and Marna met at Lipscomb and married in 1975. They have three married children, (Rachael, Emily and Timothy) and eight grandchildren. Walton and Marna have been involved with youth groups and families at church and at schools since early in their relationship. Marna is a teacher by trade but “retired” to stay at home with the kids, volunteer, tutor, homeschool and occasionally talk to the Governor. When our children started college, she returned to the workforce with the Corps of Engineers. Walton worked as a contractor in space and defense software for 30+ years. Walton and Marna both retired/repurposed in 2012.

Ministry you are passionate about at Twickenham:
Walton and Marna have both been retired (pronounced "repurposed") since 2012 and have used the opportunity to ramp up their involvement in a number of volunteer efforts and ministries including the Learning Center, Jobs-for-Life, Prepare and Respond, Outback and various marriage related efforts.
Favorite Bible Verse/character and why:
Favorite verse: I Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in all things give thanks.
Hobbies/Extracurricular Activities:
Walton’s hobbies generally involve building things, fixing stuff, reading history and playing ball. Walton has served as a shepherd at Twickenham since 1999.
What would you tell someone looking for a church home about Twickenham?
The Harlesses came to Twickenham in 1992 because they found an environment that encouraged freedom in Christ. Walton would encourage anyone with the desire to pursue a relationship with Jesus to investigate Twickenham.

God’s Word to the Elders

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. I Timothy 3:1-7
An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. Titus 1:6-9
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25–28
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:1-4
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:5–7
Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it ... Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever ... Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Hebrews 13:1-2; 7-8; 15-17
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:13–16
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:28, 32

Why Our Members Chose Twickenham

Although we were coming from a more conservative background, we quickly noticed that there was an openness and sense of welcoming that made us feel very at ease. We embrace fully what seems to be an environment of healing for the broken. We believe in moving from maintenance to mission. We have been impressed by the engaged nature of the shepherds, staff and membership.

I want to learn more about God’s Word and hold Him close in my heart. Twickenham seems to be able to guide me by offering similar perspectives to which I can relate as well as unique views that open my mind.

I was very impressed with the love, compassion and how sincere the worship is.