Eldership offers biblically grounded resources for elders and churches seeking faithful, healthy spiritual oversight. Explore articles on the qualifications and responsibilities of elders, shepherding and pastoral care, governance and decision-making, accountability, and leading with humility and courage. You’ll also find guidance for elder selection and training, teamwork among elders and staff, handling conflict, and caring for the congregation through change. Whether you serve as an elder, are preparing to become one, or want to strengthen your church’s leadership structure, these resources aim to support wise, Christ-centered shepherding.
January 27, 2008
As Oaklandon Christian Church grew, its elders had to shift from managing day-to-day decisions to policy, vision, and oversight. Doug Priest explains how church size reshapes leadership and why spiritual responsibility must remain central.
January 6, 2008
Christian Standard introduces “The Year of the Elder,” a yearlong series exploring the role of elders in the 21st-century Western church and inviting readers to join the discussion through letters, submissions, and sharing the series.
January 6, 2008
Church leadership isn’t secured by titles but proven through shepherding. This piece contrasts “Tyrant” and “CEO” pastor models with New Testament care rooted in Jesus the Shepherd and expressed through accountable, grace-shaped ministry.
January 2, 2008
Lynn Anderson discusses the calling of elders as shepherds who build trust and care for a flock. He addresses policy, authority, qualifications, women and age, and practical ways elders and staff can lead together.
September 30, 2007
If we want to avoid conflict, our first question should be, “What does God want us to do?” Seeking God’s guidance begins in prayer. Involving the entire congregation in praying for God’s guidance makes conflict less likely.
September 30, 2007
Lessons from Walnut Grove Christian Church on preventing and addressing congregational conflict—reducing anxiety through peer learning, valuing “apt words,” and intervening quickly with a Matthew 18 framework.
August 5, 2007
A practical guide to choosing elders rooted in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. Matt Proctor offers ten questions to help congregations identify leaders with character, wisdom, and credibility—while applying biblical standards with grace.
October 22, 2006
A shepherd is a leader unlike managers, coaches, elected officials, lords, or boards. Kendall Faull explains biblical shepherding as humble, present, protective leadership that serves people and leads by example.
March 12, 2006
What is the chairman of the elders—and what is he not? Gary Fait reflects on rotating leadership, church authority, and why the chairman’s role should be defined by service, not superiority.
March 8, 2006
Disconnected comments can reveal a lot about how elders and ministers relate. Mark A. Taylor contrasts unhealthy patterns with a better path marked by mutual respect, shared accountability, and stronger leadership.
March 5, 2006
John Faust reflects on four early elders at Southeast Christian Church and the leadership qualities that helped lay a lasting foundation—quality, trust, unity, and availability—for the church’s growth in Louisville.
September 11, 2005
Volunteer elders often face misunderstanding and criticism. Eddie Lowen urges churches to reject disrespect, uphold biblical qualifications, and use thoughtful selection practices so elders can lead with integrity and joy.
May 29, 2005
Practical steps to help elders move from boardroom management to pastoral shepherding—learning shepherding skills, delegating wisely to deacons and staff, forming real flocks, and reshaping meetings for prayer, encouragement, and ministry.
May 22, 2005
Randy Richards and Gary York outline a leadership model that clarifies elder and staff responsibilities, emphasizes policy leadership and empowerment, and helps churches measure progress toward a God-given vision.
May 22, 2005
Eastview Christian Church faced leadership stagnation as growth outpaced older processes. Randy Richards and Gary York describe how policy leadership clarified roles, improved meetings, strengthened teamwork, and helped elders focus on vision, monitoring, and strategic thinking.
May 22, 2005
Randy Richards and Gary York describe four key elder policy categories—vision, process, relationship, and limitation—kept in a regularly updated policy manual to guide proactive oversight, delegation, and clear boundaries for church leadership.
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September 17, 2026
Quentin Davis
September 15, 2026
David Faust
September 15, 2026
James Thompson