June 18, 2008
Interview with John Chace
John Chace reflects on how elders and staff share vision, shepherding, strategic planning, and support through growth, building expansion, and long-term ministry in South Florida.
Church Leadership
Church Leadership equips pastors, elders, ministry staff, and volunteer leaders to lead with biblical conviction, humility, and wisdom. Explore practical, Scripture-shaped guidance on leading teams, developing leaders, casting vision, making decisions, and building a healthy ministry culture. You’ll also find help for navigating conflict, communication, accountability, and the spiritual formation of leaders—so leadership flows from character, not just competence. Whether you’re stepping into leadership for the first time or carrying long-term responsibility, these resources aim to strengthen your leadership for the good of the church and the mission of Jesus.
June 18, 2008
Shepherding: A Bigger Task Than Most Are Accomplishing
Mark A. Taylor considers how elders can fulfill their shepherding responsibility by equipping small group and adult Sunday school leaders to care for church members.
June 15, 2008
Elders: The Church”s Lead Caregivers
Knofel Staton explores the New Testament language for church elders and argues that elders should serve as shepherd-like lead caregivers who look over people in order to look after them.
Interview with Robert Stradley
Robert Stradley of Harmony Pines Christian Camp explains how sled dogs teach leadership, teamwork, humility, and spiritual fervor as they follow the guidance of the “Good Musher.”
May 18, 2008
New Church, New Elders: One Church”s Process
John E. Wasem outlines Suncrest Christian Church’s careful process for developing elders through prayer, teaching, nomination, confirmation, orientation, and ongoing congregational reaffirmation.
April 20, 2008
Leading Men
Three churches are discipling and training men and boys for long-term spiritual maturity and leadership—from battle-themed mentoring for teens to a demanding program designed to identify and develop future elders.
April 20, 2008
The Phone Keeps Ringing
Churches urgently call for youth ministers and other specialized staff, but the need keeps growing. Drawing on a poll of youth ministers, Andy Hansen shares key influence points and practical insight for recruiting vocational leaders.
April 16, 2008
Struggles in High Places
Mark Zuckerberg’s leadership struggles at Facebook echo challenges many church and parachurch leaders face: rapid growth, pressure to sustain the work, and the temptation to lead on one’s own terms.
April 2, 2008
Presidents, Preachers, Passion, and Public Speaking
A young voter’s desire for “relatable” language raises a deeper challenge for the church. Compelling speech matters, but lasting influence requires substance—especially for preachers seeking to reach a generation that’s often absent from church.
March 23, 2008
Preaching from a Well-Prepared Life
Ken Idleman explains why a well-prepared life undergirds powerful preaching, highlighting integrity, community, creativity, testimony, and study as priorities that validate the message and keep sermons fresh, relevant, and Spirit-energized.
March 19, 2008
A Program to Recognize the Leaders You Know
Christian Standard invites readers to nominate outstanding servants whose Christian character and leadership are making a difference. Learn the simple criteria, where to find forms, and the April 1 nomination deadline.
March 16, 2008
FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Taking Film Seriously
LeRoy Lawson reflects on preaching in a visual age and recommends five books by Christian film critics to help believers engage movies thoughtfully and discuss their theological and cultural themes with discernment.
Interview with Justin Bilyeu
Cincinnati Christian University senior Justin Bilyeu explains his call from pre-med plans to ministry, what Bible college has taught him, and why experience in preaching and internships matters for future leaders.
March 2, 2008
I Want to Be Like Them
LeRoy Lawson reflects on the elders who sustained his ministry. He describes the best traits of church elders—humble love, prayerful wisdom, steady encouragement, and a “grandfather” heart that leads by love.
March 2, 2008
They Never Stopped Teaching Me
C. Robert Wetzel reflects on decades of ministry shaped by faithful church elders—through ordination, encouragement, and hard-won lessons in faith, humility, and love that continued teaching him long after he left home.
Celebrating Ordination
Chuck Sackett reflects on ordination and the call to ministry, urging churches to pair careful evaluation with long-term encouragement and accountability for those they ordain.
February 27, 2008
We Can Agree on Some Things About Elders
A reflection on elders who quietly shepherd, encourage their preacher, and serve without pretense. Even amid differing conclusions, the church still needs humble leaders who protect and support the local flock.
February 17, 2008
The Assassin of Character Creep
Jud Wilhite warns leaders about “character creep”—small compromises that quietly erode integrity. Using the Titanic as an illustration, he urges practical safeguards, honest friendships, and daily attention to the “rivets” that keep a life and ministry intact.
February 3, 2008
E.L. Russell”“A Pacesetter Without Prominence
Brett Andrews remembers Eldreth L. Russell, a faithful minister whose joy, contentment, teaching clarity, passion, and servant heart helped shape a church and influence generations—often without recognition.
January 27, 2008
Size Matters: The Changing Role of Elder
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.
