Biblical Qualities of an Elder (Part 2)

By James Riley Estep Jr. With blamelessness, the center piece of our puzzle, in place, what other pieces fill out the portrait of a spiritual leader? After reviewing the lists in parallel, the other four major pieces come to light: Being “blameless” before God, others, family, and self. Blameless Before God How would you assess your relationship with God? This piece is best reflected in several qualities of an elder. Peter expresses this when he describes that an elder (shepherd) must be capable of being affirmed by the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). An elder must have theological blamelessness

November 2, 2012

Christian Standard

Church & Ministry Church Leadership Eldership

Biblical Qualities of an Elder (Part 1)

By James Riley Estep Jr. The New Testament qualifications for elders are like pieces in a puzzle. When we put them together we see a beautiful picture of God”s ideal for what an elder should be. I like puzzles. At first, there is chaos. 200, 500, 1,000 pieces scattered on the tabletop; but then it begins to take shape, drawing a portrait that is revealed one piece at a time. Everyone has a puzzle-solving strategy. Maybe it is to find the edges or corners first, or to focus on the central image. Whatever the strategy, its goal is to give

September 18, 2012

James Riley Estep Jr.

Church Leadership Eldership

Have a Good Trip I Mean, Meeting!

Effective elders' meetings need preparation, clear leadership, and accountability. James Riley Estep Jr. uses the example of family travel to explain how chairmen can guide discussions, encourage participation, and turn decisions into action.

August 9, 2012

John Ashenfelter

Church Leadership Leadership Development

Producing the Next Generation of Elders

Churches need elders who intentionally prepare the next generation to lead. John Ashenfelter examines how prayer, biblical character, leadership development, and succession can help congregations remain strong for generations.

July 8, 2012

Barton Shaw

Church Leadership Eldership

How a Good Team Is Getting Better

Barton Shaw reflects on how prayer, vulnerability, and stronger personal relationships helped the elders of Eastview Christian Church grow closer as a team and become better equipped to lead.

May 24, 2012

Jim Tune

Church Leadership Eldership

Elders: A Key to Growth in the New Church

Jim Tune shares how Churchill Meadows Christian Church intentionally developed a biblical eldership, explaining when church planters should install elders, how to identify potential leaders, and why healthy delegation matters.

May 2, 2012

Jim Tune

Church Leadership Eldership

Elders, Submission, and the Rebel in Me!

Jim Tune reflects on the challenges of authority and submission in church leadership and explains how a committed eldership can provide safety, strength, accountability, and continuity for preachers and congregations.

March 30, 2012

Gary L. Johnson

Church Leadership Eldership

Delivering the Message

Gary L. Johnson challenges elders to keep the local church focused on its primary mission by modeling evangelism, making disciples, equipping believers, and intentionally reaching people with the message of Christ.