May 2, 2024
"God’s Word provides some rather explicit instruction concerning the basis for choosing church leaders," Sam E. Stone wrote in 1968. "Four basic principles are outlined in the opening verses of 1 Timothy 3." . . .
November 1, 2020
This “Application” column goes with the Bible Lesson for Nov. 8, 2020: Appoint Godly Leaders (Titus 1:5-11) ________ By David Faust In an episode of the TV comedy The Office, regional manager Michael Scott makes his priorities clear. He tells his boss from the Dunder Mifflin corporate office, “I want the credit without any of the blame.” Blameless appears twice in Paul’s description of godly elders (Titus 1:6-7). If being blameless requires moral perfection and flawless decision-making, no one qualifies except Jesus. Noah was “blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God,” yet he had some less-than-stellar moments
November 1, 2020
COMPANION RESOURCES Lesson for Nov. 8, 2020: Appoint Godly Leaders (Titus 1:5-11) “Blame the Leaders?” by David Faust (Lesson Application) ________ Study Questions for Groups By Michael C. Mack 1. What new challenge did you face last week? 2. In what specific ways did the Lord give you strength this past week so that through you his message could be proclaimed? Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read Titus 1:5-11 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Ask the third person to summarize what this passage is about. 3. If you were
July 26, 2013
Healthy, active churches need healthy, active leaders. Only a balanced life equips a person to handle the burdens of leadership. By Aaron Wymer “I don”t think so, Elzie. It”s just easier to be a Christian when I”m not an elder.” With these words, or words very much like them, Wayne told my father he wasn”t willing to become an elder at my home church. My dad”s eyes twinkled a little when he told me what Wayne said, but the rest of his face frowned. I could tell dad agreed with him, but couldn”t bring himself to refuse his call to be
January 25, 2013
By Don Green Churches of all sizes need to establish a process for disciple and leader development that can equip future elders to function as Christlike leaders (Luke 6:40). To be healthy and effective, every church must ensure that mature disciples are being prepared to function as shepherding, overseeing, and leading elders and equippers (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 5:1-4). Although adopting a disciple development process in a local congregation is no guarantee that effective leaders will be developed, it is an essential pathway to kingdom leadership development. During church consultations over the past 30 years I have often
By Jim Tune In my previous article on elders and submission, I suggested that church planters may be hesitant to install elders due to a misunderstanding of biblical authority. We”ve become accustomed to thinking about abuse and power in the same sentence. We have so many poor models of leadership around us today, it is easy to cringe when words like submission, authority, and rule come up. But a new church plant can provide a unique opportunity to create a workable and biblical model unhindered by any existing and entrenched system. At Churchill Meadows we followed an intentional pathway””one embarked
March 7, 2011
This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for March 13) is written by Cheryl Frey, a freelance proofreader and editor from Rochester, New York. ____________ Leadership Qualities (1 Timothy 3) By Cheryl Frey Because I make my living as a proofreader, I find it very hard to ever read a book for pleasure. But not wanting to miss out on all the wisdom to be found in good literature, I now check out books on tape or CD from the library. I especially love to listen to authors Brian Tracy, Zig Ziglar, Stephen Covey, and John Maxwell, who
August 15, 2008
By Brad Dupray Dale Newberry has witnessed every facet of change for Ten Mile Christian Church (formerly Cherry Lane Christian Church), seeing the congregation in Meridian, Idaho, grow from an attendance of 60 to 1,300 in his 28 years as a member. When Dale and his wife, Cherrie, moved to Meridian, he was a nominal Christian, but as he got more involved and his relationship with Christ flourished he began teaching adult Sunday school, took classes at Boise Bible College, and eventually became an elder. He has served in that role for the past 20 years, today as chairman. Dale
March 2, 2008
By LeRoy Lawson It happens too often. Some minister, usually still fairly inexperienced, leaves the ministry because of certain elders he has worked with. My story is just the opposite. I have survived a lifetime as a pastor for the same reason””certain elders I have worked with. My appreciation for some very influential elders begins each day even before I leave home. I look at them on the wall of my study, in my ordination picture. I am there in the middle of them, a slight, kneeling, nervous youth. They are laying their hands on me as a sacred act
April 7, 2026
John B. Penrose Jr
April 7, 2026
David Faust
March 27, 2026
Rick Cherok