June 8, 2008
God’s Word on Great Shepherds
Michael C. Mack explores the biblical role of shepherd-leaders in small groups, emphasizing stewardship, personal care, spiritual growth, and outreach to those who are lost.
Articles for tag: Elders
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.
January 6, 2008
To Err Is Divine: “Pastoring” in Biblical Perspective
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.
He Makes Me Lie Down
After a mild stroke, a senior minister reflects on Psalm 23 and the unexpected gift of being made to rest. A sabbatical, Scripture, and new boundaries reshaped his health, leadership, and pace of ministry.
September 30, 2007
Four Seconds One Saturday
A long-awaited letter from church elders opens the way toward forgiveness, humility, and restored relationships, showing how the ministry of reconciliation can remake years of pain.
January 28, 2007
How Should We Define Leadership?
Three leadership models shape today’s church, but only one is biblical. Randy Gariss contrasts storefront and foreman approaches with shepherding—personal pursuit, prayer, compassion, and responsibility for God’s people.
October 22, 2006
ORDINATION (Part 1): Is It Biblical? Is It Practical?
A downloadable PDF resource explores ordination and includes a sample from J. Michael Shannon’s first article. The piece asks whether ordination is biblical, practical, or necessary, and begins with a look at New Testament patterns for ministry leadership.
March 8, 2006
The Truth About Elders and Ministers
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.
January 22, 2006
You See It in Their Eyes
At Crossroads Christian Church, prayer during Communion grew into a shepherds ministry, and anointing with oil now draws hundreds forward. The church sees a deep hunger for spiritual connection in a post-Christian culture.
May 29, 2005
Moving from Managers to Shepherds (Part 2)
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
A Guide to Effective Leadership
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
A Guide to Effective Leadership: Policies
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.
