Articles for tag: Iron Sharpens Iron

June 22, 2019

Church & Ministry Church Leadership Eldership

Educating Elders

By Jim Estep Most elders didn’t go to Bible college or seminary. I know of no degree in “eldering.” Congregations must provide for the education of elders. Scripture teaches that “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17, English Standard Version). The church is not an organization that “produces” elders. Instead, the church is an organism, a living body—the body of Christ—and elders are “grown” in the soil of church relationships. What kind of relationships can educate, prepare, and equip someone for service? Study An elder needs more than head knowledge, but becoming an effective elder begins with

February 24, 2017

Christian Standard

Christian Living

How to Be a “˜REAL Man”

By Gary Olsby What one church decided about how to help the men they serve in a day when most men are confused about how to be the man God wants.Â I have a friend named Nick. He”s a great guy””funny, athletic, a hard worker, a good leader, and a good citizen. He”s a good husband and a great father who provides well for his family. He”s also a loyal Northside Christian Church member (NCC is where these thoughts were developed). You”d like him, too, if you ever got a chance to know him. But Nick has some issues. You

January 13, 2015

Mark A. Taylor

Christian Standard Updates News & Updates

Contributors, Indeed!

By Mark A. Taylor Today is the middle day of this year”s annual CHRISTIAN STANDARD contributing editors retreat. For all of us who attend it, this is a special gathering that enriches us in a unique way. Of course, personal enrichment is a byproduct of the meeting. Its stated purpose is to brainstorm topics and writers for future editions of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. And this is a purpose that has been wonderfully achieved, year after year. Many of the innovations and changes you”ve seen in the magazine through the years have come at the suggestion (or prodding!) of this group. Several

November 4, 2013

Christian Standard

Church Leadership

Learning to Lead

By James Riley Estep,Â Jr. It”s a complaint commonly heard in some churches: “We”re having trouble finding men to serve as elders,” or “Younger men aren”t stepping forward to serve as elders!” Leadership is oftentimes more caught than taught. Solomon wrote, “Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). He understood what we now understand””leaders form other leaders.Â Recruiting and equipping elders in the church is not just a matter of programming, and the solution is not as simple as starting a leadership class. Leaders are formed over a lifelong process of experience, training, nurturing, and intentional relationship

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.

February 27, 2012

Mark A. Taylor

News & Updates Christian Standard Updates

An Incredible Group for an Important Mission

Christian Standard’s contributing editors gather to discuss the magazine’s future, sharpen its mission, and share fellowship, prayer, and insight from their varied experiences in Christian leadership.

October 25, 2006

Mark A. Taylor

Church & Ministry Church Staff

Do You Have a Friend?

True friendship is rare—especially for Christian leaders who feel pressure to appear perfect. Mark A. Taylor reflects on Proverbs 27 and the gift of honest counsel, trust, and encouragement among God’s people.