September 7, 2021
Where Have All the Deacons Gone? (Part 2 or 3)
Part 2 of 3: Who to Select and How They Should Function — Four scriptural texts help shape our understanding . . .
Articles for tag: Titus 1
October 26, 2020
Discovery Questions for November 1, 2020
COMPANION RESOURCES Lesson for Nov. 1, 2020: God Is Faithful (2 Timothy 2:11-13; 4:6-8, 16-18) “Trimming Around the Edges” by David Faust (Lesson Application) ________ Study Questions for Groups By Michael C. Mack 1. What big challenge did you face last week? 2. With whom did you share your faith in and love for Christ since we last met? Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read 2 Timothy 2:11-13; 4:6-8, 16-18 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Ask the third person to summarize the main themes and subject matters from these
July 26, 2013
We Carry a Heavy Load
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
November 3, 2012
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
Elders: A Key to Growth in the New Church
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
October 4, 2011
Commonsense Suggestions About Elders
By Chuck Sackett “A Parable of Two Churches“ (a sidebar) is my attempt to capture the past 37 years of observations and experiences. I”ve been privileged to be the preacher in three very different congregations. And while serving as a Bible college and seminary professor, I worked in various capacities with dozens of congregations. What follows are practical suggestions for how congregations can have healthy, effective elderships. These are simply reminders of the obvious. I”ve seen them work in a variety of settings, expressed in various ways, ending with varied results. Every church I”ve seen believes it is doing church
December 21, 2008
Wanted: Good Men for a Fine Work (Part 2)
By Eric Stevens The news reveals that we are a fickle people. I mean that in the worst way possible. Large numbers of college students are involved in cheating. So are spouses””even Christians. People rage with deadly anger because of minor traffic miscues. Children appear to have never heard such courtesies as “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.” These symptoms in our society are related. There is an erosion of respect, not just for one”s elders, but even one”s parents, and in some cases, one”s children. The “Me Generation” has become the “Me Nation.” How does the church stem this
March 2, 2008
I Want to Be Like Them
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
