Category Archives: Elders

Elders: The Care and Feeding of Elders in a Progressive Congregation: Not Destroying the Relationship

* No surprises We say to the staff: “Don’t assume that you have to drag us kicking and screaming into a more progressive worship style. Don’t try to push and manipulate us piecemeal. Don’t dare add innovations to the worship … Continue reading

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Elders: The Care and Feeding of Elders in a Progressive Congregation: Building the Relationship

* Ask to meet regularly — as regularly as the elders will permit Ministers are busy (or should be). They have deadlines and commitments. They often resent time spent in meetings, especially in meetings with elders. After all, a meeting … Continue reading

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Elders: The Care and Feeding of Elders in a Progressive Congregation: Defining the Relationship

* If the elders haven’t said, the ministers should ask the elders what their relationship should be. I think the relationship between ministers and elders should be defined and stated. Some elders fall into the habit of treating ministers as … Continue reading

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Elders: The Care and Feeding of Elders in a Progressive Congregation: Introduction

Consider a typical progressive Church of Christ, led by a plurality of elders with two or more ministers on staff. Everyone is qualified for his position. The elders are good elders. The ministers are good ministers. Query: how should they … Continue reading

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Elders: The Shepherding Model, Part 2

External focus If the elders delegate enough of the other work, they may well find themselves with enough time to focus on shepherding families and individual members. And if this is the Spirit’s leading, it’s a plan many congregations are … Continue reading

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Elders: The Shepherd Model, Answers to Questions

[Relocated from the comment section] Jim asked, We, as Shepherds, have and do struggle with this from time to time, especially when we first became Shepherds. I am interested in seeing the various opinions and suggestions that will be put … Continue reading

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Elders: The Shepherding Model, Part 1

I get emails — I thought I’d get your perspective on what a biblical eldership looks like. Our current elders are using the Lynn Anderson material (DVD, workbooks, etc) “They Smell Like Sheep,” to try to become better shepherds, but … Continue reading

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Clergy & Laity: He says he’s suffering from burn out. Is he serious? (Elders/Staff Relationship)

Once we have properly selected elders — that is, once we’ve selected those chosen by God — and once we’ve equipped them for a very difficult office, we need to decide how they should relate to the ministerial staff. The … Continue reading

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Clergy & Laity: Why Aren’t Preachers Also Elders?

Matthew wrote in a comment, I’m enjoying this series a lot – thanks. Would you be willing to analyze the historical trajectory/reasons in the Churches of Christ which keep Church of Christ preachers from being elders (as in other congregational … Continue reading

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Clergy & Laity: He says he’s suffering from burn out. Is he serious? (Elder Training)

Developing better elders is the first step toward overcoming this plague of burn out. It’s not enough, but it’s essential. Once we have men in the eldership with the right raw material — the right gifts — we need for … Continue reading

Posted in Elders, Ministers, Uncategorized | Tagged | 8 Comments