Category Archives: Advice to a New Elder

Among the most important decisions made by elders is who to hire as a minister. Traditionally, Churches of Christ do this by search committee. I’ve posted a series in the past on the search process. I’ll not repeat those materials … Continue reading →

Someone has probably sorted this all out scientifically. But here’s something else about group dynamics you need to know: people behave differently depending on the group size. With a group of four or less, you can have an accountability group. … Continue reading →

Dealing with conflicts of interest is one area where business is generally more ethical than churches. Business law says that you can’t vote if you have a conflict — and the conflict has to be disclosed to the group and … Continue reading →

Many years ago — maybe even back in the 1960s — we used to talk about group dynamics. But I’ve not heard that term in a very long while. Here’s the idea: people in groups act differently from people not … Continue reading →

By now it should be obvious that my talents don’t lie in the area of shepherding (in the traditional pastoral sense). But the series really needs a post on how to shepherd — and I’m the last person you should ask. … Continue reading →

Both new and experienced elders often get in trouble when they to counsel church members. There are some real dangers here that most are not sensitive to — because we do so little elder training. I mean, elders are under … Continue reading →

I am a fan of the work of Lynn Anderson, the author of They Smell Like Sheep. And I’ve been blessed to have had a couple of phone calls and meetings with Lynn in which the elders of my church … Continue reading →

Now, if we ignore the context of Eze 34, it’s easy to conclude that elders ought to be shepherds (true) and that their primary job is to heal the weak and injured, that is, care for their social and emotional … Continue reading →

In the last 20 years or so, the “Good Shepherd” passages in Eze 34 and John 10 have been highly influential in our thinking regarding what an elder/shepherd/overseer should do. Some find here evidence that pastoral duties (shepherding) are the … Continue reading →

So how does a too-busy eldership include the congregation in decision making? Well, it depends on the size of the church and the decision being made. We know from Acts 15 (doctrinal decision) and 1 Cor 5 (decision to withdraw … Continue reading →