Category Archives: Elders

At last we get to the pastoral part of an elder’s job description. First, a few boundaries — Power under submission There is no reason to insist that all elders take on pastoral duties — unless you also insist that … Continue reading →

But doesn’t the Bible say that elders should be shepherds rather than administrators? No, it most certainly does not. In fact, administration is listed as a gift of the Spirit in 1 Cor 12, and leadership is a gift of … Continue reading →

I keep promising myself that I’m going to get to the They Smell Like Sheep part of the series — that is, pastoral care by elders. But not quite yet. It remains true that most elders have far more work … Continue reading →

We set up a Ministries Team a long time ago. We quickly learned several critical lessons the hard way. 1. The elders had trouble coordinating their work with the team’s. The elders were used to directly overseeing the church’s ministries. … Continue reading →

Make a list of every single congregational ministry — even washing baptismal garments and hiring the janitorial service. I mean: every  single thing that is being done or ought to be done at your church. It could easily reach 100 … Continue reading →

One of the biggest issues in the Churches of Christ today is the proper role for elders. It’s not received the publicity of many other issues, but ask any life-long Church of Christ member about the authority of elders, and … Continue reading →

Networking Some of my favorite times as an elder were times spent with preachers and elders talking about church leadership. I’ve spent many an afternoon or evening just comparing notes with leaders from other churches. We in the Churches of … Continue reading →

Although sexual predators are likely the most common type of church predator, there are other predators that the elders/shepherds should be diligent to protect the flock from. False teachers The obligation of elders to protect the flock from false teachers is … Continue reading →

The scriptures refer to elders as shepherds and as overseers. The idea of a “shepherd” carries certain connotations that we often overlook. I think the foremost idea behind “shepherd” is not that the elder must take on pastoral duties (although … Continue reading →

Don’t overlook the ministers. Some elders (not at my church) look at the preacher and think, “I’m an elder and you’re not!” Bad idea. Yes, the church is supposed to be overseen by the elders and not the ministers, and … Continue reading →