The Elder Training Handbook

Identifying and equipping men for the role of church Elder is not an easy task...The role of Elder is perhaps one of the most important roles in the world, since the church is both the body and bride of Jesus. That means church leaders need more than surface opinions about the men who might possibly fit the role of Elder. They need a way to evaluate and train those candidates. This workbook-style handbook is designed to help church leaders do just that, in a wise, careful, and thoroughly Biblical way.Some contexts where this handbookmay be helpful:•When an existing Elder team needs to bring others onto their team•When a Pastor needs to establish an Elder team from scratch•When an Elder team needs a “refresher” about their role, or would like additional training regarding the Biblical mandate for Elders• As a discipleship curriculum for men, where the role of Elder is held up as a “model” for how they can lead their families with the heart of a shepherdThis handbook is not offered as a magic formula or fool-proof method for finding or equipping men for the role of Elder. No such thing exists. Scripture clearly teaches that men are only appointed to the role of Elder by the determination of the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28). Instead, this handbook is designed to serve as a tool in that Spirit-led process. It is an aid in discerning the will of the Spirit, first through assessment of the man being considered, and secondly through training for those who appear to be called to serve as Elders.With over 260 study questions, a variety of self-assessment tools, scripture memorization, and “quizzes” to test the candidate's understanding and applicationof the concepts included, The Elder Training Handbook is a serious-minded tool for discovering, encouraging, and equipping men to shepherd, protect, and lead the New Testament church.

The book endeavors to provide an elder training tool that is Word-of-God focused and designed specifically for those who find themselves in a non-denominational or independent setting. It provides a training tool to those who aspire to the high calling of elder, an overview of the office, and expectations.

Servants in Charge is a training guide for elders and deacons with a study guide included. Servants in Charge define the roles of elders and deacons and offers practical suggestions for selecting these important leaders. And for servants who find themselves in charge, there are guidelines toward effective and fruitful ministry. Have you ever been in an office or a place of business when someone walked in and asked, "Who's in charge here?"' Can it be that the people who enter your church ask the same question but it is important to realize the answer is not a mystery. In a beautiful parable about His second coming, Jesus made it clear that His servants are in charge. These people are known not so much for their position or power, but for their attitude of true servant hood. In Servants in Charge we find that Dr. Bailey deals with the topics of who a deacon and elder are to be to what their qualifications are from a scriptural basis. He also goes on to explain their biblically based ministries and their spiritual gifts as laid out in the New Testament. He completes this short study with a guide for preparation for them and their election and consecration. A great must have for the church today.

Pastors and church leaders are in need of mature, godly elders to ensure church health, but the training of elders is often entirely missing or badly neglected. What if there were a process to proactively call and train elders? The New Elder's Handbook is designed to equip elders with the knowledge, character, and skills the office calls for. It takes church leaders through the development of a vision for ministry, recruitment of elders to carry out that vision, and specific, biblical training, providing a way to be intentional about developing elders.

The Elder in action is Part II of our Elder series and outlines what is expected of elders and asks some difficult questions to enable the elder to examine his motives, purpose, and efficacy. Using real-life scenarios, The Elder in action examines the struggles and challenges to serve in the office of Elder. Each section concludes with reflective questions from key relevant biblical passages.

Serving your church as an elder is an important task, but it can seem daunting. Whether you're a first-timer or have years of experience, The Elder's Handbook (a revised and updated version of Guiding God's People in a Changing World) will help you carry out your ministry with compassion, grace, and effectiveness. In this book you'll learn how to minister sensitively to your parishioners, including those who are ill, grieving, or in trouble, how to work with your church council and consistory, how to make home visits comfortable and meaningful, how to deal with conflict effectively, and much more!

Effective leadership is important. Nowhere is this more true than in the church. Jeramie Rinne offers readers a concise overview of the Bible's teaching on spiritual leadership, setting forth an easy-to-understand "job description" for elders that is focused on enabling pastors and church leaders to effectively shepherd their congregations. Giving practical guidance to new elders and helping church members better understand and support their spiritual leaders, this conversational book emphasizes purposeful ministry rather than project management. It will also bolster leaders' confidence by encouraging them to embrace their pastoral calling with grace, wisdom, and a clarity of vision.