Elder Training

Functionally: How can elders lead in a way that honors both the first and the equal in a first-among-equals scenario?

Knowing it is not a competition, but that each is co-laboring for the gospel. I loved this quote as well, "Eldership is not a destination." It is a noble work to desire, but it is a call to stewardship, it is not where your identity is found and it should not be the goal of your life. Abiding in Christ is the goal and doing that wherever He calls and places you will help you so stay humble and work alongside those around you to be a part of the mission of Christ.

Functionally: If you found yourself at odds personally or directionally with the first-among-equals in your church, what would you do?

Formatively: Have you sensed hints of pride, selfish ambition, or envy in your heart towards other elders or elder candidates? How will you deal with these feelings in light of the gospel?

I have definitely had moments of pride and although I would not have said it, there have been times I make it a competition because of my flesh and I want to be seen as better than, but because of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit I crucify those fleshy thoughts and desires, give those to him, and even confess those before others to allow the Lord to refresh and realign my heart with His.

Functionally: Why are measures of accountability good for the health/progress of the church?

Consider contrast/comparison to corporate metrics - what should be the same/different?

It helps us to have tangible evidence that we being obedient to the mission of Christ and hat we are not getting lazy or settling. As far as contrast or comparisons to the corporate metric what comes to mind first is money. The corporate metric I feel may be centered on making money as being successful and then stewarding and investing that well to make more, but for the church, money isn't the goal or center although that can be steward and leveraged well for God's Kingdom to advance but it should be as Christ works in us and we go make disciples for Christ. As a church, is the word of God being correctly taught, is the church making disciples of Christ? Is the fruit of the Spirit evident and growing in the leadership and in the congregation? Are leaders being developed and sent out? Is our church actual salt and light for the community? Is our church meeting needs in the community? What would the people of our town say of our church and leadership?

Functionally: If an elder is doing poorly in his work, how should the other elders respond?

Formatively: How does having your work measured and evaluated confront idolatry? How should it drive you to "really believe" the gospel?

I believe it can confront the idols of comfort and complacency, but I think there does need to be a balance because achievement could also become and idol. If work is measured and evaluated in a healthy way it can help us to really abide in Jesus, because as He said, "...apart from me you can do nothing..." If we are really abiding in Christ He will be working in us to do the good works He has prepared for us to do, we will be seeing good work done because "greater is He in me than he who is in the world." We are strengthen by Christ. We are sanctified by Christ. We depend on Christ. It is the finished work of Christ that frees us to do these good things for Him.

Functionally: What do you perceive your "leadership ceiling" to be?

How large of a ministry could you directly oversee AND be confident of quality/effectiveness? Do others agree with your perception?

Part of me wants to say I am not ready to directly oversee but a small ministry. I have struggled to raise up consistent and competent leaders to help shepherd a student ministry of 120, but I am learning and growing. That currently may be my ceiling, and I want to be content and faithful if that is what it always looks like for me, but I also don't want to be complacent if there is more to steward. I think others would agree I have more leadership ceiling, but need learning and growing.

Functionally: What will it look like for you to cultivate a “movement mindset” in your own pursuit of eldership?

Formatively: How does the concept of personal identity in titles/office/position affect your thinking about eldership? How does the gospel apply to this thinking?

I understand eldership again is not where my identity is found, although it has be something the Lord has had to teach me to give up. Jesus has taught me in Him is the best place I can be found. Everything else is shaking sinking ground, and if my identity is found in anything other than Jesus it is a foundation that will not last, but I am a sinner, saved by Christ, and He is my portion. Jesus is all I ever need. Jesus help me to believe that, help my wicked unbelieving heart that wants to go after my own desires.