by Scott Laird “We want/need more elders,” is a consistent message shared by leaders in Churches of Christ. Forty-three years of supported ministry in churches in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Montana have led me to conclude that existing leadership must develop new leaders and elders from within the people the Lord has already given His […]
Author Archive for Beth Hadley
by Jason Thompson The model for plural church leadership finds its origin in our holy, triune God, who exists in perfect relationship. From the beginning, He has invited us into that divine relationship—calling us to serve and lead within the context of the local church. Throughout scripture and history, God has consistently worked through […]
Authors : Jason Thompson
Tags : shepherding, Shepherds/Elders
by Jim Martin So what does shepherding look like practically? The following are some best practices for shepherding people in the congregation: 1. Listen well and give others your presence. Good shepherds learn to listen well. This means paying attention to the content, feelings, and body language of others. Those who listen well are […]
Authors : Jim Martin
Tags : shepherding, Shepherds/Elders
by Jon Mullican Most people work hard to avoid conflictual situations. Conflict creates discomfort. Conflict means to most that someone wins, and someone loses; to avoid losing or losing relationships, we sidestep the issue, the conversation, and the confrontation. Churchgoers follow this pattern well. Who wants to fight at church? Who wants to get into […]
Authors : Jon Mullican
by Scott Laird I heard the phrase “cut flower culture” years ago and its image still resonates. Cut flowers are beautiful, they smell good, provide color to our homes, and sometimes get a husband out of trouble. The problem is cut flowers are separated off from their roots and life itself. Many of the roots […]
Authors : General
by Lynn Anderson Ted moves like an athlete and looks like one too. He is usually confident and assertive. But today, sitting in front of the counselor he seems different. Ted is a new Christian and the father of sons four and seven and he has hit a wall. “I don’t really know what a […]
Authors : Lynn Anderson
Tags : Mentoring
by Lynn Anderson A friend tells me that a visitor to his church remarked after a couple of encounters with Jake, “So you say that guy Jake has been pretty visible in your church for a long time? Here every time the doors are opened? A deacon! Well, if Jake is an example of what […]
Authors : General, Lynn Anderson
Tags : Mentoring
by Lynn Anderson What steps begin to move elders from the boardroom to the pasture, from managers to shepherds, from control to empowerment? 1. Learn shepherding skills Before attempting to shift structures, the leaders must actually be shepherding people. As one friend put it, “I am not going to let anyone make an elder out […]
Authors : Lynn Anderson
Tags : Shepherds/Elders
by Lynn Anderson It was a Kodak moment. Bill’s silver hair and frail figure evidenced his nearly 80 years, but his face glowed with obvious affection for Mike. Mike, 20-something, tough, athletic—and months into a recovery program— stood beside Bill in the baptistery. As Bill spoke soft, clear words, Mike nod- ded slightly. The whole congregation […]
Authors : Lynn Anderson
Tags : Shepherds/Elders
by Chris Goldman A Story: A youth minister called. He was at the end of his rope! His church was falling apart. The preacher had been fired, the elders were fighting, members were fleeing and he felt a responsibility to “put Humpty Dumpty back together again.” The counselor inside me wanted to put him […]
Authors : Chris Goldman
Tags : Mentoring
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