by David Eller Most of us raised in our culture that places such a high value on productivity view the idea of taking a sabbatical as counter intuitive. We accept the concept for professors and pastors, but not elders. A sabbatical is purposefully setting aside our responsibility for a period of time. Is that […]
Authors : David Eller
Tags : self care, Shepherds/Elders
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 […]
Authors : Scott Laird
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 Amanda Box Sunday is a really interesting filter. When I worked with guests and new members at our church, I noticed a couple of Sunday/not Sunday patterns. One is that people would tell me almost anything Monday through Saturday, but probably not very much on a Sunday. I don’t think it’s all that […]
Authors : Amanda Box
Tags : Communication, Welcome
by Dana Welty What must I do? Scroll or Toil? As a communication major, we had a beloved professor who emphasized, “Communication occurs when a message is not only sent, but received.” In a world where communication has changed dramatically due to technology, how do we make sure our church messages are sent to […]
Authors : Dana Welty
Tags : Communication, Welcome
by Amanda Box This communication evangelist is once again new: new city, new church, new school for my daughter, new house, and all new people. While the move has been good with faith and family intact, starting over is hard, especially at church. Once again, I’m looking at the backs of people’s heads, asking, […]
Authors : Amanda Box
Tags : Communication, Welcome
by Nancie Bolton God created in us a need for relationships. In a world that often leaves people feeling disconnected or unseen, the church stands as a place where deep, meaningful relationships can begin—relationships that reflect God’s love and meet the very need He placed in our hearts. God designed us to live in […]
Authors : Nancie Bolton
Tags : Communication, Welcome
by Kevin Bolton Attention seems to be the currency of our culture. How do Christ-followers, tasked with changing our world, capture the interest of those around us in a way that honors God and points our neighbors to Jesus? Every Saturday morning cars begin to fill the Westover Hills Church of Christ parking lot, […]
Authors : Kevin Bolton
Tags : Servant Leadership
by Grady King Several years ago, I was on a plane reading They Smell Like Sheep in preparation for some time with elders. I noticed the man sitting next to me looking at the title. He said, “Excuse me, I did not know Lynn Anderson wrote about sheep. I thought she was a country […]
Authors : Grady King
Tags : Servant Leadership
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