Learning to function as an elder is not the most important thing. More important is the elder’s character. The qualifications in 1 Timothy & Titus are well-known. But a good…
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Accountability is a big part of what we need to maintain integrity in ministry. But how do we do it effectively? How can we hold one another accountable as elders…
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Modern business and sports gurus talk about being a marked leader, having the mindset of a forward thinker, being a big picture individual, a visionary, a leader of leaders, and…
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After the American revolutionary war against Britain was over, there was a ground swell to make General George Washington the emperor of the new united colonies that became the United…
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One of the greatest challenges for an elder (and for the church) is to remain positive and joy-filled in the ministry. There are many joy-sappers that suck away spiritual vitality…
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“Many men want to be president, but very few want to do president,” says Steve Sample, president of the University of Southern California. He continues, “Some of the unhappiest people…
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Elder, Encourage Thyself Encouragement is a commodity in short supply. While not alone in needing this, a leader of God’s people more than others can readily relate to David’s experience:…
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Encouragement is a commodity in short supply. While not alone in needing this, a leader of God’s people can readily to David’s experience: David was greatly distressed because the people…
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Men lead, women follow. Right? However, if we male elders aren’t careful, we can look self-serving and disingenuous if that is all we teach on the subject. A great weight…
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One of the most important ministries for an elder has to do with his own children. This is seen in three ways: First, as a father, an elder has been…
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Catchy title for a timely article, especially for Christian leaders. We came across this article at ChristianityWorks.com by an Australian brother, Berni Dymet. These three things have been the downfall…
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In his novel, “War and Peace,” author Leo Tolstoy captures a pitfall Paul warns about in appointing a man to be an elder prematurely (1 Tim 5:22)—pride. A young Russian…
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On numerous occasions I have heard the assertion that relatively few Christian leaders finish well. Rather than debate the veracity of that claim, I find myself wanting to ensure that…
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Humbleness is a critical, but elusive character for elders. I, who am ill-equipped to speak on this subject, as one who falls continually short, come as an admirer of Christ’s…
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Integrity ranks top of the list of important human endeavors. I use the word “endeavor” because integrity is a lifelong pursuit, it is not something to be gained and then…
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Note: This is the second in the series on Integrity, based on Psalm 15. As mentioned in the last issue, although integrity is not specifically identified in Scripture as a…
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Note: This is the third in the series on Integrity, based on Psalm 15. We continue to focus on one of the most important attributes in a leader—integrity, based on…
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Note: This is the fourth in the series on Integrity, based on Psalm 15. The man of integrity is introduced to us in Psalm 15:1-2 (NASB) and described in the…
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The internet is a great tool for accomplishing a lot in our technologically advanced society. Yet with a single click it can easily bring temptation to the believer. Many people…
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Shepherding Your Heart Through Ministry Fatigue, by Paul Shirley, The Expositors Seminary Pastor Burnout Website- An entire website dedicated to pastoral burnout. "Replenish" by Lance Witt, speaks directly to those in…
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Leadership requires qualification. How much more is required for that particular leadership of God’s flock, the shepherding of His people. The importance of qualifications increases proportionately to the importance of…
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As I was sitting here working on my sermon message for Sunday, my laptop computer was close to running down and needed a recharge. So out came the power cord, I plugged it…
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The old illustration proved true in everyday life as well as in ministry, so permit me to use my own version of it. The first time I used a chainsaw years…
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Being an elder is one of the greatest ministries a Christian man can possibly have. But if you have been an elder for any length of time, you can probably…
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Being an elder is one of the greatest ministries a Christian man can possibly have. But if you have been an elder for any length of time, you can probably…
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