Ministerial Association of the General Conference

1
ELDERS TRAINING SEMINAR
Based on the Elders Handbook

• Ministerial Association of the General Conference
  
• www.ministerialassociation.com

2
The Elders Call and Qualification
Chapter 2 Part 1
3
Calling and Election

• Called by God
• The call to be an elder is a call from God
• Elders who realize that their calling comes first
• from God, will most appreciate the importance
  and seriousness of their leadership
  responsibility.

4
Calling and Election

• Elected by congregation
• Elders should not be elected because they already
  hold some position of importance in the
  community, or because they have been successful
  in business, or are wealthy.

5
Calling and Election

• Elected by congregation
• They have no official position or authority in
  the church unless they have also been elected by
  the congregation.

6
Elders job description

• In the New Testament
• Appointed in every congregation.
• Highly respected.
• They gave leadership in prayer, and anointed the
  sick.

7
Elders job description

• In the New Testament
• They carried significant leadership and
• administrative responsibilities.
• They were to be shepherds, overseers, and
  examples.
• Jesus said to Peter, Shepherd my sheep...

8
Job Description

• Spiritual Leadership
• Should be respected by their congregation.
• Be able to speak well.
• Have consecrated lives.
• Have spiritual leadership ability.

9
Job Description

• General oversight, along with the Pastor
• Keep a watchful eye over each activity and
  department.
• Be involved in planning, staffing, training, and
• guiding the entire church program.

10
Job Description

• General oversight, along with the Pastor
• Demonstrate skills in worship leadership.
• At the pastors request, or in his absence, serve
• as chair of board and at business meetings.
• Elders should be committed to outreach and
• have a clear vision of the churchs mission.

11
Elders job description

• Nurture
• Elders are not only overseers, but shepherds.
• Prepare new members for baptism.
• Provide the special love and nurture new members
  need.
• Help new members make firm friendships within the
  church.

12
Elders job description

• Small Churches
• Take responsibility for almost all the detailed
  administration of the church.
• Plan to preach often.
• Plan to lead out in worship service, including
  Communion.
• Call and chair the church board or business
  meeting in the pastors absence.

13
Elders job description

• Small Churches
• Organize and participate in the visitation of
  members.
• Oversee the evangelistic plans for the church.
• Train the congregation in stewardship.
• Give general oversight to church finances.

14
Elders job description

• Large Churches
• Team of Elders and the first elder.
• Board of Elders.
• III. Serve as members of the church board.