Resource Articles for Church Elders

Note:  The articles below were published in Elders ShopNotes, and are listed by year in the order published.  They can be obtained in their original format from the Elders ShopNotes  archives.  

1999

Appointment of Elders - simple steps to guide in discerning and appointing church elders

2000

Adding New Elders - principles can guide us where specific instructions are not given

Elders' Work -  overview of a four part series on the responsibilities of assembly elders

      Feeding the Flock - some of the many aspects of providing spiritual food for believers

      Leading the Flock - vision for the future includes both active and passive goal work

      Overseeing the church - skills for caring for relationship harmony within the church

      Protecting the church - wolves and false teachers from outside can threaten a growing work

2001

Shepherding Teens -  suggests a good place to begin reaching out to teens in the assembly

Elders and Spiritual Gifts

      Part I - understanding the spiritual gifts of the elders of the church

      Part II - how the elders gifts compliment one another to form a team

      Part III - involving the saints in assisting the leadership

      Part IV - good stewardship of the spiritual gifts of the people in the fellowship

Prayer and Ministry of the Word - encouragement for elders to develop right priorities in their meetings

2002

Priorities in the Church -  principles for church meetings based on Acts 2:42

Discipline in the Church

     Part I  -  guidelines for understanding and practicing Biblical church discipline

     Part II  -  understanding some deeper issues that may be present in discipline situations

Small Group Ministry

     Part I  -  concise description of, and Biblical support for the idea of small groups meeting in homes

     Part II  -  a study of group goals, and the environment in which they can best be achieved

     Part III  -  a simple, workable plan for beginning small group meetings in the home

2003

     Part IV  -  a look at possible problems in the small group, and how to avoid them or deal with them

Administrative Skills I -  the importance of dealing with problems in the church in a timely manner

Administrative Skills  II -  four key areas in which elders need to be good communicators

Decision Making in the Church  -  the benefits of handling church business by reaching unanimity

What, Your Church Has No Pastor? -  the importance of following a Biblical plan for church leadership

Praying for the Sick  I -  suggestions relating to prayer for the sick when called to their bedside

2004

Praying for the Sick  II -  suggestions relating to prayer for the sick in the gathered assembly

The Blessing of Deacons -  a look at how chosen men of the assembly can assist elders in their work

The Art of Confronting -  the critical elders' work of facing and dealing with difficult people and situations

Reaching Out Through Small Groups -  the open home can be an effective way to reach out to neighbors

Traditions and Customs -  deductions from Scripture to help elders keep traditions and customs in their place

Once an Elder, Always an Elder? -  helpful thoughts on eldership as a working function rather than a life position

2005

Teaching in the Church -  safeguarding the church's teaching hour from things that compete or distract

Ministry that Edifies -  suggestions to help maintain a high standard for the teaching ministry in the church

Unconditional Forgiveness? -  understanding the true place of forgiveness among the believers

Accountability - a Good Word -  how to appreciate and apply an important part of healthy discipleship

Urgent Word to Church Elders -  the central place of Scripture and sound relationships as seen in Acts 20

Falling Through the Cracks? -  one important work of elders: looking out for the defenseless

2006

Appointment of Elders -  [repeat of Volume 1  #1]

When is a Man Ready to be an Elder? -  principles and guidelines to help elders discern preparedness

Small Groups Revisited -  common objections to small group ministry answered

Training Elders -  five areas in which elders may encourage and disciple younger men

The Authority of Elders -  authority can be either a curse or a blessing;  elders need to understand the difference

Men's Meeting  -  how to use a regular gathering of brothers to disciple men and make assembly decisions

2007

The Leading Brother  -  What can be done when a strong leader resists team accountability?

Small and Struggling Assemblies  -  Suggestions for bringing new growth

Watching for Souls  -  A study in Hebrews 13:17

God's Stewards  -  Thinking about what is involved in managing God's resources of people

Family Life of Elders

Part I  -  Paul's words to Timothy and Titus about the elder's family

Part II  -  The elder and his wife

2008

Growing People through the Word  -  Three-fold cooperation between the speaker, the hearer, and the Lord.

Ownership in the Church  -  Helping people make the transition from visitors to committed servants