What should the elders do when they gather?
- Pray for and care for one another, and pray for and discuss the spiritual state of every church member by name according to some system. This will ensure the elders are caring for all the flock (Acts 20:28).
- Spend time on the difficult cases. That is, they should care for the one sheep at risk who has begun to stray from the 99. This involves discussing and praying for the individual (Luke 15:4). It may also involve meeting with the at-risk sheep for prayer, encouragement, and sometimes warning.
- Discuss and pray over matters of general oversight within the church: staff issues, the church’s budget, starting and stopping significant ministries, and so on.
- Pray over and discuss any particular needs and opportunities. What are some pressing burdens affecting the church as a whole right now? What are some upcoming opportunities that elders can prayerfully consider and plan for?
- Discuss and pray about men who could possibly be raised up as new elders.
- Discuss and develop a common mind on matters of practical theology, such as divorce and remarriage, dating and courtship, and so on. Elders should have a common position on disputed issues that have significant pastoral implications.
- Develop a common mind about ministry opportunities peculiar to a church’s resources and context. Is your congregation generally rich or poor? Literate or non-literate? Urban or rural? Think together about how to best minister in your particular context.
- In some way, pray for particular individuals in person who are sick or in need. Invite them to your meeting, counsel and encourage them, and pray for them in person (James 5:14).
