Elder Training

Lessons in Shepherding 1: God, Moses, and David
by Paul Alexander

Lessons in Shepherding 2: Jeremiah and Ezekiel
by Paul Alexander

Lessons in Shepherding 3: The Gospels
by Paul Alexander

Lessons in Shepherding 4: Acts, 1 Peter, and Revelation
by Paul Alexander

Book Review: God’s Potters: Pastoral Leadership and the Shaping of Congregations, by Jackson W. Carroll
by Jonathan Leeman

Book Review: Shepherds After My Heart: Pastoral Traditions and Leadership in the Bible, by Timothy S. Laniak
by Jonathan Leeman

Book Review: Called to the Ministry, by Edmund P. Clowney
by Ken Barbic

Living with Elders

Ninth Mark of a Healthy Church Member—Follows Leadership
by Thabiti Anyabwile

Disagreements and Differences Among Elders
with Matt Schmucker

An Elders Forum
with Various Contributors

Caring for the Pastor: The Sabbatical
by Matt Schmucker

Editor’s Note:

This fall I read Timothy Laniak’s book Shepherds After My Own Heart, which provides an excellent biblical theology of the shepherding metaphor throughout Scripture (my review of the book below). While reading, I kept thinking that he needed to turn it into a study guide for elders. I even thought about emailing Professor Laniak—whom I don’t know—with my stellar suggestion.

Paul Alexander made this email unnecessary. Gladly stealing the fruit of Laniak’s careful study, Pastor Alexander translated Laniak’s book into four separate lessons for the elders of his own church, which we reproduce here for you. Alexander’s lessons were not written with a web audience in mind. They are long and full of Scripture. Pastor, let me recommend printing them out, and reading them meditatively. Then send them to your fellow elders. They describe the heart of what God has called all of you to be.

As long as we’re talking about training elders, take a look at what First Presbyterian in Jackson does, as well as what Bill Mounce has to offer.

Matt Schmucker and the other elders at Capitol Hill Baptist offer several reflections on living and surviving as an elder amidst the many difficulties of the work. Finally, Thabiti Anyabwile’s article on following leaders, I believe, is worth cutting and pasting into one of your church newsletters. It will serve you, the congregation, and the glory of God. You’ll see what I mean.

—Jonathan Leeman