Elders

Episode 14: How the “Senior Pastor” Relates to Other Pastors

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 05.16.2017

If you’ve served in a church with a plurality of elders, then you’ve felt tension over questions about how the “senior” pastor relates to other pastors.

Nine Lessons for Pastors Facing Leadership Conflict

By Peter Hess | 05.08.2017

Two years into our church plant, we faced our first major crisis. Here are nine takeaway lessons on dealing with church conflict.

Lessons on Pastoring from Martin Bucer

By Eric Beach | 05.04.2017

Martin Bucer (1491–1551) isn’t as well known as John Calvin or Martin Luther, but during the 16th century Bucer’s writings and reform of the church in Strasbourg influenced many

Episode 12: On Small Groups

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 05.02.2017

These days, small groups are quite common. But are they enough for community and accountability? What’s the best way to do small groups such that they don’t interfere with the regular Sunday gathering?

No More Mr. Nice: Pastoral Reflections on Kindness

By Aaron Menikoff | 04.28.2017

Kindness may be one of the most overlooked pieces of the fruit of the Spirit. But it shouldn’t be, for it takes us to the very heart of the gospel.

Episode 11: On Being “Called” to Ministry

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 04.25.2017

Jonathan asked Mark about common misconceptions of pastoral calling, how pastors can cultivate an environment where callings get tested, and the role of the church throughout.

Episode 9: On the Use and Abuse of Authority

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 04.10.2017

Authority is God’s good and dangerous gift. Therefore, it’s important for pastors and church leaders to exercise their authority well, and in doing so image God.

Episode 8: What Makes a Good Pastor?

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 04.04.2017

How do we know what makes a good pastor? Jonathan chats with Mark about what a pastor is, and what it means to take a pastoral approach to Christian ministry.

Mailbag #57: Pastors’ Limited Authority; Nominating Elders Who Will Move Soon

By Jonathan Leeman | 03.24.2017

—Do the Scriptures obligate believers to follow their pastor so long as what he commands is not contravened by Scripture? —Should we nominate someone as an elder who will be leaving the church soon? »

Did Paul Prefer Singleness?

By Thomas R. Schreiner | 9Marks Journal: Pastoring Singles | 03.20.2017

Given the cultural climate in the United States, it’s surprising to see how positively Paul speaks about being single.

Can Single Men Serve as Elders?

By Andy Davis | 9Marks Journal: Pastoring Singles | 03.20.2017

Does “husband of one wife” disqualify single men from serving as elders?

Book Review: On Pastoring, by H. B. Charles

Review by Juan Sanchez | 03.09.2017

Have you ever wanted to sit down with a trusted pastor, ask lots of questions, and listen to the answers he’s gleaned over 25 years of pastoral ministry experience?

Episode 4: On Receiving Criticism as a Pastor

By J. Leeman, M. Dever | 03.07.2017

Jonathan sits down with Mark to chat about receiving criticism well, the dangers of avoiding criticism altogether, and how to build into a church structures that cultivate a culture of giving and receiving godly criticism.

Mailbag #53: Women Voting in Congregational Meetings; Pastoral Oversight and Youth Ministry

By Jonathan Leeman | 02.24.2017

— Does women voting in congregational gatherings violate 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 14? — How should children’s ministry relate to pastoral oversight?

Book Review: The Pastor as Public Theologian, by Kevin Vanhoozer and Owen Strachan

Review by Jeff Mooney | 02.23.2017

There’s nothing more theological than the practical shepherding of Christ’s people, and there’s nothing more practical than robust theological thinking and speaking to Christ’s people.