One of the exciting things at Redeemer right now is leadership development. Over the past few months we have worked hard at building processes through which we could take potential elders and deacons. In the case of our elder ministry we wound up with a six month “discovery and development” process that is designed to help participants gain a better understanding of the nature of pastoral ministry, their calling and giftedness, and the essential theological distinctives of our fellowship. Each month the men will be reading and reporting on relevant books. There will be instruction and dialogue on each given subject, as well as opportunities to see and practice ministry in action. In the case of reading material, we are using a range of books depending on each man’s background. There is much more to it all, but I can summarize each month’s emphasis this way:
Month One: Basic Ecclesiology.
What makes a biblical church? The ministry of elders and deacons. Redeemer’s vision, priorities and goals.
Month Two: Focused Ecclesiology.
The “missional” church. How Redeemer is seeking to be the missionary community to the Fox Valley.
Month Three: Personal Life.
A life of godliness and grace. Integrity in leadership.
Month Four: Focused Theology.
What do we mean by Reformed? Reformed theology and pastoral ministry.
Month Five: Focused Ministry Interest.
Concentration on the individual’s passion for ministry (preaching, worship, cultural exegesis, etc.).
Month Six: Gifts and Calling.
Each participant will articulate their understanding of their spiritual gift(s) and calling to ministry.
I would love to hear what other churches are doing/using for developing elders and deacons.
I am the Lead Pastor of Redeemer Fellowship; husband to Jen; Dad to Katherine, Elias, Madeline, and Kilian. If you're in town you can probably find me in the local coffee house or running through the neighborhoods.
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I have been wanting to do something similar at the new church that I am at. It is a fairly new church with not a lot of depth (compared to the good ‘ol baptist church I was at prior). I would be interested in seeing others interact in this and specifically if what the role a leader plays in our newer culture compared to previous.
I see for example, that you are starting off with some theology. Though you and I know theology is relevant, do you see it as an easy transition for growing (younger) leaders to grasp?
Theology is a built in value at Redeemer. So people that are being led into leadership already have a lot of exposure – though it is at different levels. In my experience when people see the relevance of doctrine (better knowledge of God = better experience of God) they want more. This is why we have alternate titles available for guys in different places during the process. This is very new for us as a process, so we’ll see how it unfolds.
Thanks for this practical outline on training leaders. What are some of the books that you are using? I particularly interested in what you are using in the area of Ecclesiology.
I like how you’ve organized your leadeship development process. It seems to cover the necessary stuff in a reasonable amount of time. Do you have the curriculum (books, articles, etc…) thought through as well, or is that pretty flexible based on who you have going through the process?
this looks great, Joe…I’m curious to see your booklist as well
Hey Guys – I’ll put up a booklist maybe tomorrow of some of the books we are using.
Also, I’d like to know how often you guys meet. Do you meet one on one and also in groups to discuss things?
it’s Sunday night … you mean you actually have something better to do that write a booklist?
~
Brad,
The group will gather once a month for a time of teaching and discussion. In between books are being read, papers written, and yeah I will meet with the guys one on one a few times.
train deacons? other than to show up once a month to hear a financial reports, reports from the ministry staff on what’s happening/happened, sing a hymn or two and maybe give thumbs up (cannot recall a thumbs down on anything presented) to a budget or such?
you’re teasing us out there that were elceted/get re-elected and pretty much just show up…(other than the hospital visit team, the homebound visit team and deliver bread to the first-time visitor team…all worth ministries but are the totality of deacon involvement in the leadership of the church).
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