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1. Congregational Leadership from a Spiritual Perspective
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Congregations possess certain characteristics similar to worldly organizations. For example, they may own valuable assets. They may receive financial revenues, employ people and pay salaries and other expenses. They benefit their communities by extending aid to those in need.
Nevertheless, these do not define what churches are all about. The earthly organizational attributes must not overshadow the spiritual responsibilities of churches and their elected leaders. The church is unlike any other organization on earth. Thus, those chosen to lead her need to be uniquely qualified.
This section summarizes some of the principles and provides discussion questions from Chapter 9 “Not Just Another Organization” (Built on the Rock, pages 158-172).
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Leadership is vital in any organization. The term “leader” can be described in a number of ways. What are some common one-word descriptions that come to mind when you hear the term “leader?”
When presented with an input box like this with a "Submit to Conversation" button, simply type your answer and press "submit". Your answer, along with answers from others in your group will then be shown to you.
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Responses | Author | Created Date |
|---|---|---|
path-setter, direction-finder, task-master | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
Guide, Shepherd, Instructor, Influential, Wise, Servant, Helpful | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/12/2024 |
Sacrifice, courage, humility, forgiveness, love. | pastorjgraber@gmail.com | 04/09/2024 |
Guide, Shepherd, Instructor, Influential, Wise, Servant, Helpful | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 10/25/2023 |
2.
While churches sometimes ask members to serve leadership positions without other qualification, the Bible identifies key characteristics for those appointed to serve as leaders in the church. From the following passages, indicate what leaders are referenced and identify some of the qualifications listed.
1 Timothy 3:1-7
Acts 6:2-4
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Curious about these scriptures highlighted in blue? Click them! A popup will appear with that passage.
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Responses | Author | Created Date |
|---|---|---|
1. Commit to regularly attending Bible study. 2. Commit to personal daily devotions. 3. Commit to personally visiting members in my assigned zone of responsibility. 4. Preparing one or more devotions that I can use in my home visits. 5. (If not the chairperson) Commit to preparing any reports for my board and sending them to the chairperson at the time requested. 1. Commit at least 30 minutes per meeting for studying the Word together as a board. 2. Commit at least 15 minutes per meeting for prayer together as a board. Each board person will pray for someone in his/her zone. 3. Commit to praying for our pastor(s) in his(their) presence during board meetings. 4. Commit to reviewing all reports between meetings so that our time together can be better spent discussing and making decisions. 5. Commit to organizing our board so that every member is visited regularly every year. PLUS: | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
From Treasury of Daily Prayer, CPH. August 2nd: NT Reading- Acts 26:24-27:8, Meditation- SD Formula of Concord II 20-22, 24, Prayer- Lord Jesus Christ, before whom all in heaven and earth shall bow, ... You and the HS live and reign, one God now and forever. Amen. (#111) | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
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3.
In light of the fact that all men are sinful (Romans 3:10-12), how would you define “above reproach” in 1 Timothy 3:2? (Consider 1 John 1:8-10 for part of your answer.)
Responses | Author | Created Date |
|---|---|---|
<span style="font-size: 1.5em">1. Commit to regularly attending Bible study. <br/>2. Commit to personal daily devotions. <br/>3. Commit to personally visiting members in my assigned zone of responsibility. <br/>4. Preparing one or more devotions that I can use in my home visits. <br/>5. (If not the chairperson) Commit to preparing any reports for my board and sending them to the chairperson at the time requested. <br/>1. Commit at least 30 minutes per meeting for studying the Word together as a board. <br/>2. Commit at least 15 minutes per meeting for prayer together as a board. Each board person will pray for someone in his/her zone. <br/>3. Commit to praying for our pastor(s) in his(their) presence during board meetings. <br/>4. Commit to reviewing all reports between meetings so that our time together can be better spent discussing and making decisions. <br/>5. Commit to organizing our board so that every member is visited regularly every year. <br/> PLUS: </span> | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
From Treasury of Daily Prayer, CPH. August 2nd: NT Reading- Acts 26:24-27:8, Meditation- SD Formula of Concord II 20-22, 24, Prayer- Lord Jesus Christ, before whom all in heaven and earth shall bow, ... You and the HS live and reign, one God now and forever. Amen. (#111) | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
none currently. Elders to work with pastor to develop steps/recommendations | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
4.
Read 1 Timothy 4:11-16. In verse 12, Paul instructs Timothy to set an example for the believers. Provide three examples of how this might be applied today in any of the areas of speech, conduct, love, faith or purity.
Responses | Author | Created Date |
|---|---|---|
<span style="font-size: 1.5em">1. Commit to regularly attending Bible study. <br/>2. Commit to personal daily devotions. <br/>3. Commit to personally visiting members in my assigned zone of responsibility. <br/>4. Preparing one or more devotions that I can use in my home visits. <br/>5. (If not the chairperson) Commit to preparing any reports for my board and sending them to the chairperson at the time requested. <br/>1. Commit at least 30 minutes per meeting for studying the Word together as a board. <br/>2. Commit at least 15 minutes per meeting for prayer together as a board. Each board person will pray for someone in his/her zone. <br/>3. Commit to praying for our pastor(s) in his(their) presence during board meetings. <br/>4. Commit to reviewing all reports between meetings so that our time together can be better spent discussing and making decisions. <br/>5. Commit to organizing our board so that every member is visited regularly every year. <br/> PLUS: </span> | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
From Treasury of Daily Prayer, CPH. August 2nd: NT Reading- Acts 26:24-27:8, Meditation- SD Formula of Concord II 20-22, 24, Prayer- Lord Jesus Christ, before whom all in heaven and earth shall bow, ... You and the HS live and reign, one God now and forever. Amen. (#111) | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
none currently. Elders to work with pastor to develop steps/recommendations | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
Noting verse 16, in what two areas does St. Paul urge leaders to persevere? Which is most important? Why?
Responses | Author | Created Date |
|---|---|---|
<span style="font-size: 1.5em">1. Commit to regularly attending Bible study. <br/>2. Commit to personal daily devotions. <br/>3. Commit to personally visiting members in my assigned zone of responsibility. <br/>4. Preparing one or more devotions that I can use in my home visits. <br/>5. (If not the chairperson) Commit to preparing any reports for my board and sending them to the chairperson at the time requested. <br/>1. Commit at least 30 minutes per meeting for studying the Word together as a board. <br/>2. Commit at least 15 minutes per meeting for prayer together as a board. Each board person will pray for someone in his/her zone. <br/>3. Commit to praying for our pastor(s) in his(their) presence during board meetings. <br/>4. Commit to reviewing all reports between meetings so that our time together can be better spent discussing and making decisions. <br/>5. Commit to organizing our board so that every member is visited regularly every year. <br/> PLUS: </span> | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
From Treasury of Daily Prayer, CPH. August 2nd: NT Reading- Acts 26:24-27:8, Meditation- SD Formula of Concord II 20-22, 24, Prayer- Lord Jesus Christ, before whom all in heaven and earth shall bow, ... You and the HS live and reign, one God now and forever. Amen. (#111) | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
none currently. Elders to work with pastor to develop steps/recommendations | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
5.
Church leaders face numerous challenges. What frustrates you most in your service as a church leader? (List as many as you can - separating your answers with a comma ",")
Later on, you will see the list you and others have identified. You’ll be asked to apply what you learn from the next two questions to the list.
Responses | Author | Created Date |
|---|---|---|
<span style="font-size: 1.5em">1. Commit to regularly attending Bible study. <br/>2. Commit to personal daily devotions. <br/>3. Commit to personally visiting members in my assigned zone of responsibility. <br/>4. Preparing one or more devotions that I can use in my home visits. <br/>5. (If not the chairperson) Commit to preparing any reports for my board and sending them to the chairperson at the time requested. <br/>1. Commit at least 30 minutes per meeting for studying the Word together as a board. <br/>2. Commit at least 15 minutes per meeting for prayer together as a board. Each board person will pray for someone in his/her zone. <br/>3. Commit to praying for our pastor(s) in his(their) presence during board meetings. <br/>4. Commit to reviewing all reports between meetings so that our time together can be better spent discussing and making decisions. <br/>5. Commit to organizing our board so that every member is visited regularly every year. <br/> PLUS: </span> | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
From Treasury of Daily Prayer, CPH. August 2nd: NT Reading- Acts 26:24-27:8, Meditation- SD Formula of Concord II 20-22, 24, Prayer- Lord Jesus Christ, before whom all in heaven and earth shall bow, ... You and the HS live and reign, one God now and forever. Amen. (#111) | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
none currently. Elders to work with pastor to develop steps/recommendations | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
6.
Considering the following verses, what do you believe church leaders should be doing in providing spiritual leadership?
Joshua 1:8
Acts 2:42
Colossians 3:16
Responses | Author | Created Date |
|---|---|---|
1. Commit to regularly attending Bible study. 2. Commit to personal daily devotions. 3. Commit to personally visiting members in my assigned zone of responsibility. 4. Preparing one or more devotions that I can use in my home visits. 5. (If not the chairperson) Commit to preparing any reports for my board and sending them to the chairperson at the time requested. 1. Commit at least 30 minutes per meeting for studying the Word together as a board. 2. Commit at least 15 minutes per meeting for prayer together as a board. Each board person will pray for someone in his/her zone. 3. Commit to praying for our pastor(s) in his(their) presence during board meetings. 4. Commit to reviewing all reports between meetings so that our time together can be better spent discussing and making decisions. 5. Commit to organizing our board so that every member is visited regularly every year. PLUS: | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
From Treasury of Daily Prayer, CPH. August 2nd: NT Reading- Acts 26:24-27:8, Meditation- SD Formula of Concord II 20-22, 24, Prayer- Lord Jesus Christ, before whom all in heaven and earth shall bow, ... You and the HS live and reign, one God now and forever. Amen. (#111) | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
7.
What do the following verses suggest that church leaders should be doing in providing church leadership?
Philippians 4:6
1 Timothy 2:1-2
James 5:16
Responses | Author | Created Date |
|---|---|---|
1. Commit to regularly attending Bible study. 2. Commit to personal daily devotions. 3. Commit to personally visiting members in my assigned zone of responsibility. 4. Preparing one or more devotions that I can use in my home visits. 5. (If not the chairperson) Commit to preparing any reports for my board and sending them to the chairperson at the time requested. 1. Commit at least 30 minutes per meeting for studying the Word together as a board. 2. Commit at least 15 minutes per meeting for prayer together as a board. Each board person will pray for someone in his/her zone. 3. Commit to praying for our pastor(s) in his(their) presence during board meetings. 4. Commit to reviewing all reports between meetings so that our time together can be better spent discussing and making decisions. 5. Commit to organizing our board so that every member is visited regularly every year. PLUS: | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
From Treasury of Daily Prayer, CPH. August 2nd: NT Reading- Acts 26:24-27:8, Meditation- SD Formula of Concord II 20-22, 24, Prayer- Lord Jesus Christ, before whom all in heaven and earth shall bow, ... You and the HS live and reign, one God now and forever. Amen. (#111) | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
8.
On the blackboard, we captured the frustrations you and others in your group shared in question 5. Check the responses that have a significant spiritual component. Note what percentage of your collective answers have a significant spiritual component.
100% have spiritual component
Responses | Author | Created Date |
|---|---|---|
<span style="font-size: 1.5em">1. Commit to regularly attending Bible study. <br/>2. Commit to personal daily devotions. <br/>3. Commit to personally visiting members in my assigned zone of responsibility. <br/>4. Preparing one or more devotions that I can use in my home visits. <br/>5. (If not the chairperson) Commit to preparing any reports for my board and sending them to the chairperson at the time requested. <br/>1. Commit at least 30 minutes per meeting for studying the Word together as a board. <br/>2. Commit at least 15 minutes per meeting for prayer together as a board. Each board person will pray for someone in his/her zone. <br/>3. Commit to praying for our pastor(s) in his(their) presence during board meetings. <br/>4. Commit to reviewing all reports between meetings so that our time together can be better spent discussing and making decisions. <br/>5. Commit to organizing our board so that every member is visited regularly every year. <br/> PLUS: </span> | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
From Treasury of Daily Prayer, CPH. August 2nd: NT Reading- Acts 26:24-27:8, Meditation- SD Formula of Concord II 20-22, 24, Prayer- Lord Jesus Christ, before whom all in heaven and earth shall bow, ... You and the HS live and reign, one God now and forever. Amen. (#111) | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
none currently. Elders to work with pastor to develop steps/recommendations | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
9.
In light of your answers to questions 6, 7 & 8 above, what does that suggest to you about being a spiritual leader?
Responses | Author | Created Date |
|---|---|---|
<span style="font-size: 1.5em">1. Commit to regularly attending Bible study. <br/>2. Commit to personal daily devotions. <br/>3. Commit to personally visiting members in my assigned zone of responsibility. <br/>4. Preparing one or more devotions that I can use in my home visits. <br/>5. (If not the chairperson) Commit to preparing any reports for my board and sending them to the chairperson at the time requested. <br/>1. Commit at least 30 minutes per meeting for studying the Word together as a board. <br/>2. Commit at least 15 minutes per meeting for prayer together as a board. Each board person will pray for someone in his/her zone. <br/>3. Commit to praying for our pastor(s) in his(their) presence during board meetings. <br/>4. Commit to reviewing all reports between meetings so that our time together can be better spent discussing and making decisions. <br/>5. Commit to organizing our board so that every member is visited regularly every year. <br/> PLUS: </span> | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
From Treasury of Daily Prayer, CPH. August 2nd: NT Reading- Acts 26:24-27:8, Meditation- SD Formula of Concord II 20-22, 24, Prayer- Lord Jesus Christ, before whom all in heaven and earth shall bow, ... You and the HS live and reign, one God now and forever. Amen. (#111) | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
none currently. Elders to work with pastor to develop steps/recommendations | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
10.
How does this sample board agenda compare to a typical agenda for your board meetings?
After you answer this question, we'll explore a recommended agenda!
Elder Board Agenda
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Opening devotion (led by pastor)
-
Approval of minutes
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Pastor's report of official acts
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Putting out fires (discussing current crises)
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Old business
-
New business
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Elder's service schedule (for serving at worship services)
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Closing prayer (Lord's Prayer)
Responses | Author | Created Date |
|---|---|---|
<span style="font-size: 1.5em">1. Commit to regularly attending Bible study. <br/>2. Commit to personal daily devotions. <br/>3. Commit to personally visiting members in my assigned zone of responsibility. <br/>4. Preparing one or more devotions that I can use in my home visits. <br/>5. (If not the chairperson) Commit to preparing any reports for my board and sending them to the chairperson at the time requested. <br/>1. Commit at least 30 minutes per meeting for studying the Word together as a board. <br/>2. Commit at least 15 minutes per meeting for prayer together as a board. Each board person will pray for someone in his/her zone. <br/>3. Commit to praying for our pastor(s) in his(their) presence during board meetings. <br/>4. Commit to reviewing all reports between meetings so that our time together can be better spent discussing and making decisions. <br/>5. Commit to organizing our board so that every member is visited regularly every year. <br/> PLUS: </span> | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
From Treasury of Daily Prayer, CPH. August 2nd: NT Reading- Acts 26:24-27:8, Meditation- SD Formula of Concord II 20-22, 24, Prayer- Lord Jesus Christ, before whom all in heaven and earth shall bow, ... You and the HS live and reign, one God now and forever. Amen. (#111) | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
none currently. Elders to work with pastor to develop steps/recommendations | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
Let's estimate the time your board spends in prayer and devotion:
ALL CAPS TITLE
Now let's compare to a recommended agenda
(click here)
Board of Elders Agenda
Opening Devotion 10 minutes
Bible study 45 minutes (minimum;
sometimes more than
an hour)
Approval of minutes
Discussion on pastor’s report
Discussion on elder reports
Business to be considered
Questions on service schedule
Closing prayer 15 minutes minimum
(up to 25 minutes)
Total Number of Minutes/Meeting
in the Word & Prayer 70
Number of Meetings per year x 12
Total Number of Minutes/Year
in the Word & Prayer 840
Annual minimum of 14 hours
in prayer & God’s Word
11.
In light of the Scriptures you have reviewed regarding spiritual leadership, what changes would you make to your board’s agenda to reflect more focus on the Word and prayer?”
Responses | Author | Created Date |
|---|---|---|
<span style="font-size: 1.5em">1. Commit to regularly attending Bible study. <br/>2. Commit to personal daily devotions. <br/>3. Commit to personally visiting members in my assigned zone of responsibility. <br/>4. Preparing one or more devotions that I can use in my home visits. <br/>5. (If not the chairperson) Commit to preparing any reports for my board and sending them to the chairperson at the time requested. <br/>1. Commit at least 30 minutes per meeting for studying the Word together as a board. <br/>2. Commit at least 15 minutes per meeting for prayer together as a board. Each board person will pray for someone in his/her zone. <br/>3. Commit to praying for our pastor(s) in his(their) presence during board meetings. <br/>4. Commit to reviewing all reports between meetings so that our time together can be better spent discussing and making decisions. <br/>5. Commit to organizing our board so that every member is visited regularly every year. <br/> PLUS: </span> | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
From Treasury of Daily Prayer, CPH. August 2nd: NT Reading- Acts 26:24-27:8, Meditation- SD Formula of Concord II 20-22, 24, Prayer- Lord Jesus Christ, before whom all in heaven and earth shall bow, ... You and the HS live and reign, one God now and forever. Amen. (#111) | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
none currently. Elders to work with pastor to develop steps/recommendations | revtonyappel@gmail.com | 08/05/2025 |
If you increase time spent in Bible study and prayer, does that mean that you will have extra long meetings? That’s not necessary if you change the way you conduct business! See Lesson 2 for making your meetings meaningful and effective.
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