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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.
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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?”
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Responses | Author | Created Date |
---|---|---|
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 |
in charge, decision maker, captain, visionary, organizer, motivator. | drtriplettpmh@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
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Responses | Author | Created Date |
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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. 6. (If the chairperson) Commit to requesting reports well ahead of meetings, preparing, and sending in advance the agenda, minutes, and all reports to those responsible for attending the meeting. 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. 6. Commit as a board to getting together one Sunday evening per month for calling to make appointments for home visits to members. PLUS: | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
I just made a pastoral visit to an elderly lady at our church who has been having heart issues and surgeries. She's been a bit discouraged by the whole situation. She is a believer, but she's been going through a tough time. When I came into her house, her sister was there to help her out. So I spent a few minutes talking to both of them and getting to know her sister from out of state. We talked about family and politics, since the RNC has been going on. I then mentioned that I should get going soon, and asked if I could share a brief devotion. I read her 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:9. I then shared some of my own reflections on those verses. That despite all we're going through, we shouldn't loose heart, because as 4:16 says, "Though our outer-self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." And vs 17 says, "this light and momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." I encouraged her to keep her eyes on Jesus as she goes through these trials and difficulties. Ultimately he will wipe away every tear in heaven, and we will be with Him forever as he takes away all sickness, death, and suffering. That will be greater than anything we experience, and completely worth it all. After I shared, and she made a few comments. A few tears were shed. I offered to pray for her. So I asked the Lord to encourage and strengthen her in the middle of her health issues. Then I ended, said my goodbyes, and left. | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
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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 |
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<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/>6. (If the chairperson) Commit to requesting reports well ahead of meetings, preparing, and sending in advance the agenda, minutes, and all reports to those responsible for attending the meeting. <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/>6. Commit as a board to getting together one Sunday evening per month for calling to make appointments for home visits to members. <br/> PLUS: </span> | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
I just made a pastoral visit to an elderly lady at our church who has been having heart issues and surgeries. She's been a bit discouraged by the whole situation. She is a believer, but she's been going through a tough time. When I came into her house, her sister was there to help her out. So I spent a few minutes talking to both of them and getting to know her sister from out of state. We talked about family and politics, since the RNC has been going on. I then mentioned that I should get going soon, and asked if I could share a brief devotion. I read her 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:9. I then shared some of my own reflections on those verses. That despite all we're going through, we shouldn't loose heart, because as 4:16 says, "Though our outer-self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." And vs 17 says, "this light and momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." I encouraged her to keep her eyes on Jesus as she goes through these trials and difficulties. Ultimately he will wipe away every tear in heaven, and we will be with Him forever as he takes away all sickness, death, and suffering. That will be greater than anything we experience, and completely worth it all. After I shared, and she made a few comments. A few tears were shed. I offered to pray for her. So I asked the Lord to encourage and strengthen her in the middle of her health issues. Then I ended, said my goodbyes, and left. | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
My senior pastor and elders. | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
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 |
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<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/>6. (If the chairperson) Commit to requesting reports well ahead of meetings, preparing, and sending in advance the agenda, minutes, and all reports to those responsible for attending the meeting. <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/>6. Commit as a board to getting together one Sunday evening per month for calling to make appointments for home visits to members. <br/> PLUS: </span> | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
I just made a pastoral visit to an elderly lady at our church who has been having heart issues and surgeries. She's been a bit discouraged by the whole situation. She is a believer, but she's been going through a tough time. When I came into her house, her sister was there to help her out. So I spent a few minutes talking to both of them and getting to know her sister from out of state. We talked about family and politics, since the RNC has been going on. I then mentioned that I should get going soon, and asked if I could share a brief devotion. I read her 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:9. I then shared some of my own reflections on those verses. That despite all we're going through, we shouldn't loose heart, because as 4:16 says, "Though our outer-self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." And vs 17 says, "this light and momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." I encouraged her to keep her eyes on Jesus as she goes through these trials and difficulties. Ultimately he will wipe away every tear in heaven, and we will be with Him forever as he takes away all sickness, death, and suffering. That will be greater than anything we experience, and completely worth it all. After I shared, and she made a few comments. A few tears were shed. I offered to pray for her. So I asked the Lord to encourage and strengthen her in the middle of her health issues. Then I ended, said my goodbyes, and left. | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
My senior pastor and elders. | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
Noting verse 16, in what two areas does St. Paul urge leaders to persevere? Which is most important? Why?
Responses | Author | Created Date |
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<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/>6. (If the chairperson) Commit to requesting reports well ahead of meetings, preparing, and sending in advance the agenda, minutes, and all reports to those responsible for attending the meeting. <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/>6. Commit as a board to getting together one Sunday evening per month for calling to make appointments for home visits to members. <br/> PLUS: </span> | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
I just made a pastoral visit to an elderly lady at our church who has been having heart issues and surgeries. She's been a bit discouraged by the whole situation. She is a believer, but she's been going through a tough time. When I came into her house, her sister was there to help her out. So I spent a few minutes talking to both of them and getting to know her sister from out of state. We talked about family and politics, since the RNC has been going on. I then mentioned that I should get going soon, and asked if I could share a brief devotion. I read her 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:9. I then shared some of my own reflections on those verses. That despite all we're going through, we shouldn't loose heart, because as 4:16 says, "Though our outer-self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." And vs 17 says, "this light and momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." I encouraged her to keep her eyes on Jesus as she goes through these trials and difficulties. Ultimately he will wipe away every tear in heaven, and we will be with Him forever as he takes away all sickness, death, and suffering. That will be greater than anything we experience, and completely worth it all. After I shared, and she made a few comments. A few tears were shed. I offered to pray for her. So I asked the Lord to encourage and strengthen her in the middle of her health issues. Then I ended, said my goodbyes, and left. | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
My senior pastor and elders. | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
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 ",")
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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 |
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<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/>6. (If the chairperson) Commit to requesting reports well ahead of meetings, preparing, and sending in advance the agenda, minutes, and all reports to those responsible for attending the meeting. <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/>6. Commit as a board to getting together one Sunday evening per month for calling to make appointments for home visits to members. <br/> PLUS: </span> | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
I just made a pastoral visit to an elderly lady at our church who has been having heart issues and surgeries. She's been a bit discouraged by the whole situation. She is a believer, but she's been going through a tough time. When I came into her house, her sister was there to help her out. So I spent a few minutes talking to both of them and getting to know her sister from out of state. We talked about family and politics, since the RNC has been going on. I then mentioned that I should get going soon, and asked if I could share a brief devotion. I read her 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:9. I then shared some of my own reflections on those verses. That despite all we're going through, we shouldn't loose heart, because as 4:16 says, "Though our outer-self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." And vs 17 says, "this light and momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." I encouraged her to keep her eyes on Jesus as she goes through these trials and difficulties. Ultimately he will wipe away every tear in heaven, and we will be with Him forever as he takes away all sickness, death, and suffering. That will be greater than anything we experience, and completely worth it all. After I shared, and she made a few comments. A few tears were shed. I offered to pray for her. So I asked the Lord to encourage and strengthen her in the middle of her health issues. Then I ended, said my goodbyes, and left. | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
My senior pastor and elders. | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
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. 6. (If the chairperson) Commit to requesting reports well ahead of meetings, preparing, and sending in advance the agenda, minutes, and all reports to those responsible for attending the meeting. 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. 6. Commit as a board to getting together one Sunday evening per month for calling to make appointments for home visits to members. PLUS: | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
I just made a pastoral visit to an elderly lady at our church who has been having heart issues and surgeries. She's been a bit discouraged by the whole situation. She is a believer, but she's been going through a tough time. When I came into her house, her sister was there to help her out. So I spent a few minutes talking to both of them and getting to know her sister from out of state. We talked about family and politics, since the RNC has been going on. I then mentioned that I should get going soon, and asked if I could share a brief devotion. I read her 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:9. I then shared some of my own reflections on those verses. That despite all we're going through, we shouldn't loose heart, because as 4:16 says, "Though our outer-self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." And vs 17 says, "this light and momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." I encouraged her to keep her eyes on Jesus as she goes through these trials and difficulties. Ultimately he will wipe away every tear in heaven, and we will be with Him forever as he takes away all sickness, death, and suffering. That will be greater than anything we experience, and completely worth it all. After I shared, and she made a few comments. A few tears were shed. I offered to pray for her. So I asked the Lord to encourage and strengthen her in the middle of her health issues. Then I ended, said my goodbyes, and left. | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
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 |
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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. 6. (If the chairperson) Commit to requesting reports well ahead of meetings, preparing, and sending in advance the agenda, minutes, and all reports to those responsible for attending the meeting. 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. 6. Commit as a board to getting together one Sunday evening per month for calling to make appointments for home visits to members. PLUS: | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
I just made a pastoral visit to an elderly lady at our church who has been having heart issues and surgeries. She's been a bit discouraged by the whole situation. She is a believer, but she's been going through a tough time. When I came into her house, her sister was there to help her out. So I spent a few minutes talking to both of them and getting to know her sister from out of state. We talked about family and politics, since the RNC has been going on. I then mentioned that I should get going soon, and asked if I could share a brief devotion. I read her 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:9. I then shared some of my own reflections on those verses. That despite all we're going through, we shouldn't loose heart, because as 4:16 says, "Though our outer-self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." And vs 17 says, "this light and momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." I encouraged her to keep her eyes on Jesus as she goes through these trials and difficulties. Ultimately he will wipe away every tear in heaven, and we will be with Him forever as he takes away all sickness, death, and suffering. That will be greater than anything we experience, and completely worth it all. After I shared, and she made a few comments. A few tears were shed. I offered to pray for her. So I asked the Lord to encourage and strengthen her in the middle of her health issues. Then I ended, said my goodbyes, and left. | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
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 |
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<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/>6. (If the chairperson) Commit to requesting reports well ahead of meetings, preparing, and sending in advance the agenda, minutes, and all reports to those responsible for attending the meeting. <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/>6. Commit as a board to getting together one Sunday evening per month for calling to make appointments for home visits to members. <br/> PLUS: </span> | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
I just made a pastoral visit to an elderly lady at our church who has been having heart issues and surgeries. She's been a bit discouraged by the whole situation. She is a believer, but she's been going through a tough time. When I came into her house, her sister was there to help her out. So I spent a few minutes talking to both of them and getting to know her sister from out of state. We talked about family and politics, since the RNC has been going on. I then mentioned that I should get going soon, and asked if I could share a brief devotion. I read her 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:9. I then shared some of my own reflections on those verses. That despite all we're going through, we shouldn't loose heart, because as 4:16 says, "Though our outer-self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." And vs 17 says, "this light and momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." I encouraged her to keep her eyes on Jesus as she goes through these trials and difficulties. Ultimately he will wipe away every tear in heaven, and we will be with Him forever as he takes away all sickness, death, and suffering. That will be greater than anything we experience, and completely worth it all. After I shared, and she made a few comments. A few tears were shed. I offered to pray for her. So I asked the Lord to encourage and strengthen her in the middle of her health issues. Then I ended, said my goodbyes, and left. | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
My senior pastor and elders. | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
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 |
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<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/>6. (If the chairperson) Commit to requesting reports well ahead of meetings, preparing, and sending in advance the agenda, minutes, and all reports to those responsible for attending the meeting. <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/>6. Commit as a board to getting together one Sunday evening per month for calling to make appointments for home visits to members. <br/> PLUS: </span> | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
I just made a pastoral visit to an elderly lady at our church who has been having heart issues and surgeries. She's been a bit discouraged by the whole situation. She is a believer, but she's been going through a tough time. When I came into her house, her sister was there to help her out. So I spent a few minutes talking to both of them and getting to know her sister from out of state. We talked about family and politics, since the RNC has been going on. I then mentioned that I should get going soon, and asked if I could share a brief devotion. I read her 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:9. I then shared some of my own reflections on those verses. That despite all we're going through, we shouldn't loose heart, because as 4:16 says, "Though our outer-self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." And vs 17 says, "this light and momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." I encouraged her to keep her eyes on Jesus as she goes through these trials and difficulties. Ultimately he will wipe away every tear in heaven, and we will be with Him forever as he takes away all sickness, death, and suffering. That will be greater than anything we experience, and completely worth it all. After I shared, and she made a few comments. A few tears were shed. I offered to pray for her. So I asked the Lord to encourage and strengthen her in the middle of her health issues. Then I ended, said my goodbyes, and left. | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
My senior pastor and elders. | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
10.
How does this sample board agenda compare to a typical agenda for your board meetings?
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After you answer this question, we'll explore a recommended agenda!
Elder Board Agenda
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Opening devotion (led by pastor)
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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
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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 |
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<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/>6. (If the chairperson) Commit to requesting reports well ahead of meetings, preparing, and sending in advance the agenda, minutes, and all reports to those responsible for attending the meeting. <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/>6. Commit as a board to getting together one Sunday evening per month for calling to make appointments for home visits to members. <br/> PLUS: </span> | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
I just made a pastoral visit to an elderly lady at our church who has been having heart issues and surgeries. She's been a bit discouraged by the whole situation. She is a believer, but she's been going through a tough time. When I came into her house, her sister was there to help her out. So I spent a few minutes talking to both of them and getting to know her sister from out of state. We talked about family and politics, since the RNC has been going on. I then mentioned that I should get going soon, and asked if I could share a brief devotion. I read her 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:9. I then shared some of my own reflections on those verses. That despite all we're going through, we shouldn't loose heart, because as 4:16 says, "Though our outer-self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." And vs 17 says, "this light and momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." I encouraged her to keep her eyes on Jesus as she goes through these trials and difficulties. Ultimately he will wipe away every tear in heaven, and we will be with Him forever as he takes away all sickness, death, and suffering. That will be greater than anything we experience, and completely worth it all. After I shared, and she made a few comments. A few tears were shed. I offered to pray for her. So I asked the Lord to encourage and strengthen her in the middle of her health issues. Then I ended, said my goodbyes, and left. | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
My senior pastor and elders. | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
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
ā
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/>6. (If the chairperson) Commit to requesting reports well ahead of meetings, preparing, and sending in advance the agenda, minutes, and all reports to those responsible for attending the meeting. <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/>6. Commit as a board to getting together one Sunday evening per month for calling to make appointments for home visits to members. <br/> PLUS: </span> | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
I just made a pastoral visit to an elderly lady at our church who has been having heart issues and surgeries. She's been a bit discouraged by the whole situation. She is a believer, but she's been going through a tough time. When I came into her house, her sister was there to help her out. So I spent a few minutes talking to both of them and getting to know her sister from out of state. We talked about family and politics, since the RNC has been going on. I then mentioned that I should get going soon, and asked if I could share a brief devotion. I read her 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:9. I then shared some of my own reflections on those verses. That despite all we're going through, we shouldn't loose heart, because as 4:16 says, "Though our outer-self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." And vs 17 says, "this light and momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." I encouraged her to keep her eyes on Jesus as she goes through these trials and difficulties. Ultimately he will wipe away every tear in heaven, and we will be with Him forever as he takes away all sickness, death, and suffering. That will be greater than anything we experience, and completely worth it all. After I shared, and she made a few comments. A few tears were shed. I offered to pray for her. So I asked the Lord to encourage and strengthen her in the middle of her health issues. Then I ended, said my goodbyes, and left. | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
My senior pastor and elders. | nathanielcnash@gmail.com | 07/19/2024 |
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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