Digital Logos Edition
Healthy congregations require healthy leadership. Without healthy leadership, the odds of a congregation growing spiritually, let alone numerically, are greatly diminished. The principal concern of this series is to facilitate healthy leadership for a healthy congregational life. The four volumes in this collection parallel the four basic components of Christian leadership:
These useful study guides use practical and academic insights to provide a “manual” to eldership. Each chapter in each volume is intentionally brief and includes reflective questions for reflection, discussion, and application, making this series perfect for individual or elder group study.
In the Logos Bible Software edition, all Scripture passages are tagged to the original language texts or your preferred English translation. You can perform powerful searches by topic and find what other authors, scholars, and theologians have to say, making this collection ideal for discovering the elder’s roles.
I’m anxious for each of our elders to read this series and talk about the implications. These books will truly be used of God to equip our congregational leaders to be ready for the role they have been assigned. But as the authors remind us, transformation of our elders must begin individually in the heart of each. I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in mind to transform our churches throughout this series of books. I’ve known Jim Estep, David Roadcup, and Gary Johnson for years. Their integrity makes the lessons and insights come alive even more. A huge thank you for tackling a topic we all think we know so much about and yet I feel that, through these publications, we will be given the knowledge to help open the door to the great power of scriptural eldership.
—Dave Stone, senior pastor, Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, KY, from the foreword of Reflect His Character
The authenticity and effectiveness of a local church is in direct proportion to the spiritual maturity, skills, and commitment of its leaders, especially its elders. Therefore, selecting, training, supporting, challenging, and equipping elders in every way must be a highest priority in every congregation. . . . I want to commend Jim, Dave, and Gary and the good work they have done through these four volumes. Every elder in the church should purchase and read these works. As the leadership of any church goes, so goes the church. Elders who use these volumes will be better prepared to lead the body of Christ. I highly recommend these works . . .
—Joe Scott Ellis, distinguished professor of practical ministries, Cincinnati Bible Seminary, from the foreword of Enjoy His People
In Answer His Call, the divine call of the elder to serve as a leader within the congregation is addressed. This volume
James Estep, David Roadcup, and Gary Johnson have the theological credentials and practical experience to shed some light on how God intended His church to be shepherded. Jesus Christ is still the only hope of the world, the church is still His body on the earth, elders are still the pastors of His flock and the time in which we live demand the best we can give. So study and implement the principles set forth in this book so the church can be as the Lord intended it to be—a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
—From the foreword by Bob Russell, retired pastor, Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, KY
Reflect His Character addresses the character of an elder as a leader in the congregation and community. This volume asserts the necessity of a Christian mind among the eldership—one that has been transformed by Christ and no longer conforms to the world’s pattern. It addresses the spiritual lives of elders, asking them to reflect a growing relationship with God. Reflect His Character provides insight on protecting your character—how to avoid burnout or spiritual and moral failure—and addresses ways you can restore your character and the character of others. Finally, it discusses the value and importance of having elders spiritually and pastorally accountable to each other.
Lead His Church addresses the skills or competencies of an elder as a leader in the congregation and community. This volume addresses the internal growth of a leader, enabling the elder to become an effective teacher. It analyzes two critical leadership skills for elders: decision making and strategic planning. Lead His Church explains the much-needed art of mentoring and discipling, and highlights the significance of the elder’s ministry of shepherding and providing godly counsel. The volume closes by addressing an oft-neglected dimension of an elder’s work: the necessity of church discipline.
These writers offer us sound teaching concerning the training of elders and other church leaders. Their writing provides us with a valuable course of study for this endeavor. They present some fine, basic resource material for the church that desires to break away from old traditions and return to the older traditional leadership of nearly two thousand years ago. We must remember that a return to New Testament leadership will propel our congregations into New Testament evangelism, discipleship, and service. . . . Nearly every main point is backed up with quote after quote from the Bible. No one can accuse them of serving up their own ideas and opinions.
—From the foreword by Ben Merold, senior minister, Harvester Christian Church, St. Charles, MO
Relationships are not only a natural part of life, but a necessity for serving in a congregation. Learning to live in community and enjoying the relationships into which God has called you will enable you to serve as an elder and leader within your congregation. Enjoy His People takes a look at the critical necessity of relationships in the life of an elder.
Jim Estep is a professor of Christian education at Lincoln Christian University Seminary in Lincoln, Illinois.
David Roadcup is the director of the Center for Church Advancement at Cincinnati Christian University.
Gary Johnson is the senior minister of Indian Creek Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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