Elders & Deacons in the Free Church

A Study Guide for

Office Bearers

Free Church of Scotland

Board of Ministry

This study guide is a resource for both existing and potential elders and deacons. Elders and deacons will benefit from a clear understanding of both offices and leadership in general. It could also be the basis for occasional training days, perhaps arranged on a presbytery basis.

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. (1984)

List of Contents

Page

Introduction: Why Bother? 3

1. Biblical Background to Church Leadership 4

2. Biblical Qualifications for Church Leadership 6

3. What does Biblical Church Leadership Look Like? 8

4. Leadership in Action: Getting the Work Done 11

5. Pastoral Care 14

6. Working with Small Groups 17

7. Discipleship and Mentoring 21

8. Accountability 26

Introduction: Why Bother?

Summary: Leadership Training is worth the effort because

Love for Christ moves us to sacrificial service

Love for the Church leads us to equip ourselves for leading the church

The Free Church needs to invest in training future leaders. Working through this book and discussing it with others will require time and effort. Our motivation for all forms of Christian service and commitment stems from our love for Christ. It is only as we appreciate the love and the beauty of Christ as it is revealed in the gospel that we will be moved to serve him and make the sacrifices of thanksgiving that service demands. Our love for Jesus also causes us to love his people and desire their joy and happiness. Loving the church means that when we are entrusted with leadership in the church we will look for those who are already leaders to equip us for the task. (Ephesians 4:11) Just as Jesus invested in preparing the disciples for future leadership so the Free Church recognises that it must invest itself in the future leaders of the church. There is no doubt that previously many of us entered into positions of biblical leadership without a full appreciation of what biblical leadership looks like and requires. Weak leadership has a very negative impact on the church. Godly leadership that is passionate for the gospel will be a great blessing to the church.

Study 1. Biblical Background to Church Leadership A. Elders in the Old Testament Look up Exodus 3:16, Numbers 11:25, Exodus 18:21, Deuteronomy 31:9-13. Many ancient societies accorded authority to those who by age or experience were the most suitable for that responsibility. In the Old Testament these men were known as elders – zaqen. What do the passages above teach us about the role of elders in the Old Testament? B. Church Office in the New Testament The role of the elder was adopted into the New Testament church and adapted to suit its needs. It is probable that the synagogue played an important role in this, for the function of the synagogue elders was to rule and oversee the congregation. The apostles saw themselves as elders, 1 Peter 5:1, 3 John:1, and they sought to pass on the office of elder to others who could care for the church. Discussion

1. The New Testament only recognises two offices in the church: what are they? Acts 20:17 & 28, Titus 1:5 & 7, 1 Peter 5:1 & 2. Acts 6:1-7, 1 Timothy 3:1-10.

2. Is this leadership individual or plural, corporate or hierarchical? Acts 14:23,

Acts 15:2, Acts 20:17, Philippians 1:1

3. The New Testament presents us with two types of elder although both were of the same status. These two types of elder are often know as teaching elders and ruling elders. What was the difference between them? What functions did they have? 1Timothy 5:17, Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11 and 1 Peter 5:1-7. (More information on this is given on page 9 in the paragraph Teaching Leadership.)

4. Deacons. Philippians 1:1 also indicates that each congregation had a plurality

of deacons. The office of deacon first arises in Acts 6:1-7. Why did the church appoint these deacons? How does their role compare with the role of deacons in the Free Church? How can those of us who are deacons function in a way that is closer to the NT pattern?

Overlap between the Offices

The Apostles continued, after Acts 6, to retain a keen diaconal interest – to serve is at the root of following Jesus. For example, Barnabas and Paul took financial help from Antioch to the saints at Jerusalem, Acts 11:30. When the apostles and elders in Jerusalem asked Barnabas and Paul to ‘remember the poor’ Paul emphasised that this was ‘the very thing I was eager to do’, Galatians 2:10. Within Scottish Presbyterianism it has been commonly held that the office of elder also includes the functions and responsibilities of the diaconate. This is why elders will also be members of the Deacons’ Court. But there is a danger that the Deacons’ Court can be dominated by the elders of a congregation. This can lead to a situation where deacons do not mature as they should and where elders spend so much time attending court meetings and dealing with diaconal issues that spiritual oversight and pastoral care are neglected. How can the relationship between your Deacons’ Court and Kirk Session be strengthened?

Study 2. Biblical Qualifications for Church Leadership The New Testament is very explicit about the qualifications for elder and deacon, because the quality of the men who are ordained to leadership positions will have a critical influence on the life of the church. When Paul writes to Timothy and Titus on this issue, the churches in Ephesus and Crete were under severe attack from false teachers. To deal with this they needed the right kind of leaders. Your church will come under spiritual attack from within and without. Will the leadership be alert to this and be prepared for it? Discussion Looking at 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1

1. Make a list of the biblical qualifications for elders and deacons with regard to both character and gifting.

2. What does this mean for the way we choose and train new office bearers?

3. Discuss in greater depth how we develop the kind of godly character

required.

4. How can you help each other to continue to grow in godliness and holiness? Emerging Leaders ‘Here is a trustworthy saying: if anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.’ 1 Timothy 3:1. It is also apparent that an elder is appointed by the Holy Spirit Acts 20:28. Paul, with reference to deacons, states: “They must first be tested,” 1 Timothy 3:10. What do these references mean in practice? “Elders” (and deacons too) “emerge within a congregation by doing naturally the tasks that comprise the work of the elder (deacon). … To put it a different way, you ask the question about such a candidate for office ‘What exactly is he lacking?’ If the answer is simply, ‘He is lacking ordination to his task and the office that goes with it’, then you can be certain that you do have a genuine candidate for eldership” 1 Many of our congregations have very few leaders and particularly few young leaders. Careful thought should be given to the development of emerging leaders for the next generation. Older leaders should be willing to give way to younger leaders in order to allow them to mature and flourish. What is your plan for developing future leaders?

Theological Preparation

1 MacNair, D.J., The Challenge of the Eldership (Great Commission Publications, Philadelphia 1984),

p 12, 13.

In 1 Timothy 3 Paul tells Timothy that elders should be able to teach and that deacons ‘must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.’ 1 Timothy 3: 2 & 9. Therefore it is vital that before ordination a candidate studies the Westminster Confession of Faith, aided by a commentary such as Robert Shaw, The Reformed Faith, An Exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith or A.A. Hodge, The Confession of Faith: A Handbook of Christian Doctrine Expounding the Westminster Confession of Faith. Where there are a number of candidates, this can be done as a study group, led by the minister. It will be helpful for the minister to review with the candidates, the specific questions to be put before ordination. It is suggested that this study guide (or its equivalent) should be studied prior to ordination so that potential leaders can learn about biblical leadership. It is good practice for an office bearer to be engaged in on-going theological study, even at an informal level. Discussion on Doctrine Below are a few questions that it would be useful to discuss during your training. Which chapters of the Westminster Confession of Faith do you find most helpful? What did you learn from them? Which chapters of the Westminster Confession of Faith do you find most difficult? What are the issues you find difficult to understand and how can you find help with them? Give a brief summary of the doctrine of Scripture? How would you explain the doctrine of justification? What does the Westminster Confession of Faith teach about the doctrine of the church?

Study 3. What does Biblical Church Leadership Look Like?

Good leadership is essential to the life of the church. The spiritual health of a congregation will be greatly influenced by the spiritual health of those in leadership. The work of all church workers, elders and deacons, has an ultimate goal – the glory of God, the bringing of all things together under the headship of Christ. Our ultimate motive must be to glorify his name in all the earth. Servant Leadership The Bible lays great weight upon the fact that the leaders of the people of God are servants both of the Lord and his people. They are to serve with humility and gentleness and they are not to ‘lord it over the people’. Ed Clowney writes, ‘The church is not like the kingdoms of this world for it is organized for service not dominion. All government in the church is stewardship: i.e. its leaders are servant-managers, who use their authority only to advance the interests of those they represent and serve’. 2 Office bearers must avoid developing cynical, critical or judgmental attitudes. Instead leadership must be gracious, humble, gentle and focused on applying the gospel to the hearts of the people. Pastoral Leadership The leadership given by the officers of the church is God ordained. It has his stamp of approval. 1 Peter 5:1-4 tells us that Christ has entrusted the care of his people to his under-shepherds. Shepherds must know their sheep, lead their sheep, feed their sheep and protect their sheep. John Murray writes of the work of the elder in this regard:

“A shepherd leads his flock to the fold, he pours oil into their wounds and gives them pure water to quench their thirst. I would like to press home the necessity and the blessing of the ministry of consolation…. It is one of the paramount functions of the elder to strengthen weak hands and confirm the feeble knees, to say to them who are of feeble heart, ‘Be strong!’ and to be the instruments of binding up the broken hearted.” 3

Leadership also means exercising authority. The people of God need to recognise this. ‘Obey your leaders and submit to their authority’, Hebrews 13:17. Paul often met with resistance from within the church during his ministry but this did not daunt him because he knew that his authority came from God. The ruling elders are to give real spiritual leadership to the church and where this is lacking the church suffers. This also involves the exercise of loving discipline. 1 Corinthians 5, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13. This is one of the more unpleasant and tricky aspects of leadership but may

2 Clowney, E. The Church (IVP, Downers Grove Il 1995) p. 202.

3 Murray, J. Collected Writings of John Murray, vol 1 (Banner of Truth, Edinburgh 1976) p. 266, 267.

be necessary in order to restore those who have strayed away from an obedient, holy life. Teaching Leadership Closely linked to pastoral responsibility is the responsibility to teach. Teaching is a key element of pastoral work. It is necessary in order to guide, strengthen and equip the people of God. This applies to all elders and not just those who are called specifically to the role of teaching elder, (ordained minister). Whilst the main responsibility for preaching and teaching the Word of God lies with the teaching elder, all elders must be able to teach the Bible, 1 Timothy 3:2. For some this may mean preaching at a mid-week or Sunday service, for others it will take the form of leading a Bible study or Sunday School Class. For all elders it will mean being able to open up and teach God’s Word to other Christians in more informal situations as you seek to disciple and pastor the people of God. This could take the form of a mentoring relationship as you meet with people over a cup of coffee. This means that the elder must have a sound knowledge of the Bible and the gospel and possess the ability to apply this knowledge to the needs of the people of God and the work of the church. Diaconal Work The deacons’ ministry is practical in orientation involving stewardship of resources and the practical care of the needy, but at the same time the ultimate goal of this work is to advance the work of the Kingdom and to glorify the King, just as it is with the work of the elders. This ministry will involve practical works of mercy in the church and in the community. Tim Keller asks:

“What, then, does the deacon do? He ministers in the name of Jesus among lonely, sick, elderly, orphaned, widowed, dying, poor and deprived people. Some Christians have maintained that the board of deacons only has responsibility under God to minister to needy people within the church. There is, of course, pharisaic danger in even raising this question. The lawyer asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’ which, being interpreted, is ‘To whom should I show love?’ or ‘How big should my neighborhood be?’ ‘What are the geographical, physical limits for love’? ” 4 “A Board of Deacons, functioning properly, will give creative attention to the neighborhood in which it is called of God to function.” 5

Costly Leadership

4 Keller, T.J., Resources for Deacons – Love Expressed Through Mercy Ministries

(Presbyterian Church in America, Lawrenceville 1985), p. 11 5 Keller, T.J., Resources for Deacons, op. cit., p. 12.

There is no leadership without pain and suffering. Our Lord manifests this in his ministry. Paul, as his servant, writes expressively about his own experience. A study of 2 Corinthians, in particular, provides significant insight into the pain at the heart of leadership. There is joy too. ‘I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.’ 3 John 4. Christ shows us the way: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus … who for the joy set before him endured the cross.” Hebrews 12:2. Role Models Those in leadership are to be examples to the rest of the church. Their lives are to demonstrate mature Christian living and should establish patterns of Christian living that others can follow. Elders and deacons are to be the pace setters of Christian living. Discussion 1. In what ways does your life make the gospel attractive to others? 2. Discuss what you learn about biblical leadership from the following passages. John 10:1-21, 1 Peter 5:1-4, Psalm 23, Jeremiah 3:14-16, 23: 1-4, Ezekiel 34:1-16. 3. What do Acts 20:28 -32 and 2 Timothy 1, 13-14 & 2:1-2 tell us about the role of the elder in doctrine and teaching? 4. Attention has to be paid by the church to the challenge of the Lord in Matthew 25:31-46 and to the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), where Jesus concluded his response to the lawyer with the succinct statement: “Go and do likewise.” Discuss how this should impact on the work of your Deacons’ Court?

4. Leadership in Action: Getting the Work Done Leadership Meetings – Church Courts In order to do their work effectively leaders in the church need to meet together on a regular basis. These meetings are necessary for purposes of prayer, planning organisation, and evaluation in relation to the work and witness of the church.. Planning Many churches decline because they lack direction and motivation. They simply continue the old routines out of habit. Leadership meetings must consider the ministry and mission of the congregation and organise the life of the congregation around these goals. Donald Macleod writes, “It is a very interesting fact that men of such prophetic passion as the apostle Paul, John Calvin and John Knox were also so deeply committed to organisation. They were all fantastic organisers!” 6 Meeting for a day, once or twice a year to take stock of congregational life, pray and plan for future developments is a hugely rewarding process. Running a Good Meeting In order to avoid frustration with leadership meetings make sure:

your meetings run on time

you have a well prepared agenda that you stick to

you don’t let one or two people dominate your meetings or bully others

people only speak when they have something pertinent to contribute but that everyone makes some contribution

decisions are acted upon - a basic form of action planning can be very useful in this area

you evaluate the progress of actions undertaken

you communicate significant decisions well: keeping the congregation informed is important to prevent discouragement and criticism.

Confidentiality Leaders must be people who can be trusted; inevitably, the work of the pastoral ministry will lead to confidences being shared. As a general rule, unless specific permission is granted, it is presumed that personal information is treated as confidential. Diaconal Ministry The church has a duty to care for those in need. Such care can be an excellent witness and fruitful means of outreach. Deacons must work together to form a programme of diaconal care that will be effective and sustainable. This will involve identifying key areas of need, finding the resources to meet these needs and then ensuring an efficient means of delivering the care to those who need it.

6 Macleod, D. A Faith to Live By, (Christian Focus, Fearn 1998) p. 227.

Some churches encourage an offering for a Mercy/Benevolent Fund, following those services where the Lord’s Supper is observed. This has an ancient pedigree according to Calvin. Institutes IV.17.44. There are many needy people in close proximity to us: single parents; long term carers; people with mental health problems; people with disabilities; people in poverty; prisoners; the sick; the lonely; people in debt. Keller emphasises that ‘mercy ministry must grow at the pace of the church. A single effective mercy ministry, carried out by a few committed volunteers, can greatly stimulate spiritual, corporate, and evangelistic growth in the church. But then, be careful of running too far ahead of the congregation!’7

Discussion 1. Pages 9 to 24 of The Practice detail the working of the Kirk Session. What can your Kirk Session learn from this section of the Practice? 2. How can you as leaders together make more time for longer term planning? Make a list of options and then choose the best one. 3. How can our Kirk Session and Deacons’ Court meetings be more efficient and effective? Reflect on your contribution at Court meetings:

Do I do most of the speaking?

Do I, and one or two others, always join forces to get our way?

Do I leave too much of the speaking and/or work to others?

Do I encourage more timid leaders to speak?

Do I resist change for the sake of tradition?

Do I cause stress to the minister or others? This is a soul-searching and an uncomfortable exercise, if it is undertaken seriously. Have I clothed myself ‘with humility?’ Do I ‘seek peace and pursue it?’ 1 Peter 5:5 and 3:11).

4. What should be our practice of prayer as a leadership?

7 Keller, T.J., Ministries of Mercy – The Call of the Jericho Road (P & R Publishing

Company, Phillipsburg 1997), p. 141,142.

5. Discussion point 4 in the previous chapter focused on how Jesus teaching on mercy should impact on our Deacons’ Court. What steps are we taking to implement a more biblical model of diaconal ministry?

5. Pastoral Care

Too much is often expected of ministers in relation to pastoral care. This can put great pressure on one person to do all the pastoral work in a congregation. It leaves the minister exhausted and the congregation frustrated. More realism is needed in this regard. If a church is to mature then all members must engage in ministry and pastoral care. The church was never intended to be a place where one man does 90% of the work as the rest of the ‘body’ of Christ watches on. The New Testament shows us that pastoral care happens at two levels. Level 1. The people of the congregation care for each other pastorally. There are 21 ‘one another’ sayings in the New Testament. Love one another, encourage one another, strengthen one another, carry one another’s burdens, rebuke one another, are a few examples. This shows us that the bulk of pastoral care happens as members of the congregation obey these New Testament injunctions. The church must function as a body or a family at the level of pastoral care. House groups and other small groups can provide an excellent forum for this. Level 2. The leadership provide pastoral care and oversight. All elders and deacons have a pastoral role to play. The leadership will want to ensure that everyone in the congregation is receiving appropriate pastoral support and that people in crisis situations are given all the help and care that they need. Within this the minister will have a particular role to play but all leaders should be involved in pastoral work. Pastoral care is not just about dealing with problems and helping people through difficulties. It must have a very positive focus on how we can get alongside people to enable them to grow in godliness and Christian maturity. Some of the ways in which the leadership can exercise pastoral oversight are outlined below:

Pastoral Visiting

Small Groups

One to one mentoring and discipleship. We will look at pastoral visiting first. Pastoral Visiting can be carried out by the members of the church, by pastoral teams including a women’s pastoral team, the deacons, and the elders, including the minister. The Biblical Basis of Pastoral Visitation

The ministry of God to his people is the model for our ministry to our people - it is loving, personal and concerned. We go to them where they are, to minister to them as they are.

God came to visit and redeem his people. Luke 1:68.

Jesus spent much of his time in personal encounter and visiting people in their homes, workplaces, and gathering places.

The apostles continued the practice: ‘Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.’ Acts 5:42.

It was the practice of the Apostle Paul: ‘You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.’ Acts 20:20.

The Benefits of Pastoral Visiting Pastoral visitation brings several clear benefits to the life of the church. Some of these are:

Close knowledge of our people makes us better teachers

It enables us to follow up the preaching in the home

It helps us give people direction and to influence their lifestyles so that pastoring becomes proactive rather than reactive crisis management

It enables us to see how our people live in the family context

It establishes new contacts with friends and family

It helps us to pray for people more knowledgeably

It wins people’s loyalty and helps to build unity. One of the concerns in visitation is to encourage, where relevant, good practice such as personal prayer and Bible reading, church attendance, family worship and reading of good books. We need to ensure that pastoral visits never place us in a vulnerable situation in terms of either temptation or accusation. The Practice of Pastoral Visiting The following practical guidelines are suggested in the practice of pastoral visitation:

Before A Visit

Be purpose driven – not to visit for the sake of visiting, but for the comfort, conversion or sanctification of the person visited

Pray before you go as our goals are spiritual and visiting can involve spiritual struggles

Make practical preparation such as taking relevant books or other materials, reading up on pertinent issues, identifying Scriptures you may want to look at and taking practical helps/gifts for those in diaconal need

Plan ahead - be organised and systematic.

During the visit

Be sensitive to family and personal situations and do not overstay.

Build relationships.

Ask questions which are sensitive and, when appropriate, challenging, for example ‘What would make you come to church regularly?’, What does church mean to you?, ‘Where are you spiritually?’ What are the challenges you are facing right now?’ ‘How can I pray for you?’ ‘How is the gospel impacting on your daily life/situation?’

Listen carefully to the ordinary details of their lives - clues are given to where they are and what they need.

Get to the point - you have a purpose which is to help people to reflect on their lives, work, family, leisure, souls and spiritual growth in a gospel centred way

Include but transcend sociality

Give guidance where appropriate

Come to a positive, spiritually helpful conclusion

Ask if you can read the Scriptures (a short passage) and pray (briefly)

Avoid risk.

After the Visit

Pray.

Write a letter or telephone.

Pass on resources.

Arrange for appropriate help.

Connect to a helpful individual or group in the church.

Re-visit when necessary.

Keep a record of when the visit occurred and what action was taken. Discussion

1. On pages 15-16, our ‘Blue Book’ says that the Kirk Session is to make arrangements for the division of the congregation into districts and assign these ‘as fields of labour to the Ruling Elders individually.’ ‘Ruling Elders are to assist in so far as they can, in visiting the sick, in arousing the careless, in instructing the young, in encouraging inquirers, in edifying and comforting believers, and generally in seeking after the fruits of the ministry.’ How is pastoral care organised in your congregation? How can pastoral care be improved in your congregation? What practices need to be introduced? What practices need to be dropped? 2. Examination of candidates for church membership. (See The Practice, Chapter I, part II, section 10, page 18). What is a credible profession of faith? How should we deal with weak believers and those lacking assurance of faith?

3. With regard to discipline, Chapter 5 of The Practice requires study in detail. Particular attention is drawn to the issue of private counsel on page 94. Many issues are capable of resolution at an early stage by watchful elders. This is a sensitive area requiring wisdom and tact. Particular care must be exercised on the interviewing of women, children and vulnerable persons. Reference should be made to the 2007 General Assembly legislation on this matter. 4. The Session has the responsibility of ensuring that the Child Protection and Vulnerable Adults Policy is administered appropriately. Are you following denominational guidance on this?

6. Small Group Leadership

Small groups, such as house groups, women’s’ groups, men’s groups, and youth groups provide a forum for pastoral care, assimilation of new people, discipleship, fellowship, prayer, teaching and equipping, outreach and training of new leaders. Leading a small group.

Get your life right with God - are you living in the grace and power of the gospel?

Prayer: pray for the people in your group regularly, pray over their souls with love, pray for the group itself and for the group dynamics

Think about the people in your group: where they are in terms of knowledge, discipleship and service and what do they need to help them grow?

Starting a small group.

Explain the goals of the group and how you expect to reach these goals.

Be up front about the commitment involved.

Get the practical details right: location, timing, seating, lighting etc. . Building Trust

Community is so important - help this to develop.

Allow informal times before and after the study to relax.

Help people get to know each other well.

Do social things together occasionally. Leading a Bible Study Small group Bible study helps people to discuss, think through and apply the Bible in a very personal way and contextualised way; this is not possible in a larger forum. Don’t allow bible study to simply be an abstract discussion of ideas. Keep asking ‘what difference does this make in my life, my church, my work, my home?’ Apply, apply, apply! In leading a bible study significant issues are: control, sensitivity and flexibility.

Prepare - very well- and encourage other people to prepare well too

Stick to your time - and finish the study - don’t leave it hanging and don’t let it drag on

Go in 4 wheel drive - don’t get bogged down

Stick to the subject - don’t go off on a wild-goose chase

Don’t talk too much as a group will quickly become passive or silent if they think the leader will do most of the talking - good guide here is the 70/30 rule: listen 70 % of the time; talk 30% of the time

Don’t let anyone else dominate the group either

Don’t talk over people - give them time to express themselves

Welcome pauses - don’t rush in to fill them

Let everyone talk - over time earn the trust to ask direct questions - but be gentle and don’t force anyone to talk

Be careful not to be patronizing or to talk down to others

Ask simple open questions

Don’t be content with just one answer

Avoid answering your own questions

Rephrase questions or repeat if necessary

Listen carefully to what others are saying, what is behind what they are saying, and what they are not saying

Don’t pretend you know everything

Don’t feel you have to respond to everything - you can let some comments pass

Wind it up - restate the central truths, highlight the important applications and then pray about these together.

Building up Prayer

Cultivate prayer times

Explain the importance and practice of prayer in the Bible

Help the shy ones: read a passage, write down prayers

Short prayers, simple prayers are fine

Avoid putting people on the spot or embarrassing them

Don’t spend all night sharing prayer points and don’t let sharing prayer points become an opportunity for gossip

Don’t let prayer get sidelined. Have some meetings devoted entirely to prayer

Pray spontaneously as issues arise. Developing Gifts

Let other people lead

Recognise strengths and give opportunity for these to be developed

Make people aware of their gifts and encourage them to use them. Know the dangers

Don’t let the group become more important than the congregation, or discussion more important than preaching

Encourage sharing - but be careful that it is appropriate

Be prepared to speak to someone alone if he or she are causing a problem in the group.

Shortcomings are not to be seen as a cause for resentment, but as an opportunity for ministry.

Small groups can be a great way of assimilating new people. They can also be a useful forum for developing outreach and diaconal activities. Discussion

1. What benefits can small groups bring to a congregation?

2. What evidence do you have to demonstrate the small groups in your church serve a useful purpose?

3. If you have small groups in your church how can they be improved?

4. If you do not have small groups in your church what would be the advantages of developing them? What would be the disadvantages?

7. Discipling and Mentoring

The Lord Jesus invested a great amount of his earthly ministry in the process of discipling. He gathered around him men and women who, over time, grew in their understanding of his person and work and went on to become key supporters and leaders of the New Testament church. Ephesians 4 teaches us that those who are currently leaders must disciple the members of Christ’s body bringing them to maturity in order that the church will have a bright and illuminating witness in the surrounding communities. Ephesians 4:7-16. Many of the people who become Christians today are similar to many of the converts of the early church – they have little or no previous knowledge of the gospel. This presents us with a wonderful opportunity to disciple these people and to help them grow to maturity in Christ. Discipling, mentoring, coaching - whatever name you give it – is a vital component of church life and leadership. At the heart of this process is the idea of pointing someone to Jesus and encouraging them to live and grow as a Christian. To aid us in this process it helps us to have a clear view of the process we are following. Discipleship involves, according to the ‘Gospel Coach’ by Scott Thomas and Tom Woods, intentional gospel conversations with disciples about their personal, spiritual and missional life. 8

Personal Life - how is the gospel impacting on them as they deal with family problems, health issues, work or financial difficulties?

Spiritual life - we need to converse with those we disciple about prayer and bible study, struggles with sin, temptation and idolatry, the place of repentance and the work of sanctification.

Missional life - we also need with to talk with people about ways in which they are serving God in order to be a witness for the gospel in the community, the workplace and the home.

Our aims in discipling Disciple making disciples We want to disciple our people so effectively that they are then able to disciple others. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28 v 19-20.

8 Thomas, S & Wood T, Gospel Coach: Shepherding Leaders to Glorify God, (Acts 29 Network,

Seattle, 2010) Chapters 1 & 8.

Bible handling skills We want our people to be able to handle Scripture well, to read the Bible with understanding. We want them to acquire the skills that will allow them insight into what Bible passages mean in their context and how they apply these passages to life today. ‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.’ 2 Timothy 3 v 16-17 Learning doctrine and the practice of prayer Discipling is also aimed at deepening people’s theological understanding and developing their commitment to prayer, both personal and corporate. ‘They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.’ Acts 2 v 42. Godliness of Life We aim to produce mature and godly Christians through discipleship. ‘Then they (the older women) can train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind….’ Titus 2: 4-5 ‘Encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned…’ Titus 2: 7-8 What qualities do we need to develop as we disciple others? We need to know our bibles. The Bible is our most important tool. We need to be convinced that God works powerfully through his Word by the Holy Spirit, and that it is God’s authority. We do not need to be experts or have formal theological qualifications but we do need to be confident with the main doctrines of the Bible and to know the broad outline of God’s plan of salvation. Importantly we need to be students of the Word ourselves. We need to be honest and open We are trying to point others to Christ not to ourselves. We want them to see His glory not ours. It is important to be honest and open and not to put on an act. We should not portray ourselves as super-spiritual ‘textbook’ Christians nor should we off load our spiritual problems and failures on them – but they must see us as honest, open Christians who have similar struggles and worries as themselves. We can explain the basic teachings of Christ and how these teachings apply to our lives in practical terms, backing it up with examples from our own experience. We need to make time Any Christian service is costly, particularly in terms of time and energy – but also greatly rewarding. We cannot go into a discipling relationship if we are not prepared

to make sacrifices in our own lives that will enable us to fulfill our mentoring responsibilities. Develop good listening skills To disciple someone else means having a good understanding of who they are, what their situation is and what are the important issues in their life. To develop this understanding we need to learn to listen carefully to what others tell us about themselves. As we listen we need to make sure that we have grasped what someone has said to us by summarising what they have said and reflecting it back to them. Don’t make assumptions Often when we speak with others we make assumptions about them, how they think and what their situation is. We stop listening and jump to conclusions. We assume we know what their problems are and that we know how to solve those problems as well. It is rarely as simple as this. Good listeners don’t make assumptions and don’t rush to either judgement or solutions. Ask powerful questions It can be a great help to others if we ask them thought provoking questions that help them to think through their situation and focus on the most important issues. Here are a few helpful examples of questions you can ask of those you are discipling. These should be used wisely and not in a formulaic way but they are intended to help us get beyond the superficial and nearer to the issues of the gospel. Asking one or two of these questions at appropriate moments can be very helpful.

What evidences of God’s grace are you most thankful for?

What challenges face you?

How can you improve your relationship with God?

Are there issues in the Christian life you are unclear about?

What support and resources do you need?

How can I pray for you? How do we set about the task of discipling others? Keep a diary or log. Keep a record of when you meet, what is discussed, what conclusions and actions are agreed. Keep this completely confidential. Commit to meeting up Meet together at a mutually agreed place, a minimum of 10 times. Some people meet up fortnightly, or monthly and others have a more flexible arrangement and meet up when it is possible to do so. The important thing is that both parties are committed to meeting regularly. An office-bearer should never meet a lone female,

especially a young one, for discipling purposes on his own. It is wise and scriptural (Titus 2 v 3-4) to encourage mature Christian women to disciple younger women. Prayer A commitment to pray regularly for and with each other. Decide on a certain length of time for prayer at each meeting – there is always the danger that prayer is squeezed out for ‘chat’. Care It is important that we make a conscious effort to ask and listen to how things are going in the life of the person we are seeking to disciple. This may involve asking about specific areas for which prayer has been requested. It may also take the form of practical help and support depending on what the needs of the individual may be. Learn and Grow together As we consider what form of support or teaching may be needed, we must seek to understand the level of ‘spiritual feeding’ they are already receiving. They may be new Christians, and may not have much Bible knowledge, or they may be well grounded in the Bible. Decisions will need to be made regarding what is appropriate for them. Whatever you decide to do, it is important that you identify what will be most useful to the person you are seeking to disciple in agreement with that person– it will require both time and prayer to ascertain this. The following are some suggestions of what to do:

A Bible study or some other form of study Reading the same daily reading notes and discussing them You could review a sermon together and discussing the practical implications

of it Reading through a Christian book together and discussing it Focusing on a particular aspect of the Christian life

Accountability between Leader and Disciple. Accountability means that we are able to call others to account for their behaviour when this is required. This should always be done in a gracious and gentle manner and not in an inquisitorial or critical way. This can be particularly difficult and challenging as it requires honesty, trust and time from us before we can expect to receive it from anyone else. As the more responsible person, it is our duty to guide these levels of honesty in our relationship and observe how they develop over time. This level of trust and honesty is the foundation for allowing ‘teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness’ 2 Tim 3 v 16-17, to take place. Most importantly, however, we need to have a passion to see God’s glory revealed in and through those we disciple. Be friends Take time to get to know one another, have fun and be friends

Discussion Points 1. As leaders share together your own memories of those who have discipled or mentored you in your Christian life. 2. Discuss the needs that exist for discipleship in your congregation. How are new Christians discipled? What provision is there for discipling young people, women, future leaders, and other significant groups in your congregation? How are you training your people to be disciple makers? 3. Identify and define a structure for discipleship in your congregation.

8. Leaders are Accountable

Building on the Foundation 1. Those who exercise leadership in the church do so under the watchful eye of the Chief Shepherd. In the end they must give an account to him for the way that they have treated his people, and those who have served well will be rewarded. The writer to the Hebrews reminds church members of the responsibility and accountability of leaders, ‘They keep watch over you as men who must give an account.’ Hebrews 13:17. Paul also reminds leaders of their accountability to the Lord by stressing: ‘But each one should be careful how he builds’ and soberly reminds us that on the Day of Judgement, ‘fire will test the quality of each man’s work.’ 1 Corinthians 3:10, 13. This is also a position of comfort in that it means, ultimately, one is not accountable to the judgement of man. 2. Accountability is a quality control measure for those in leadership. They must build to last. Their work must be able to survive the tests of time, temptation, struggle, division and even of judgement. This is how Paul saw it. 3. Elders and Deacons are accountable to the Kirk Session for their lifestyle, their ministry and service. Ministers are accountable to their Presbytery. Twelve questions which office-bearers should ask themselves The following questions are suggested:

1. Have you spent daily time in scripture and prayer? 2. Have you maintained a consistent witness by word and life? 3. Are you an example to the flock i.e. to the congregation? 4. Do you give positive support to your minister and fellow office-bearers? 5. Have you allowed any person or circumstance to rob you of your joy? 6. Have you allowed the sun to go down on your wrath? 7. Are you harbouring thoughts of resentment or envy? 8. Have you been completely honourable in your financial dealings? 9. Have you told any lies or half -truths, putting yourself in a better light than

those around you? 10. Have you taken care of your body through exercise, proper eating and sleep? 11. Is your sexual behaviour above reproach? 12. Have you spent quality time with family and friends?

Suggested Books for Further Reading

Doctrine and Practice The Subordinate Standards and Other Authoritative Documents of the Free Church of

Scotland (Edinburgh, 1955) Exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith; R Shaw (Christian Heritage 1998) The Confession of Faith, AA Hodge, (Banner of Truth, Edinburgh, 2004) The Practice of the Free Church of Scotland, 8th ed. (Knox Press, Edinburgh 1995)

Pastoral Care Stress: the Challenge to Christian Caring; Gaius Davies (Kingsway, Eastbourne Instruments in the Redeemers Hands; Paul D Tripp (P & R Publishing Company, Phillipsburg, NJ. 2002) How People Change; Timothy Lane & Paul D Tripp ( New Growth Press, Greensboro, NC, 2008) Leadership Biblical Eldership; Alexander Strauch, (Lewis & Roth, Littleton CO. 1995) The Challenge of the Eldership; D J MacNair (Great Commission Publications, Philadelphia 1984) Skilful Shepherds, Explorations in Pastoral Theology; D. Tidball, (Apollos, Inter-

Varsity Press, Leicester 1999), A Christian Guide to Leadership; D Prime, (Evangelical Press, Darlington 2005) Meetings that Work; Alexander Strauch, (Lewis & Roth, Colorado Springs,CO. 1994) Diaconal Ministry Ministries of Mercy – The Call of the Jericho Road by T J Keller (P & R Publishing

Company, Phillipsburg, NJ. 1997) Resources for Deacons – Love Expressed Through Mercy Ministries by T J Keller (Christian Education and Publications 1985)