Using Expository Preaching for Discovering, Developing, and Deploying Elders at Believers' Baptist Church

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to use expository preaching to discover, develop, and deploy elders at Believers' Baptist Church, Emory, Texas. Chapter 1 describes the context, goals, and rationale for the project, and includes an argument for the need for elders at Believers' Baptist Church. The chapter also defines biblical eldership and expository preaching.

Chapter 2 looks closely at the biblical texts that establish elders as present and plural in the New Testament church as the pattern for the contemporary church. Chapter 2 also examines the biblical qualifications and duties for elders. The chapter concludes with biblical arguments for the elders and the congregation working in concert to accomplish the Great Commission.

Chapter 3 is an evaluation, a comparison, and a coordinating of two contemporary and significant curriculums on biblical eldership. Specifically, the chapter examines Biblical Eldership: Twelve Lessons for Mentoring Men in Eldership by Alexander Strauch and Elders and Leaders: God's Plan for Leading the Church by Roland Forman based on the book Elders and Leaders: God's Plan for Leading the Church by Gene Getz.

Chapter 4 is a model for training elders. The model can be used as a plan for training current elders or for establishing elders in a congregation. The model was used at Believers' Baptist Church, but is flexible enough to be adopted to any congregation.

The project concludes with an assessment of the congregation's understanding of biblical eldership and a consideration of the congregational involvement of the men considered and called to eldership is included in the chapter. A final evaluation on the strengths and weaknesses of the project are included.