The Shepherds Institute: A Training Process for Aspiring Elders at Christ Community Church in Gridley, Illinois

Abstract

In order for an elder to be qualified for pastoral ministry, he must be able to teach sound doctrine not only through verbal instruction but also through his example of modeling godliness in his manner of life. Elders evidence qualification for office over time in the context of the local church and it is therefore the duty of the local church to identify, train, and commission elders in the noble task of shepherding the flock of God. The Shepherds Institute is an elder training process which can be utilized in the local church to develop elders through character assessment, biblical instruction, and hands-on pastoral experience.