Developing and Implementing a Pastoral Leadership Course at the Seven Oaks Church of Christ in Mayfield, KY for Present and Future Elders

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to develop and implement a pastoral leadership course at Seven Oaks Church of Christ in Mayfield, Kentucky for present and future elders. Chapter 1 explains the ministerial context of Seven Oaks Church of Christ and demonstrates the need for a pastoral leadership course for training present elders and future elder candidates. Chapter 2 demonstrates that Scripture reveals that God calls a plurality of men to shepherd his local church for their protection and productivity. Chapter 3 surveys three leadership models used in churches concluding that the plural, pastoral leadership model is biblical and effective, while free from the autocratic, authoritarian, legalistic tendencies of the other two. Chapter 4 provides a detailed process along with the methodology utilized for this project’s implementation. Chapter 5 is an evaluation of this project demonstrating this project was effective in training present and future elders at the Seven Oaks Church of Christ.