church leadership matters.

Leaders in the church have a significant impact on the health and maturity of the congregation. This is why the New Testament provides such clear teaching regarding appointing leadership in the church, and why it spends a significant amount of time providing instruction to church leaders. Biblical church leadership looks very different than the leadership of the world and so it must be intentionally cultivated through the study and application of God’s Word.

"Throughout the course of history God has worked in the world in a variety of ways through individuals, nations, and peoples. The focus of His present work is the church. That which was begun in Scriptures, as men and women were called to acknowledge the Lordship of Christ, continues today in fulfillment of Christ’s promise to build His church. Not only is Christ building His church, but it is the primary instrument through which He ministers in the world."

-Robert saucy, the church in god's program

our resources

Lay Leadership

Becoming a biblical leader

Becoming a Biblical Leader is designed to help develop individuals for church leadership by providing a general overview of the understanding, knowledge, and character necessary for biblical leadership through individual study and interaction with a mentor. While intended to equip those who may be potential future elders, deacons, or other ministry leaders, it is also appropriate for any believer as the character and knowledge required for leadership should be desired, pursued, and demonstrated in the daily life of every Christian.

Elder Leadership

Becoming a biblical elder

Becoming a Biblical Elder is intended to assist in the process of preparing a man to become an elder in the local church. It does this by providing a clear and directed plan for elder mentorship that includes Bible knowledge, theology, and elder orientation. It is a companion resource to Becoming a Biblical Leader, a more general introduction to leadership in the church. That resource is a helpful first step in equipping potential elders and other church leaders.

​Once a man has been identified as an elder candidate, Becoming a Biblical Elder provides more specific preparation and orientation for serving as an elder by facilitating individual study and interaction with a mentor. Ideally, that mentor would currently be serving as an elder.

considering eldership

This workbook is intended to help men who have an interest in becoming an elder evaluate their own life with respect to the Scriptures. The Bible is very clear on what it means to be an elder, including the qualifications, responsibilities and accountability associated with being in such an important position in Christ’s church. It is not something to be entered into lightly. The format is designed for you to interact with the material. Before seriously considering or accepting the office of elder you should carefully consider what the Scriptures teach concerning this office.

elder self-evaluation

This self-evaluation workbook provides a practical way for an individual elder to carefully evaluate his own life. The apostle Paul reminds Timothy that a regular, personal self-evaluation is extremely important for Christian leaders. “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16). Leadership is a crucial element of the church. Your role as an elder will provide many opportunities for you to impact the lives of God’s children. It is a blessed responsibility.

Women's Leadership

Becoming a biblical leader: women's edition

Becoming a Biblical Leader: Women’s Edition is a modified version of Becoming a Biblical Leader focused on equipping women. While much of what the Bible says about leadership is appropriate for both men and women, God has established unique roles and priorities for women within the church as they use their gifts to build up the body of Christ. This manual fosters growth in Bible knowledge, theology and practical application of Scripture.