ELDERS TRAINING SEMINAR Based on the Elders Handbook Ministerial Association of the General Conference

Chapter 6 The Elder and Church Nurture

Love and unity are Christian requirements. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. (I John 3:14) Unity empowers the church. Now when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (Acts 2:1) The Elder and Church Nurture

Christian love produces unity despite differences. The fire of Christian love dissolves the dross of class hatreds, racial clashes, social ruptures, and minor theological controversies. The Elder and Church Nurture

Visitation Essential The visitation of members can be vital to their spiritual nurture and growth. This kind of ministry is one of the most effective ways elders can serve their people. Home visitation is important for your people because they need to know that you care enough to come.Visitation

Visitation Planning. Should be part of the board of elders or church boards agenda. An elder, assisted by a deacon and a deaconess, could be in charge of a parish zone. Visiting by appointment can double the effective use of your time.Visitation

Visitation Format. 1. Prepare 2. Be friend 3. Read the Bible 4. Ask 5. Pray 6. Leave 7. WriteVisitation

One of the reasons for which the church exists is to provides a place where troubled people can come and, within the fellowship and concern offered by its Membership, find strength and support. Personal Couseling

ALL CARING PEOPLE COUNSEL AND ENCOURAGE People come because they care and cannot refuse to help. Some will come seeking only sympathy and attention rather than help. Elders sometimes become susceptible out of kindness, lack of counseling expertise, or because of their own egos that demand they have a final answer for everything. Personal Couseling

Counseling guidelines. 1. Learn to listen. 2. Concentrate on solutions. 3. Help them choose a plan. 4. Pray. 5. Know when to refer. Counseling Guidelines

The N. T. Church centered its activities on small groups; in fellowship, study, sharing, praying, and eating together (Acts 2:42, 46). The formation of small companies as a basis of Christian effort is a plan that has been presented before me by One who cannot err. (Evangelism, 115) Small Groups Ministry

Purpose of small groups. Provide an atmosphere in which group members are able to share in meaningful worship and Bible study in a setting where they experience a sense of belonging.Provide an atmosphere in which group members are able to share in meaningful worship and Bible study in a setting where they experience a sense of belonging. Provide an excellent medium for both learning and healing.Provide an excellent medium for both learning and healing. Should be an outreach vehicle for the church.Should be an outreach vehicle for the church. Not designed to serve church members exclusively.Not designed to serve church members exclusively. Small Groups Ministry

Home small groups. Revives members. Attracts nonmembers. Provides excellent means of reclaiming inactive members. Small Groups Ministry

Include four basic parts: 1. Sharing Most home groups have their sharing time at the beginning of each meeting. 2.Study May choose a book of the Bible. Members study it alone during the week, and discuss it with the group at the weekly meeting. HomeGroupMettings Home Group Mettings

Include four basic parts: 3.Prayer Keep a prayer list. 4. Ministry/Outreach The group tries to invite and include non-members in the small group. HomeGroupMettings Home Group Mettings

Church small groups. Sabbath School groups: Seminar groups: Support groups: Small Groups Ministry

Organizing small groups. Need special planning and organization. Identify what kind of needs exist in the church. Meet weekly for a given number of weeks. Do the appointed study for each meeting. Small Groups Ministry

Organizing small groups. Protect confidences. Refrain from negative statements about other people or organizations. Invite others into the group. Small Groups Ministry

Resourcing small groups. Through your local conference/mission or from Christian bookstores. Materials should be available through the Church Ministries Department. Small Groups Ministry

Primacy of prayer. Dynamic churches almost invariable emphasize the ministry of prayer. Emphasize intercessory prayer. Prayer meeting. Those who are really seeking for communion with God will be seen in the prayer meeting. Prayer Ministry

Basic ingredients. Plan: Start on time. Study: No more than 20 minutes. More for teaching than preaching. Share: Testimonies, reflections, and sharing. Pray: Prayer meeting is for prayer. Prayer: Relevant, specific, intercessory, intelligent, participatory, short and right to the point. Prayer Ministry

People need fellowship. If people do not find it in the church, they will go looking elsewhere. People are four-sided beings: Spiritually Mentally Physically Socially Social events assist this kind of balanced development. Socials help to get to know your people. Social Activities