1. ELDERS TRAINING SEMINAR Based on the Elders Handbook Ministerial Association of the General Conference www.ministerialassociation.com

2. The Elder and Special Service Chapter 8 – Part 2

3. Purpose The practice of house dedication varies according to culture and the wishes of each individual family. Some families may request the dedication when they purchase or build their home, some when they pay off the mortgage or move to a different place. It is an excellent opportunity to invite the neighbors. House Dedication

4. Who officiates No license or ordination is required for house blessing services.No license or ordination is required for house blessing services. An elder may perform the service, but should do so with the knowledge and cooperation of the pastor.An elder may perform the service, but should do so with the knowledge and cooperation of the pastor. Order of service (See Elders Handbook) House Dedication

5. Who officiates Usually no license is required for conducting a funeral. In the absence of a minister, an elder may lead out. This should not be done, however, without the pastors approval. Funeral

6. A diversity of tradition Be sensitive to their grief traditions. Move away from traditional customs that go contrary to Christian principles. Biblical understandings on death, especially those customs that infer the immortality of the soul or the honoring of the spirits. Funeral

7. Visit the family Share with them some of Gods promises and pray with them. You represent Christ to them. Funeral

8. Offer church support Relatives can be located and notified of death, food can be prepared, telephone answered, small children cared for, and funeral details arranged. Funeral

9. It is a special service which only elders, assisted by conference/mission leaders can perform, pastors cannot. Difficulties of transition Difficult for the congregation. Difficult for the Pastor and his family. New Parish Induction

10. Smoothing the transition Bury the old. Do not replace too soon. It takes about three month before a congregation is ready to welcome a new pastor. Celebrate the new. Pastoral installation service New Parish Induction

11. Who officiates Local elders may officiate at an anointing service in the absence of a minister, but with the pastors approval. Preparing for the service Where held. Who attends. Preparing the recipient. Prayer for the Sick

12. Encourage the sick person to examine his/her life before the anointing. Order of service Preliminary remarks. The anointing prayer. Concluding the service. Prayer for the Sick

13. The family tie is the closest, the most tender and sacred of any on earth. Who officiates Only by an ordained minister. Pastors restricted Some circumstances that forbid a minister to marry a given couple. Pastors own decision. Wedding

14. Spiritual ceremony A church wedding involves: A legal contract. A spiritual commitment. Wedding

15. Your ministry is vital to the ongoing growth and development of the church. Because of the unique leadership talents the Holy Spirit has given you, you can make a tremendous difference. Lean on Him for grace and guidance. An Appeal for the Elders

16. Be shepherds of Gods flock that is under your care, serving as overseers–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Be shepherds of Gods flock that is under your care, serving as overseers–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (I Peter 5:1-4) An Appeal for all Elders