Chapter 2 the Elder's Call and Qualifications Part 2

7/27/2019 Chapter 2 the Elder's Call and Qualifications Part 2

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Ministerial Association of the General Conference

www.ministerialassociation.com

ELDERS TRAINING SEMINARBased on theElders Handbook


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The Elders Call and

QualificationChapter 2 Part 2


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Committed to Christ

Spirituality must have a privatedimension before it can have a

public influence. You dare not

expect to lead further than youhave been led.

Qualifications:


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1. Total commitment

To give others what you yourself do not have is

an impossible and frustrating task.

Real power springs from spirituality that comes

from a personal encounter with Christ.

Qualifications:


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2. Daily commitment

Commitment, deep spirituality, and strong moral

character are necessary attributes of Christianleadership, but they do not come naturally.

As a Christian leader, you cannot hope to have

the power to lead your people in Gods way unless

you make a commitment to daily devotions.

Qualifications:


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3. Time commitment

No commitment is total unless it includes a

commitment of time. If you are not able to spend

two to four hours a week doing the work of an

elder, you probably should decline the position.

You must not let church work cause you to neglect

your family and other responsibilities.

Qualifications:


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Support church doctrine

Maintain strong family relationships

Be sexually pure. Being in love with your spouse,

aware of your vulnerability, cautious of

counseling the opposite sex, especially on

intimate matters, and being spiritually strong.

Example to members


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Overcome racial prejudice

Be an exemplary giver

Admit your mistakes

Elders are expected to have exemplary character. But

remember, God asks nothing of you that He is not

willing and able to empower you to do.

Example to members


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Elders must love people

Keep the church unity

Ability to work with church members

Follow your leaders

Be an enabler of members

Leader of members


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Purpose of ordination

It was an acknowledged form of designation to

an appointed office and a recognition of onesauthority in that office. The Acts of the Apostles, 162

Ordination


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Three categories of ordained officers:

1. The gospel minister:

Called to preach, teach, administer the ordinances, andprovide pastoral care for church members.

2. The elders:Called to lead and minister to local congregations, performing

pastoral functions as well.

3. The deacons:Called to care for the physical needs of the church and its

members.

Ordination:


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Ordination is a public recognition of:

Gods call of the individual to this specific ministry.

Gods enabling the person for this ministry by

providing the spiritual gifts needed.

The congregations recognition and approval of

Gods call and an expression of its willingness to

follow the individuals leadership.

What is Ordination?


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It includes a call by God and election by a local

church.

The church teaches that elders should be a personof experience and chosen wisely.

The Church Manual suggests that ordination

should occur soon after elders are elected.

Prerequisites to Ordination


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The ordination service:

Performed by an ordained minister.

Ordained ministers and elders in the

congregation may assist.

Prepare a good ceremony

The ceremony of ordination


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Ordination is meant to be permanent:

Elders are recognized for their entire life.

Recognized when:

Elected in the same position either in the same or

another church.

Elected as Deacon.

Authority granted


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Authority of the Elder:

May officiate at the communion service. May leadout in a funeral service.

May request the conference/mission to arrange for

the rite of baptism.

Authority granted


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Elders may not:

Perform a marriage service.

Loss of ordination:

By apostasy or improper behavior.

Authority granted


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They function as elders as long as the church

elects them to the office.

Only the local church can elect elders.

Conferences/missions cannot.

Normally, the local church pastor ordains them.

Limited Authority


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They are to be ordained in the presence ofthe local congregation they will serve.

Their ordination authorizes them to serveonly in the church that elects them.

Limited Authority


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They may serve in more than one churchif other churches elect them.

The authority of elders is limited by their

obligation to their pastor, church board, and

the church business meeting.

Limited Authority

Documents

Chapter 2 the Elder's Call and Qualifications Part 2