Elders, Deacons, Preachers, Saints
The Selection Process
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on the process a church can use to select, confirm and appoint deacons and elders. Of special note in this lesson is the necessity to follow scripture while balancing the freedom the Holy Spirit allows in this process.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand the various biblical leadership roles and their relationship to one another.
- Feel: Recognize the necessity for effective leadership in the Church.
- Do: Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective leader in the Church.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
Answers will vary but look for similar concepts applied in today's words without deviating from scripture.
Answers will vary but look for how the process, minus direct intervention of the Holy Spirit, can be applied.
Answers will vary but look for similar concepts applied in today's words without deviating from scripture.
Answers will vary but look for responses that support the need for trust and leadership exhibited by a mature personal and spiritual character.
Scripture gives us qualifications for the men selected for these positions but gives us latitude in how we appoint them. From Acts 6 we see that the community of believers put the names of men forward to the apostles (leadership). The apostles then approved the men. They were then appointed into service by prayers and laying on of hands.
As for elders, there are some examples from scripture. Acts 14:23 states men are appointed. The elders and evangelist select a man who desires to serve as an elder, and the congregation confirms his selection by affirming that he does indeed qualify according to scripture. Throughout the process, study of God's word and prayer are critical to the process.
It is God's plan that men be selected as leaders and servants in a congregation. When we prayerfully study scripture and follow the examples and directions contained therein, we have a greater likelihood of success. This directly leads to a greater effectiveness of the Church in meeting its mission of bringing the lost to Christ.