Growing into Christ (5)

So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. Acts 14.23

The Elder and His Work
David Dickson (1821-1885)
“So necessary is the eldership for the superintendence of a congregation, that practical wisdom would demand it even if Scripture did not provide it. In ordinary congregations it is physically impossible for the ministers to do all that is needful, or they must cease to give themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

Pastors have two primary responsibilities when it comes to helping their churches grow: the ministry of the Word and prayer. Whatever pastors do beyond these, or without them, is something other than what God has called them to do. But who will disciple the people, see to their spiritual needs, watch over their souls day-to-day, lead and encourage them to grow into Christ, and help them find their place of service? This is the work of the elders – the shepherds of God’s flock, whatever we may call them in our local churches. Such solid disciple-makers don’t just happen; they must be equipped for the work, and helped and encouraged in carrying it out faithfully. Finding and developing such leadership must be a primary focus of any pastor’s ministry of the Word and prayer. Are you making disciple-makers? Or are you just preaching, teaching, counseling, running committees and programs, and so forth, without proper regard for the results such efforts are achieving? Jesus is looking for disciples. And He’s looking to His shepherds to prepare them.

What procedure do you follow in your church for identifying and equipping those who are to serve as shepherds?

Fan into Flame
Our book, Fan into Flame, is a handbook on the work of pastors and shepherds. It explains the context and calling of the shepherd, and provides useful tools for assessment and planning to improve in the Lord’s calling. This is an excellent resource for leadership training of personal growth into Christ. Order your copy by clicking here. Or contact me about our Pastoral Hope Initiative and we’ll walk through this handbook and various other assessment resources together. Watch this brief video, then drop me a line at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.All quotations are from David Dickson, The Elder and His Work (Dallas: Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1990).