Making disciples is not something to be accomplished, in the first instance, in programs and classes. Making disciples should occur in homes, where elders and leaders visit the members, share in their lives, bring the ministry of the Word and prayer, and encourage the heads of households to continue ... Read more...

In our day we take a more “come/see” attitude toward the church than a “go/tell.” We run programs and sponsor activities and try to encourage the people to come to where the leaders are, in the hope that something about the leader and the program will rub off in the bargain. Read more...

Getting to know people is a high calling and great privilege. It requires continuous work, since people’s attitudes and needs change frequently. The goal of such knowledge is not just “knowing”, but trust and love, a relationship in which people feel truly connected to someone esteemed who they know loves them and cares for their souls. Read more...

“What you do speaks so loudly I can’t hear what you’re saying.” That’s the way one of my college coaches tried to motivate us to work harder in practice, rather than explain to him why we think we should be playing more.

“What you do speaks so loudly I can’t hear what you’re saying.” That’s the way one of my college coaches tried to motivate us to work harder in practice, rather than explain to him why we think we should be playing more.

Church leaders must be people of discernment, able to “judge righteous judgment” (Jn. 7:24) in ministering the Word of God to His people. We need as elders, deacons, and church leaders people who work as hard to be disciples of Christ as they do at doing the work of disciples.

The elder – or pastor, deacon, or leader – has three tools to use in ministering the grace of God to His people: the Word of God, prayer, and his personal example. We need to master each of these as resources for watching over the flock of God.

How often in our day are church leaders elected for all the reasons Dickson says are “not necessary”? And how infrequent it is to find men serving in leadership who “love the Master, and the work for the Master’s sake”?

It is difficult for shepherds to do their work without a spirit of cooperation and submission among the members of the church. The work of the elder is to watch over the souls of the people and to build them up in the most holy faith. Who would not welcome help in this matter?

Pastors have two primary responsibilities when it comes to helping their churches to grow: the ministry of the Word and prayer. But who will disciple the people, see to their spiritual needs, watch over their souls day-to-day, and help them find their place of service in the congregation?