Podcasts about Eldership

In this episode of The Coaching Inn, Claire Pedrick is in conversation with Alex Martynov to explore the parallels between coaching and jigsaw puzzles. Both require patience, reflection, and a strategic approach to problem-solving. Alex shares his journey to becoming an accidental coach sharing some of the lessons he has learned along the way.   Check out the YouTube Quick Coaching Tips about jigsaws: Quick Coaching Tips #1 Making Meaning in Coaching   Contact: Contact Alex through Linked In or alex@alexmartynov.com Contact Claire by emailing info@3dcoaching.com  or check out our Substack where you can talk with other listeners. Further Information: Subscribe or follow The Coaching Inn on your podcast platform or our YouTube Channel to hear or see new episodes as they drop. Find out more about 3D Coaching and get new ideas and offers in our weekly email. Coming Up: The Power of Eldership in Coaching with Bob Singha Brilliant Doubt with Jenny Williams Keywords: coaching, jigsaw puzzles, reflection, problem-solving, patience, strategic approach, personal growth, insights, Claire Pedrick, Alex Martynov, coaching journey, puzzle enthusiast, reflective practice, coaching insights, jigsaw wisdom, coaching strategies, personal development, mindfulness, coaching techniques, puzzle metaphor   We love having a variety of guests join us! Please remember that inviting someone to participate does not mean we necessarily endorse their views or opinions. We believe in open conversation and sharing different perspectives.

In this episode of The Coaching Inn, Claire Pedrick hosts Sajni Lakhani, Abbi Buszard, Claire Gillespie and Duncan Skelton, participants in the mysterious Fax Club Experiment. They discuss the experience of writing anonymously, the power of community, and the journey of creating a book with complete strangers through 52 weeks of thought-provoking questions. We talk about the importance of stepping into the unknown, embracing vulnerability, and the way The Fax Club continues to impact on their personal and professional lives. Contact: You can get The Fax Club Experiment wherever you buy your books  Contact everyone through Linked In: Sajni Lakhani Abbi Buszard Claire Gillespie Duncan Skelton Contact Claire by emailing info@3dcoaching.com  or check out our Substack where you can talk with other listeners. Further Information: Subscribe or follow The Coaching Inn on your podcast platform or our YouTube Channel to hear or see new episodes as they drop. Find out more about 3D Coaching and get new ideas and offers in our weekly email. Coming Up: The Power of Eldership in Coaching with Bob Singha Keywords: The Fax Club, anonymous writing, community building, personal growth, leadership, vulnerability, creativity, book creation, coaching, transformation, thought-provoking questions, stepping into the unknown, authentic expression, deep connections, identity, status, supportive environment, reflection, personal development, collaboration   We love having a variety of guests join us! Please remember that inviting someone to participate does not mean we necessarily endorse their views or opinions. We believe in open conversation and sharing different perspectives.  

Title: “Not An Empty Visit” Part 2 Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12 FCF: We often struggle functioning as a church the way God intended us to. Prop: Because the church ought to function like a family, we must lovingly spur for one another toward spiritual growth. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 1 Thessalonians chapter 2. In a moment we'll begin reading starting in verse 1 from the New English Translation. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Last time we covered the first of this three part sermon regarding the visit Paul and his companions had with the Thessalonians. Paul calls on The Thessalonian church to remember exactly how things came about. This is precipitated by unbelieving Thessalonians who are trying to dissuade the believers from following after this Jesus and, in their minds, ruining their lives. They accuse Paul and his companions of having a faulty message, using dishonest methods, with greedy motives. Paul denies all of this and asserted that the gospel belongs to God. They are simply bearing it to them as an act of service to Him. Today, Paul will continue to explain why he remembers their visit as one that was not empty or fruitless. Indeed, it was quite profitable. And one evidence for that is the familial nature of the relationship between the church and the evangelists. Stand with me please in order to focus on and give honor to the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Heavenly Father you have sent Your Son to be our older brother, the firstborn from the dead. Now we are Your children, adopted into Your royal family, and wed to Your Precious Christ. Your Spirit is now in us as our Counselor and friend guiding us into all truth and leading us in the way we should go. Father give us a true vision of how we, all true believers, are now part of your family. And because we are in Your family together – we also are family. Deeper than human blood can bind us, the precious blood of Your Son has woven us together as children of glorious light. May we live toward one another with this perspective we pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] “He cannot have God for his Father who refuses to have the church for his mother” Augustine of Hippo “Those that would enjoy the dignities and privileges of Christ's family must submit to the discipline of it.” Matthew Henry “There is nothing more unchristian than a solitary Christian.” John Wesley Keep these thoughts from these fellow Christians in your mind as we continue today. I.) The body of Christ functions like a family, therefore we must affectionately and selflessly give of ourselves to one another. (7-9) a. [Slide 3] 7 - although we could have imposed our weight as apostles of Christ; i. Some of your translations have this phrase as a part of verse 6. ii. Remember that the verse numbers and chapter divisions are not inspired. The chapters were added in the 1200s and the verses in the 1500s. iii. There actually isn't even agreement among the various compiled Greek New Testaments as to where this phrase goes. iv. The difficulty in knowing exactly where to put this phrase comes from its transitional nature. v. Paul has just refuted 6 practices that he and his companions were being accused of by the friends, family, and neighbors of the Thessalonian church. vi. The effort was probably directed toward tarnishing the evangelists' reputation so as to convince the Thessalonian believers to abandon their new Lord and go back to the way they were before. vii. But now Paul will turn his attention toward the positive example that they set. viii. This phrase neither goes with the negative traits that Paul denies nor with the positive traits that Paul and his companions did show. ix. However, I have put it in this section primarily because verses 7-12 speaks of the way the missionaries behaved in Thessalonica in relational language. x. Did they come like apostles of Christ who could have imposed their weight? xi. They did not. xii. Could they have? Yes. xiii. As apostles, or sent ones, of Jesus Christ the Lord of Glory – they could have come expecting the Thessalonians to care for them, house them, and even support them financially. xiv. Not to excess as to be greedy for gain – but certainly to care for their basic needs. xv. However, Paul and his companions did not do that. xvi. They did not adopt a Master – Servant kind of relationship, even though as Christ's messengers it may have been right for the Thessalonians to see them in this way. xvii. So, if Paul and his companions didn't throw around their title, how did they behave among the Thessalonians? xviii. What kind of relationship did they have with them? b. [Slide 4] instead we became little children among you. i. The manuscript evidence here is not unanimous. ii. The difference between the words in question is 1 letter. iii. Many manuscripts read “instead we became gentle among you.” iv. Many translations follow this, noting the awkward use of little children right before comparing the evangelists to a nursing mother. v. It would be odd for Paul to compare he and his companions to little children and then a nursing mother where the Thessalonians are the children in the same sentence. vi. However, there are three very early manuscripts that support this word being “little children”. vii. And one rule in deciding which manuscripts are most likely the original, is to take the more difficult reading, since a copyist would likely not make the reading more difficult but instead make it easier. viii. Another rule is to give the earlier and proven reliable manuscripts more weight than later ones. ix. Therefore, it seems best to me to see this as “little children”. x. Paul says they didn't come as apostles, expecting to be treated as such – but instead they became like little children – meaning they were humble and meek. xi. Little children cannot impose their own will on anyone, because they are too small to do so. xii. Even though these men were sent by Christ, they didn't choose to throw that status around to get things from the Thessalonians. xiii. Instead, they were givers… c. [Slide 5] Like a nursing mother caring for her own children, i. The word for nursing mother here is actually the word used of a wet nurse. Someone who nurses a child that is not their own child. ii. This is something one usually does as a favor or act of service to a mother that is not able to or has died during child birth. iii. However, Paul here points out that it is the nurse's own children that she is nursing. iv. In that sense then, it is an act of service but one borne not of a sense of duty only but also with great care and love. A point we will see very soon. v. Another point here is that although a wet nurse may actually accept compensation for her work to nurse children who are not her own – she certainly would not be expecting any compensation for nursing her own children. vi. Both the motivation of loving care and not expecting any compensation for their work are emphasized as we go forward, making them both plausible and perhaps both intended. d. [Slide 6] 8 - with such affection for you we were happy to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. i. Here first is the loving care aspect. ii. Paul reveals that he and his companions, like a wet nurse with her own nursing baby, were quite fond of the Thessalonian church. iii. They were dear to them. iv. To the extent that they were more than happy to share with them what was needed for them to grow. v. Not just the gospel of Jesus Christ, but also to devote themselves to their growth and maturing in Christ. vi. But to what degree did they devote themselves to the Thessalonians? e. [Slide 7] 9 - For you recall, brothers and sisters, our toil and drudgery: By working night and day so as not to impose a burden on any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. i. Paul for the fourth time calls on them to look to their own knowledge and need for them to remember the events of the evangelist's mission to their city. ii. We should probably not see this as Paul claiming that he, Silas, and Timothy never slept. iii. Nor should we think that they preached the gospel every moment of the day. iv. Instead, Paul is probably referring to he, Silas and Timothy working full time jobs during the day and in the early morning and late into the evening engaging in the gospel ministry with them and throughout the city. v. Paul and his companions did this specifically so that they might not be a burden to the Thessalonians. vi. Paul didn't want to charge those who received the message of the gospel of Christ. vii. Paul wouldn't have been wrong to get provisions from them. viii. In fact, we learn in Philippians that Paul did receive provisions while he was in Thessalonica from the Philippian church. He accepted this with thanksgiving. ix. However, in Thessalonica especially, Paul didn't wish to burden them with supporting himself and his companions while they ministered to them. x. So let's pause and break down what Paul has said thus far. f. [Slide 8] Summary of the Point: Although part 1 of this sermon focused on the message, methods and motives of the evangelists, part two emphasizes the relational posture of the evangelists. Paul and Silas, at least, could be referred to as apostles, and if the term is used loosely, it could be applied to Timothy as well. Nevertheless, even though they were sent by Christ to share the gospel to all who would hear, and even though they could have expected those who believed to take care of them while they continued in Thessalonica, and beyond, Paul and his companions did not take the posture of a Rabbi – pupil relationship. They did not see themselves on a higher echelon than the newly birthed Thessalonians. Instead, they were humble and meek like children and saw themselves as mothers nursing their new borns on the milk of the Word of God. We are the family of God. And God consistently uses family language in the scriptures to speak of how His people interact with each other and how He interacts with them. Therefore, like the evangelists' did, we should affectionately and selflessly give of ourselves to one another. Transition: [Slide 9 (blank)] But the family language does not stop here. Paul continues to illustrate their relational posture toward the Thessalonians through further familial imagery. Let's see what else he compares himself and his companions to… and why. II.) The body of Christ functions like a family, therefore we must demonstrate a godly life to one another and dedicate ourselves to helping one another to do the same. a. [Slide 10] 10 - You are witnesses, and so is God, as to how holy and righteous and blameless our conduct was toward you who believe. i. Paul continues to look to the Thessalonians and God Himself to be witnesses to how the Thessalonian mission was conducted. ii. Since the beginning of the chapter he has referenced their own memory and knowledge five times now, calling on them to reject what others are saying because of their own experience to the contrary. iii. And Paul has also, for the third time now, mentioned that God can and does examine their hearts and provide validation as to the nature of how the mission was conducted. iv. But Paul no longer emphasizes the meekness and care of their mission to the Thessalonians. Now he focuses on their conduct among them. v. They saw how the evangelists conducted themselves. And God did too. vi. Their conduct was holy, righteous, and blameless. vii. Each of these words mean something slightly different than the other. viii. Holy conduct means conduct that is different, distinct, and unlike others. It is conduct that is set apart for some purpose relating to God's service. Therefore, it must be pure and worthy of God. ix. Holy conduct serves as the summary description with the other two operating as subpoints. 1. Righteous conduct refers to their moral uprightness before God. They conducted themselves in a way that was set apart for God's service. They were obedient to the laws of God as they ministered to the Thessalonian people. In this way their conduct was holy. 2. Blameless conduct refers to their character viewed through the eyes of men. To the extent that if some would accuse or slander them, it is unbelievable because such accusations would be wholly out of character. In this way their conduct was holy. x. One final note, it is important to see that their conduct is toward and being viewed by the Thessalonian church especially. xi. We know that there are non-believing Thessalonians who have a different opinion of the evangelists. Paul is not ignoring that his reputation is being attacked. xii. But he is challenging the Thessalonians to remember their experience and the conduct they observed and put that ahead of the slander of their unbelieving friends and family. When they do this they will find that none of the accusations can hold up. b. [Slide 11] 11 - As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his own children, i. Again, for the seventh time now, Paul relies on their personal experience as to how they were among them. ii. And again Paul uses relational language to communicate further their posture among them. iii. Paul says that the evangelists not only didn't demand honor as apostles, were like children and like a nursing mother, but that they were also like a father and how he treats his own children. iv. The family language is complete. v. They are fellow children with them while also occupying both parental roles as well. vi. But how exactly were the evangelists father figures to the Thessalonians? c. [Slide 12] 12 - exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you live in a way worthy of God who calls you to his own kingdom and his glory. i. What is clear here, is that the holy, righteous, and blameless conduct that they demonstrated before the Thessalonian church is the pattern they wished to reproduce, to duplicate in the church itself. ii. Again we see the idea of discipleship being equated to imitation and duplication. iii. A father – a good father – a godly father, is one that exhorts and encourages and insists. iv. Again, this triad of words have subtle differences in meaning and again we should see the first as the governing word with the others providing two particular aspects of the first. v. To exhort is to preach, to counsel, or to come alongside. It is to both teach truth and apply it while demonstrating it. 1. The first subpoint of exhortation is encouragement. This provides a motivational backdrop by which this exhortation occurs. It is not given as a Lord or King over a vassal. Instead, this exhortation is provided in order to benefit the student. It is for their good. It is to build their spirits and give them a sense of success at living the particular way you want them to live. The exhortation happens along side them not over or in front of them. The exhortation is accompanied by a helping shoulder. 2. The second subpoint is the other side of that coin. To insist implies that this exhortation is not actually optional. If someone says, “I encourage you to look into this matter.” We might think – ah yes, when I get time, I will do that. But when someone says “I insist that you look into this matter.” That we hear not as a request but as a command that should be observed. So although exhortation happens alongside and under someone… it is not standing still or sitting down. It is moving forward. It is a gentle push forward. 3. This is why I have often defined exhortation and edification as encouragement with teeth. The teeth of exhortation is the insistence for the advice to be obeyed. It is not a suggestion although it is kindly and joyfully given. vi. But what are the Thessalonians being exhorted, encouraged, and insisted toward? vii. A lifestyle worthy of God. viii. It is the role of godly fathers, a role which the evangelists took up, to exhort, encourage, and insist that their children live a lifestyle that is in service to God. ix. But not a God who has made you a mere serf on his land. x. Instead, it is a God who has called each of His slaves to His own family and kingdom and to share in His glory. xi. We have been made sons and daughters of God. Heirs to His throne. We will reign with Christ. We will judge angels. xii. All of this communicates that this life is MANDATORY of all who bear the royal name. xiii. A name we have inherited through adoption and by marriage to the King. d. [Slide 13] Summary of the Point: The family language to describe the body of Christ endures in this second point. Where the first point emphasized the affectionate and selfless love of a fellow child and nursing mother, this second point emphasizes the demonstration and dedication of a father to ensure his child lives rightly. Paul takes two triads to describe their conduct among the Thessalonians as well as their posture toward them. These blend together to show us that the evangelists lived out what they wanted the Thessalonians to imitate. They demonstrated holy, righteous, and blameless conduct and dedicated themselves to exhorting, encouraging, and insisting the Thessalonians live a life worthy of God. Therefore, we also must demonstrate a godly life to one another and dedicate ourselves to helping one another do the same. Conclusion: So CBC, what basics have we learned today that instruct and correct our faith and shape and guide our practice? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 14] The general posture we should have toward one another should look more and more like a family. A functional, godly, loving, and Christ-centered family. Paul demonstrates this by comparing he and his companions to fellow children, nursing mothers, and godly fathers. As fellow children they were humble and meek, not imposing their title or position upon others. As nursing mothers they were affectionately and selflessly giving of themselves to the believers at Thessalonica. As godly fathers they demonstrated godly lifestyles while dedicating themselves to helping the Thessalonian believers do the same. God's people come together as a family. We function this way. Therefore, there are two basic applications we must take from this. We must affectionately and selflessly care for one another's spiritual growth while remaining humble and meek regardless of what position we occupy within the church. We also must demonstrate a holy life to one another while dedicating ourselves to helping others to do the same. In short – we must be like the family Paul describes. But let's get a little more specific with these applications. 1.) [Slide 15] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that the church should function like a family. a. Were this the only passage in the New Testament to use such language, we might not be able to make such a strong case. b. However, throughout the scriptures God's people are referred to as His children. We are called the bride of Christ. God compares Himself to both a faithful husband and a nursing mother delivering His word as milk. c. We are called brothers and sisters in Christ. Christ is called our brother. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved His church and wives are to submit to their husbands as unto the Lord. d. As we introduced the Eldership transition to you several years ago, we made the case that the Elders of a church would occupy a relationship to the church much like a husband to his wife or even as parents to their children. And although we didn't reference this passage – it seems to prove that point quite well. e. In short – the church should function like a family. Because we are a family. f. The church is a body of people called out of darkness and into God's kingdom of light. In this way we have more in common with each other, simply by our adoption into God's family, than we do with any other person on earth who is not in this family. g. Many churches today function more like a business, or a democracy, or a country club, rather than a godly family. h. They design programs around superficial earthly things we have in common, effectively dividing the body into interest groups rather than seeing it as a family that must live together in spite of differences in age, places in life, circumstances, or even cognitive understanding. i. They treat every decision as a group decision rather than establishing the headship of Christ and his Elders. j. They commit time and money to things that work rather than things that God has commanded us to do. k. But this is not how the church should be. l. We are not an organization at all. We are a family. The universal church and the local church too. All those who are truly believers are a family. m. We should act like it. n. How? 2.) [Slide 16] De-Exhortation: “What actions should we stop doing” or “What behaviors do we naturally practice that this passage tells us to stop doing?” We must stop enforcing too rigid or loose a spiritual hierarchy in the church. a. Hierarchy exists in the family. b. Fathers have headship over their families, as the scriptures clearly teach. c. But they are not Lords or kings over their families. d. Headship = responsibility more than it does authority. Although some authority is implied especially as the wife and children are commanded to submit and obey respectively. e. But husbands also have commands and responsibilities. They must love and lead their wives and admonish their children. f. They must do this because they will answer to God for their stewardship of their family. g. In a similar way then, the church functions with a spiritual hierarchy but this is often too rigidly or too loosely applied. h. Oftentimes churches see their Elders and Deacons as hirelings to do the ministry of the church while the rest of the church does nothing. As if they are customers and it is the job of the officers of the church to serve them since they have paid for it with their offerings. i. Or churches see their pastors as inspired agents of God who cannot be questioned. This has all the makings of a cult. j. Or they have no respect for their Elders at all, like an arrogant child thinking overly critically toward his father. This arises from America in general having an authority problem. k. Spiritual leadership ought to be respected, prayed for, and submitted to… but not because they have authority. Instead it is because they have responsibility. l. The church as a whole should function as a family in how it sees its leadership and how all the responsibilities are ultimately, shared responsibilities. m. How else does seeing the church as a family change how we live? 3.) [Slide 17] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must affectionately provide care for one another's spiritual growth. a. Families, with few exceptions, operate this way concerning physical growth. b. Parents work together to provide for the growth and maturing of the children and to sustain each other's needs. c. This is done both because of the innate sense of responsibility placed on parents to care for their children and also out of love and affection for each other. d. The same is true in the family of God. e. We must provide for one another what is necessary for spiritual growth. Certainly, we should care for each other's physical needs too. f. As nursing mothers care for their newborn children, so we as the church must spiritually nurture and provide for one another to grow in our faith. g. If we are not actively seeking those in our local assembly who we can spiritually nurture, then we are failing to see this assembly as a family. 4.) [Slide 18] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must demonstrate godly lifestyles to one another. a. Godly fathers live before their children demonstrating what it means to be holy. b. They do this by obeying God's laws and living blameless lives before men. c. Their yes is yes and their no is no. d. They are faithful to their wives. e. They have a consistent time they spend with God, whether someone is watching or not. f. They submit to authority because they know that the best leaders know how to submit. g. In a similar way – we must demonstrate godly lifestyles to one another. h. Someone is always watching. And whether we like it or not, we are always influencing others. i. Certainly, this is abundantly true of parents to children. Waverly and Moira both say and do things that are very clearly things that they have imported from Kadie and I. j. But we are not the only influencers on our children. k. Kadie and I just remarked on how both of them have been expressing mannerisms that are not from Kadie and I. They are from other people in this church each girl has observed and obviously wish to be like. l. Knowing that we have this effect on others – even if we don't desire it to be that way – we must be abundantly cautious that our lifestyles are lived in a worthy way so as to be imitated. m. We must be holy, righteous, and blameless. So that we can cultivate godly lifestyles in each other. 5.) [Slide 19] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must dedicate ourselves to exhorting others to live a godly life. a. A couple sermons ago we made an observation that although formal discipleship doesn't happen very well in our culture, we certainly do pay attention to the example of other believers and attempt to live like them. b. I made the case that imitation and emulation go a long way to form a disciple and train them to be Christlike. c. However, I did not intend to imply that this was by any means sufficient. d. And Paul, makes that case here in this text. e. It is not enough that they lived holy, righteous, and blameless lives before these Thessalonians. f. They also exhorted, encouraged and insisted upon them living that same life too. g. We must dedicate ourselves to doing the same. h. Not just providing an example by how we live, but coming along side and teaching, encouraging, edifying, and provoking each other to love and good works. i. As so many things – it is not an either/or but a both and. j. We must teach by example and by word. By action and by instruction. k. But why do we live this way? Why strive so hard to live a godly life? 6.) [Slide 20] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” Our motivation for living godly lives is that we've been adopted into God's family with God's name and will share in God's glory in God's Kingdom. a. Were we not but wretches? b. Were we not but slaves to sin, hell, and our Father the Devil. c. Were we not part of another family? The seed of the serpent? d. What has God done? e. He severed the rights of our father the devil. f. He has adopted us as His child. g. He has given us His most holy and glorious name. h. And when He brings His Kingdom, we will share in the glory of His Son – Forever. i. Does this not spur us to live for Him? j. Could He have given anything more to spur us to live holy, righteous, and blameless lives? k. Take Comfort Oh Christian! Observe!... 7.) [Slide 21] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” How blessed people are we to be part of God's family! a. Oh Christian. b. How blessed we are to be in the family of God! c. Remember what you were! And now be reminded what you ARE in Christ. d. From enemy to sons and daughters? There is no earthly King who would do such a thing. e. Only a Holy Lord could do this. f. We are so blessed to have Christ as a brother, God as a Father, the Spirit as a comforter. We are so blessed to be Children of God, The Bride of the Prince, and a royal priesthood. g. My friends… Are we not blessed beyond measure? h. And to you- who are still not a member of Christ's family. Who are still on the outside of belief… 8.) [Slide 22] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” Behold what glorious benefits are available to those who are in Christ. a. Oh unconverted sinner. b. Paul in Romans says that it is the mercy of God which draws men to repentance. c. I implore you to behold the mercy of God. d. God crushes all His enemies. All of them. e. But some of them, He crushes, and remakes them into His children. f. Do you not long to be part of this heavenly kingdom? Do you not long to be part of this royal family? g. Would you not do all in your power to receive such rich and eternal blessings? h. There is no King except Jesus. And He offers not simply life, but abundant life to All His people. i. Would you not perform herculean tasks to obtain what He offers? j. But would you balk at repenting of your sin and trusting in Him as Savior and Lord? k. Naaman in the Old Testament scoffed at the prophet's words to bathe in the filthy Jordan river 7 times. l. He almost didn't do it. But his servants pointed out – that would the prophet have demand wealth and riches untold, he would have gladly paid it to be free of his leprosy. Then they ask – why is he so opposed to doing something as simple as trusting the prophet's words and bathing in the river. m. Will you too be too proud to trust the Word of God and be bathed in His cleansing power? Will you let the simpleness of faith keep you from these benefits He alone offers... by faith alone? n. Come. Repent. Believe. And join a new family. [Slide 23 (end)] Let me close with a word of prayer from the church father Serapion Scholasticus. God of compassion, I stretch out my hand upon your people and pray that the hand of truth may be stretched out and blessing given them on account of your lovingkindness. May a hand of devotion, power, sound discipline, cleanness, and all holiness bless this people. Would you continually preserve them and help them grow through your only begotten Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit, both now and to all the ages of the ages. It is in His name we pray this… Amen. Benediction: And now may Christ, Who is adored in the highest heaven, The everlasting Lord, the Prince of Peace and Sun of Righteousness, Fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Until we meet again – go in peace.

In this episode, Claire Pedrick and Dan Tyndall explore the parallels between coaching and the Christian season of Advent, exploring themes of faithful waiting, holy anticipation, and embodied hope.    Dan shares his journey from being a vicar to embracing coaching, emphasizing the importance of presence and allowing insights to emerge naturally. He describes coaches as companions in the journey of discovery, offering support and witnessing the birth of new insights.   Contact: Contact Dan through https://www.148coaching.com/   or dan@148coaching.com Contact Claire by emailing info@3dcoaching.com  or check out our Substack where you can talk with other listeners. Further Information: Subscribe or follow The Coaching Inn on your podcast platform or our YouTube Channel to hear or see new episodes as they drop. Find out more about 3D Coaching and get new ideas and offers in our weekly email. Coming Up: The Power of Eldership in Coaching with Bob Singha Keywords: coaching, Advent, faithful waiting, holy anticipation, embodied hope, personal growth, presence, insights, journey, support, transformation, discovery, vicar, coach, Christian season, mindfulness, empowerment, reflection, spiritual growth, community   We love having a variety of guests join us! Please remember that inviting someone to participate does not mean we necessarily endorse their views or opinions. We believe in open conversation and sharing different perspectives.

You Can Save the West by Having a Family The Patriarchy Podcast | Pastor Joseph Spurgeon In this episode, Joseph Spurgeon dismantles the foolish idea that “you can’t save the West by having a family.” He walks through the biblical, historical, and cultural reality that civilizations live or die on the strength of the household—and why children are not a distraction from the cultural battle… they are the battle. Joseph responds to a popular post-liberal article claiming young men should avoid marriage and kids in order to “fight the culture war.” In typical Patriarchy fashion, he exposes the lie, opens Scripture, and makes the case that families—not frustrated bachelors—are what actually build nations and save civilizations. Be fruitful. Multiply. Take dominion. This is how you fight. Episode Description Civilizations don’t collapse because men have too many kids—they collapse because men stop having them. In this episode, Pastor Joseph Spurgeon dismantles the idea that young men should avoid marriage and children for the sake of “saving the West.” He exposes the shallow logic of post-liberal elitism, shows why children are weapons in the cultural battle, and walks through Scripture and history to demonstrate one central truth: Nations are built, defended, and renewed by fathers, mothers, and their children—not isolated activists. If you want to strengthen the church, rebuild culture, and see Christ’s Kingdom advance, then pick up a hammer, marry a wife, raise godly children, and take dominion. This is how men fight. Be strong in body, mind, and heart—for the glory of the Lord, the love of neighbor, and the blessing of your posterity. Build. Fight. Protect. Lead. This is The Patriarchy. 00:00 – Cold Open: “The Bureau of Approved Opinions” 01:50 – Birth Rates, Civilizational Collapse, and the Return of Patriarchy 03:45 – Psalm 127 and God’s Design for Family and Dominion 05:40 – Setting Up the Debate: Post-Liberal Article Against Family 08:34 – Angry Young Men, the Culture War, and Misguided Solutions 10:58 – “You Can’t Save the West by Having a Family?” Examining the Claim 15:50 – History and Demographics: How Patriarchy Rebuilds Civilizations 20:28 – Greece, Rome, and Why Low Fertility Destroys Empires 22:52 – Modern Western Decline and Conservative Fertility Advantage 25:18 – Genesis 1: Marriage and Children as the Foundations of Dominion 27:40 – Keeping Perspective: Psalm 73 and Trusting God in the Battle 30:09 – The Household as First Government, Economy, and Mission 34:54 – Biblical Law, Fatherhood, and the Structure of Civilization 39:46 – Family Order, Justice, and Social Stability 42:06 – Do Families Hinder Political Engagement? Scripture’s Answer 44:29 – Proverbs 31 and Household Order Enabling Public Leadership 46:52 – Eldership, Leadership, and Why Fathers Make the Best Rulers 49:23 – Historical Witnesses: Pagans and Christians Agree on Family 54:12 – Teddy Roosevelt: Sterility as a Civilizational Curse 58:57 – The Danger of Childless Politics and Short-Term Thinking 01:03:40 – What the Article Gets Wrong: Faithfulness vs. LARPing 01:06:40 – Max Jukes vs. Jonathan Edwards: Generational Consequences 01:08:23 – The Real Arena: Family Faithfulness as Cultural Warfare 01:10:45 – Final Exhortation to Men: Build, Fight, Protect, Lead 01:13:40 – Closing and Support for Sovereign King Academy About the Show The Patriarchy Podcast features in-depth conversations on faith, culture, theology, and leadership. Each episode equips Christians to live boldly and biblically in an age of compromise—exploring the challenges and opportunities of standing firm for truth in the modern world. Support the Mission We’re still raising funds to expand Sovereign King Academy and keep tuition affordable for families. Want to invest in the future of Christ’s Kingdom?Give here: https://sovereignkingacademy.com Connect with The Patriarchy Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePatriarchyPodcastSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/58tm5zjzApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/f3ruzrsaWebsite & All Links: https://linktr.ee/thepatriarchypodcast Follow Joseph Spurgeon:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePatriarchyPodcastX/Twitter: https://x.com/PatriarchyPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepatriarchypodcastGab: https://gab.com/thepatriarchypodcast Sponsored By Steadfast Cigars – For men who reject passivity and take dominionOrder: https://steadfastcigars.com/ Fit Father Project – Reclaim discipline and strength for lifeStart: https://secure.fitfatherproject.com/a/transformation/4539 Books by Joseph Spurgeon:It’s Good to Be a Boy – https://a.co/d/7zpEh5DIt’s Good to Be a Girl – https://a.co/d/6VlBTzS Final Call to Action Subscribe for more conversations that sharpen men for battle.Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.Like and share to support biblical masculinity.

Leave a voice message for me here: https://www.speakpipe.com/timschmoyerI recently had the opportunity to speak about the “father, elder, ruler” progression at a men's breakfast. Afterwards, with tears in his eyes, an older man told me this:“I used to be a leader in my career and in my home, but now that I'm retired and my kids are grown up, all I do is sit at home and care for the dog.”Something in my heart broke for this man. I didn't say it to him, but something in me wanted to say, “No! This is a tragedy! You've spent your life acquiring wisdom and your city desperately needs it. They don't even know how much they need it. That's why they're not asking for it. And you have grandkids who desperately need your attention instead of a random day care employee.”This is a great lie we've sold to Christian men: that the elder years are for withdrawal. For finally putting your feet up after decades of labor. For letting younger men take over while you fade into comfortable irrelevance.The tears in this man's eyes told me he longed for something different. He wanted a sense of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in his latter years, but didn't have a vision for what it could look like or, even if he did, how to change societal norms to get there. Cities don't have gates for elders anymore.As a 45-year-old father, I realize I'm speaking about something I have not yet experienced, but it seems to me that the grandfather years are essential to the health of a family and a city.Here's the modern vision I see for the elder years vs. what I think the Bible portrays.Modern Vision: The Tragedy of Voluntary ExileWhen a man reaches his sixties or seventies, he's finally arrived at something our culture has trained him to abandon: the culmination of decades spent acquiring wisdom, navigating crises, building things, leading people, and failing enough times to recognize patterns that younger men can't see yet. He's paid for his education in the currency of mistakes, setbacks, victories, and long nights wrestling with problems that don't have easy answers.And then we tell him to go home and care for a dog while his aging body becomes a burden to the family.The man who talked to me after that men's breakfast had actually said something profound, though he didn't mean it this way: he had become a leader in his career and home. Past tense. As if leadership was something you graduated from, like college or braces. As if wisdom had an expiration date.But here's what's actually happening: his grandchildren are forming their understanding of manhood, marriage, work, and faith right now. His city is being shaped by whatever values its influential families have, without his influence. The next generation of men in his church are trying to navigate fatherhood and business and marriage without access to the forty years of pattern recognition sitting unused in his living room.His retirement isn't rest. It's desertion. And it's not his fault. This is what society expects.Subscribe to join me and other Christian men in pursuing the noble task of eldership (1 Tim 3:1).Biblical Vision: The Elder Years Are Not for SpectatingScripture doesn't describe a stage of life where faithful men become spectators. The progression isn't father to retiree. It's father in the home, elder in the city, ruler in the Kingdom. And that third stage doesn't begin when you die. It begins when you've proven faithful with the first two.Remember Proverbs 31:23:“Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.”This isn't describing a young father. This is a man who has already led his household well, who now sits in the place of governance and wisdom. The gates were where disputes were settled, where guidance was sought, where the direction of the city was determined.These weren't honorary positions for guys who wanted to feel important. These were men whose families and businesses proved they could govern well—and their cities needed that capacity.Or look at Titus 1, where Paul describes elder qualifications. These aren't requirements for young men trying to prove themselves. They're descriptions of men who have already managed their households well, whose children are believers, who have demonstrated self-control and wisdom over decades. The elder years aren't the retirement party after fruitful governance — they're the deployment of everything that fruitful governance built.When a man becomes a grandfather, he hasn't graduated from leadership. He's (hopefully) finally qualified for its highest form.In fact, the Jewish community holds the belief that if a word isn't found in the Bible, then it's a man-made word and isn't a concept from God. Since the word nor the concept for “retirement” is found in scripture, many Torah-observing Jews have the idea that, until they die, they will always be generating value for their family and their community.Personally, this makes sense to me. It doesn't mean I'll always be generating financial value or doing a young man's work, but I'll always be generating value for my family and city until I no longer can. In his book, “Thou Shall Prosper,” (affiliate) Rabbi Daniel Lapin describes it like a golf swing. A good swing doesn't slow down when it reaches its goal of making contact with the ball (i.e., retirement). Instead, it follows through and keeps swinging even after the ball is on its way.Now, I'm not saying every grandfather should pursue formal church eldership. That's a specific office with specific responsibilities. But the qualifications for that office describe something broader: the kind of man whose life earns him natural authority. Whether you're ever appointed as an elder or not, if you've managed your household faithfully, your family and community need the wisdom and influence that faithfulness has produced.The challenge, of course, is that our cities don't have literal gates anymore. There's no cultural script for this today. You won't receive a formal invitation to govern, which means the elder years require the humility to initiate where you're not expected and the wisdom to discern which family is “fruitful soil” and is worth sowing into.What Your Family Actually NeedsYour adult children need you.* They still need to watch you work on something difficult and not quit.* They still need to be reminded why integrity matters when no one is watching.* They still need to see you pray and actually mean it.* They still need to watch you love their mother well after fifty years when love isn't always feelings anymore, it's covenant.And your grandchildren don't need another daycare worker or another hour of screen time. They need access to you, too. They need you to teach them things:* How to use tools* How to think through problems* How to speak with respect* How to handle money* How to read Scripture like it actually matters.Not because you're trying to relive your glory days through them, but because formation happens through proximity to someone further down the road.Your son or daughter is trying to raise these kids while navigating careers and mortgages and marriage. They're drinking from a firehose every day. But you have time now. You have perspective. You have the leisure to invest in formation that their parents don't always have bandwidth for.And here's what's actually at stake: your grandchildren will either inherit your presence or your absence. They'll either grow up with access to a man who shows them what biblical masculinity looks like across decades, or, if their father follows your lead and is also absent, they'll piece together their understanding of manhood from YouTube, their peers, and whatever messages the culture happens to be selling that week.The question isn't whether they'll be formed. The question is by whom.Now, I realize there's complexity in this. If your adult children have created distance, if they're not eager for your involvement, that's data worth listening to. The first work of eldership might be examining why that gap exists and whether you need to earn back trust before you can govern well. But don't mistake complexity for impossibility. Strained relationships can be rebuilt, even if it takes years of effort (and even professional therapy) to get there.Subscribe to join me and other Christian men in pursuing the noble task of eldership (1 Tim 3:1).Your City Doesn't Know It Needs YouPart of governing your city means influencing its families, one family at a time, and right now families in your city are making big decisions:* Public school vs. Homeschool* Opening another credit card vs. Paying down the one they have* Staying in the same industry vs. Changing careers* Giving up on their marriage vs. sticking with itMost of those families don't have people consistently speaking into their lives. Sometimes it's because they don't have the maturity to open up and receive it, but other times it's just because everyone else is “too busy” or “too humble” to help.But you're not too busy anymore.And whether you realize it or not, you have something these families don't: you've spent decades watching decisions play out over time. You've seen leadership fail and succeed. You've watched marriages come and go. You've managed people, budgets, conflicts, crises. You've acquired pattern recognition that takes a lifetime to build.The families in your city need that.Not because you're smarter than everyone else, but because wisdom isn't information—it's the ability to see how things connect over time. The young finance guy sees the projected tax revenue from that new building development. You see what happened the last three times your city approved something similar. The activist pushing the new policy sees the immediate problem it solves. You see the future consequences they haven't considered.This is what elders do. They don't just show up in people's lives to feel important. They show up because their presence governs—it shapes what the future of the city looks like, one family at a time.Ruling Starts Before the Kingdom ComesJesus told a parable in Luke 19 about a nobleman who gave his servants resources to manage while he was away. When he returned, he rewarded the faithful ones with authority:“Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in very little, take charge over ten cities.”The servants who managed the little well were given cities to rule. Not as a retirement bonus—as the natural deployment of proven capacity.This is the trajectory Scripture describes for faithful men: current stewardship determines future authority. The man who governs his household well is qualified to govern the city. The man who governs the city well is being prepared to rule in the Kingdom.Your grand-parenting years aren't the end of this progression. They're where it culminates.The Work That Brings MeaningSo what does this actually look like?It looks like blocking out regular time with each grandchild, not as babysitting favors to their parents, but as intentional formation. Teaching them to pray. Reading Scripture with them. Taking them on errands and narrating how you think through decisions. Inviting them into projects where they can learn skills and see work ethic modeled.It looks like mentoring younger men in your church who are trying to navigate the same challenges you faced twenty years ago. The young father drowning in toddler chaos who needs to hear from someone who survived it. The entrepreneur making mistakes you already made. The couple considering divorce who needs perspective from someone whose marriage outlasted feelings.It looks like using your time and resources to serve needs you can finally see because you're not consumed by career climbing. The widow who needs help with her house. The single mom whose car keeps breaking down. The community project that needs someone with project management experience.This isn't about becoming a workaholic in your seventies. It's about recognizing that the elder years are when you finally have the wisdom, time, and position to govern most effectively, and that your family and city desperately need you to do exactly that.The Choice In Front of YouI think about the man who talked to me at the men's breakfast. He didn't realize he was describing a tragedy. He thought he was describing a normal retirement, but his tears told me he knew something was broken.Our culture celebrates this kind of withdrawal. We call it “enjoying retirement” and “finally relaxing after years of hard work.” But biblical eldership doesn't retire. It deploys.So start small. Call one of your adult children this week, not to advise, just to build the relationship and catch up. Find one younger family in your church who seems hungry for input and invite them to dinner. Show up to one thing where younger fathers gather and make yourself available.You won't rebuild the gates overnight. But you can start sitting in them tomorrow.And your dog, as much as he loves you, will never miss you the way your grandchildren will. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit read.timschmoyer.com

Gender: in politics, trans identities, marketing, clothing, food, and dating … GUEST Dr Fellipe Do Vale … Tutor in Theology and Lead Tutor for Academic Inclusion, Trinity College Bristol .. author of the upcoming, “Living a theology of gender: how to love our gendered world” The Art of Asking Better Questions: Pursuing strong relationships, healthier leadership, and Deeper Faith… GUEST J.R. Briggs … founder of Kairos Partnerships and serves on staff with the Ecclesia Network and Fresh Expressions … his books include “The Sacred Overlap,” and “Eldership and the Mission of God”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gender: in politics, trans identities, marketing, clothing, food, and dating … GUEST Dr Fellipe Do Vale … Tutor in Theology and Lead Tutor for Academic Inclusion, Trinity College Bristol .. author of the upcoming, “Living a theology of gender: how to love our gendered world” The Art of Asking Better Questions: Pursuing strong relationships, healthier leadership, and Deeper Faith… GUEST J.R. Briggs … founder of Kairos Partnerships and serves on staff with the Ecclesia Network and Fresh Expressions … his books include “The Sacred Overlap,” and “Eldership and the Mission of God”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carmen Sederino joins Claire Pedrick to share her journey from a shy child to someone who trains leaders to do brilliant keynotes. This episode is for you if you're thinking about how you use storytelling in spoken and written word. Hear about her own career shift from a corporate role to founding Illuminated Story, where she helps leaders and professionals enhance their public speaking skills through staging.   Storytelling can transform both the audience and the storyteller. Public speaking is a skill anyone can learn. Theatrical elements enhance public speaking. Pauses in speech can create impact. Tailor your energy to the audience size. Sales and coaching require different approaches. Your story is your unique selling point. Filming yourself can improve public speaking skills.   Check out https://www.youtube.com/@illuminatedstory1665 https://www.instagram.com/illuminatedstory/ https://illuminatedstory.com/  Contact: Contact Carmen through Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/public-speaking-coach-presentation-skills/  Contact Claire by emailing info@3dcoaching.com  or check out our Substack where you can talk with other listeners. Further Information: Subscribe or follow The Coaching Inn on your podcast platform or our YouTube Channel to hear or see new episodes as they drop. Find out more about 3D Coaching and get new ideas and offers in our weekly email. Coming Up: Quiet Catalyst - Embracing Introversion And watch out for an episode in December : The Power of Eldership in Coaching with Bob Singha   Keywords: Carmen Sederino, storytelling, public speaking, leadership, transformation, stage performance, corporate career, Illuminated Story, theatrical elements, audience engagement, personal growth, professional development, communication skills, keynote speaking, public speaking tips, storytelling techniques, leadership coaching, presentation skills, audience connection, storytelling power   We love having a variety of guests join us! Please remember that inviting someone to participate does not mean we necessarily endorse their views or opinions. We believe in open conversation and sharing different perspectives.

As I've shared this progression idea of, “Father in the home to elder in the city to ruler in the Kingdom,” I keep getting the same question. They say,“Tim, I get the ‘father in the home' part, but elders and ruling part doesn't make sense.”Yeah, I understand why. Most people think “elder” means church board member, and “Kingdom of God” means an eternal vacation in heaven. There's some truth to these perspectives, but neither are completely biblical.The Biblical Progression for MenWhile society may have lost this “noble task” of aspiring to be an overseer, Scripture hasn't. Its vision for men is this:* Fatherhood in the home is training for eldership in the city.* Eldership in the city is training for ruling cities in the Kingdom.The framework comes directly from 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.When discussing the qualifications for an elder, in 1 Timothy 3:4 Paul says:“He must manage his own household well, with all dignity, keeping his children submissive. For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?” (ESV)The principle seems to be this: managing my home well qualifies me for broader leadership to help others manage their homes and affairs.It's the same principle we see in Proverbs 31:23, where the husband of the excellent wife has an outstanding reputation and sits as an elder at the city gates. The whole chapter describes her household management, and that qualifies him to sit among the leaders of the city. (Why our communities desperately need this elder role and the impact of its absence is a topic for a future post.)Subscribe to join me and other Christian men in pursuing the noble task of eldership (1 Tim 3:1).But how does that connect to ruling in a Kingdom?Let me unpack these two ideas a bit more from a biblical perspective. I'm honestly still wrestling with how to articulate this well, so please help me here as this (hopefully) starts to click for you.First Objection: “Tim, isn't 1 Timothy 3:4 about church eldership, not the city?”Yes. Kinda.“…for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?”The confusion comes because we read “church” and think of our modern experience and understanding of “church.” This isn't just talking about the guy who passes offering plates on Sunday mornings. Church leadership is included here, but there's more to it than that.Every biblical example of eldership we have points to governing in a city, not just religious functions. When Scripture talks about elders, they're sitting at city gates (Proverbs 31, Ruth 4), making community decisions, settling disputes, serving people, and managing the common good of their city.The word “church” (ekklesia) in 1 Timothy 3 is the same word used throughout Scripture for assembly or gathering. It's a community of people, not just a Sunday service. I think we've domesticated this concept by limiting “elder” to church committees when the biblical vision is far broader: proven household stewardship qualifies men for civic influence and leadership in the community of faith.Think about Boaz. He goes to the city gate, gathers the elders, and facilitates a legal transaction for Ruth and Naomi. That's not church leadership—that's civic eldership. These guys are known, respected, and trusted with community decisions because they've proven faithful in stewarding their households and businesses well.This is why, in Titus 1:5, Paul says:“…I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you…” (ESV)Paul directs Titus to appoint city elders for the sake of the body of believers (i.e. the church) there.This coincides with Paul's understanding of the church (body of believers) being city-wide communities, not the isolated church corner buildings we have today. Paul writes “to the church in Ephesus, Corinth, Colossi, Philippi, etc.” Jesus does the same thing in Revelation 1 when he writes to the church in Laodicea, Smyrna, Sardis, etc.So, yes, I think, “…how will he care for God's church,” is more accurately understood as, “…how will he care for God's people in that city?”Second Objection: “Ok, but how do you get to Kingdom rule?”Good question! And it's a result of the same issue as before: we read our preconceived ideas into the text. In this case, it's whatever one thinks of when they think of the Kingdom of God.Stay with me here. This is important.In Genesis 1:28, God creates mankind as His image-bearer and blesses them with a clear mandate:“Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion...” (ESV)We were created to rule and reign with Him over His creation. This blessed authority was the original design.In some ways, The Fall broke our ruling, but redemption doesn't erase the original purpose — it restores it. Jesus didn't come to evacuate us from earth; He came to restore earth under God's rule with us as His image-bearing representatives.Subscribe to join me and other Christian men in pursuing the noble task of eldership (1 Tim 3:1).This is where Luke 19 becomes critical. In the parable of the ten minas, the nobleman gives each servant one mina and says, “Engage in business until I come.” (More on this command to engage in business is coming in a future post, too.) When he returns, he evaluates their faithfulness with what they were given. The faithful steward who turned one mina into ten receives authority over ten cities. The one who turned one mina into five gets five cities.Notice what the reward is: authority over cities. Not harps in heaven. Not eternal singing. Not floating on clouds. Actual governing responsibility in God's Kingdom.The point?Fruitful management now qualifies you for greater management later.Jesus isn't just testing their financial skills, although that's probably part of it. He's showing that the way we handle what God has entrusted to us right now—our marriages, our children, our businesses, our communities—is preparation for ruling and reigning with Him in His Kingdom.Paul echoes this in 2 Timothy 2:12: “If we endure, we will also reign with him.” The writer of Hebrews says Jesus is bringing “many sons to glory” (Hebrews 2:10). Revelation describes believers as those who will reign with Christ (Revelation 5:10; 20:6; 22:5).“…and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:10 (ESV)This isn't fringe theology. This is the biblical narrative arc:God created us to rule with Him, sin broke that, Christ redeems us and is preparing us now for our eternal role as co-rulers in His Kingdom.

In a day where churches seem to crumble with little to no accountability or come under scrutiny for only having external authority structures, it's important to reflect the wisdom of the early church and appoint elders in every city. In this session, we will look at the biblical framework for local church eldership. And after that, we'll share and discover some practical wisdom that will help any team really flourish within that model of leadership.Derrill Corbin is the Senior Pastor of Mannahouse, a multi-site church in Portland, Oregon. He is also the founder of Life Center,  a local church in Centralia, WA. Known for his creative leadership and insightful communication, Derrill is dedicated to doing life at the table, making disciples, and advancing Jesus' movement. He holds a master's degree in Sacred Studies from Christian Life School of Theology, a Bachelor of Theology from Portland Bible College, where he now serves as chancellor, and is pursuing his doctoral degree at Indiana Wesleyan University. He is the author of Made to Move, a book about boldly pursuing Jesus' call in your life. Derrill resides in Camas, Washington, with his wife, Michal, and their three young adult children.We hope that this teaching left you more encouraged and equipped today. Ministers Fellowship International exists to help leaders build healthy, strong, impacting churches and to do so in a way that makes for a healthy leader.

Scripture: Titus 1:5-16

Titus 1:9 | October 19, 2025 | Pastor Leo BilykPastor Leo Bilyk is Teaching on Titus 1:9 as a part of a sermon series through the book of Titus. We hope you are blessed and equipped by today's message.To find out more about Shorebreak Church or to partner financially, visit www.shorebreakchurch.comTo share your story or ask questions, contact aloha@shorebreakchurch.comMahalo for listening!

What are the qualifications for those who serve as Elders?

Titus 1:7-8 | October 12, 2025 | Pastor Leo BilykPastor Leo Bilyk is Teaching on Titus 1:7-8 as a part of a sermon series through the book of Titus. We hope you are blessed and equipped by today's message.To find out more about Shorebreak Church or to partner financially, visit www.shorebreakchurch.comTo share your story or ask questions, contact aloha@shorebreakchurch.comMahalo for listening!

Pastor Conrad Teaches about what it means to be a leader in the Church.

Titus 1:5-6 | October 5, 2025 | Pastor Leo BilykPastor Leo Bilyk is Teaching on Titus 1:5-6 as a part of a sermon series through the book of Titus. We hope you are blessed and equipped by today's message.To find out more about Shorebreak Church or to partner financially, visit www.shorebreakchurch.comTo share your story or ask questions, contact aloha@shorebreakchurch.comMahalo for listening!

Pastor Conrad teaches about the qualifications leaders and elders in the Bible.

Part 3 of 3 in the series on Women in Leadership within the church. Discussion includes topics related to Spiritual Gifts and Eldership. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 16 Statement by Andrew as his current understanding: Paul was addressing a particular problem specific to the church at Ephesus in which false teaching was resulting in inappropriate behaviour. Paul was not necessarily giving a universal order to all women for all time not to teach or have authority over a man within the church context, but he was speaking against a domineering type of authority going on in Ephesus.

Pastor Conrad teaches about the qualifications leaders and elders in the Bible.

National Singles Week and National Singles Day Sat Sept 27 … GUEST Lisa Anderson … Director of Boundless and Young Adults at Focus on the Family, and hosts “The Boundless Show” weekly podcast and radio show. The Art of Asking Better Questions: Pursuing strong relationships, healthier leadership, and Deeper Faith (new book) … GUEST J.R. Briggs … founder of Kairos Partnerships and serves on staff with the Ecclesia Network and Fresh Expressions … his books include “The Sacred Overlap,” and “Eldership and the Mission of God”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Singles Week and National Singles Day Sat Sept 27 … GUEST Lisa Anderson … Director of Boundless and Young Adults at Focus on the Family, and hosts “The Boundless Show” weekly podcast and radio show. The Art of Asking Better Questions: Pursuing strong relationships, healthier leadership, and Deeper Faith (new book) … GUEST J.R. Briggs … founder of Kairos Partnerships and serves on staff with the Ecclesia Network and Fresh Expressions … his books include “The Sacred Overlap,” and “Eldership and the Mission of God”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

J.R. Briggs is a pastor, seminary professor, coach, consultant, and writer. He has served in megachurches, church plants, and house church networks. In 2011, he founded Kairos Partnerships -- "an organization committed to equipping leaders with the perspective and tools they need to lead with clarity, health, and confidence." He works with The Ecclesia Network and Fresh Expressions. Find him in Christianity Today and read his books, including The Sacred Overlap, Eldership and the Mission of God: Equipping Teams for Faithful Church Leadership, A time To Heal and most recently The Art of Asking Better Questions: Pursuing Stronger Relationships, Healthier Leadership, and Deeper Faith ... and that's why we wanted to have this conversation!

SummaryToday we slip into a cosmic campfire chat with Debra Silverman based in Colorado—where psychology shakes hands with the stars & the four elements (wind, earth, fire and water) become our guides. Debra's journey weaves scepticism with wonder, showing how astrology (despite its esoteric nature can actually ground us in community and help us really see ourselves through practical, lived experience.Together Jade & Debra dig into the pull of ritual & nature, the strange hum of technology in our relationships, & the quiet wisdom our elders carry. It's a conversation that asks us to honour the sacred in everyday life while daring to imagine what AI might mean for the humans we're remembering to be.Links You'll LoveDebra Silverman online Loved this? Try another:Fleur Chamber - Riding the Waves of Life with the Essence of Presence Cynthia Jurs - The Art of Sacred ActivismWe talked aboutThe power that asserts itself when Astrology & psychology complement each otherThe four elements of Earth, Air, Wind & Fire are fundamental to understanding personalities.How scepticism about astrology can be addressed through practical applicationThe role of Community in personal growth & learningThe incredible role that Eldership brings to wisdom holding & the sense of responsibility that it entailsRituals & connection to nature are essential for well-beingWhy technology hinders genuine human connectionNavigating change w awareness & adaptabilityHow her personal growth has been a lifelong journey influenced by astrologyThe future of AI if it considers human values & compassionPod Partners RockAustralian Medicinal Herbs    Code: Future5Support the ShowCasual Support - Buy Me A CoffeeRegular Support - PatreonBuy the Book - Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters, Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togethernessSupport the show

Pastor Conrad Teaches about Eldership in the church.

Can we make a deal to be faithful elders and members of Christ’s church?

An audio sermon brought to you by Shofar Joburg

This episode is another AMA about 1 Peter from a recent sermon preached by Pastor Adam. The questions entered for this AMA centered around eldership in the church, along with church leadership, authority, and discipline, and even goes into church discipline and church hurt. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

It's about time Jade Miles takes the mic so we can pick her brain and her heart about ‘huddling' for the future of all! We chat about what is our ecological work to do, our soul work to do as we come together in all kinds of communities.We decolonise our minds by moving into our hearts: away from extraction and spectacle, toward opulence of the ordinary- soil under nails, soup shared warm, shared conversations around a fire, singing songs as ritual. We name the practices that bind us: huddle, muddle, cuddle- messy, tender, and profoundly effective.Jade's new book, Huddle, is a field guide for this future: small circles doing big things. Gather often. Trade skills. Move through initiation. Tell truer stories. Let the elders speak. Listen deeply. Make a ritual. Define your enoughness. In a time that worships scale, choose closeness. In a culture that fears the muddle, trust in the huddles!.Because the way we will change the planet is not by shouting across the void but by huddling in, shoulder-to-shoulder, until courage becomes contagious and care becomes the norm.Links You'll LoveIf Women Rose Rooted - Sharon Blackie -- DuckworthPod Partners Rock: Australian Medicinal Herbs    Code: Future5Support the ShowCasual Support - Buy Me A CoffeeRegular Support - PatreonBuy the Book - Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters, Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togethernessWe talked aboutHuddling is about coming together in community.Human interactions can be complex due to trauma and ego.Rituals help fill the gaps in our lives.Understanding our phases of life can guide our growth.Eldership and wisdom sharing.Ancestral connections can deepen our sense of belonging.Enoughness is crucial in a consumer-driven world.We must be mindful of our impact on future generations.Being heart-led creates a different world.Loved this? Try these:Jane Hilliard - "Enough-ness" do you have it?Support the showSupport the show

An audio sermon brought to you by Shofar Joburg

This segment of this weeks sermon is here as a resource for you! In this podcast, Pastor Andrew teaches on our view on women in leadership positions within the church. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Do we really believe that to live is Christ, and to die is gain? After serving for more than a decade as a gospel worker and church planter in Asia, Brother Kevin asks all believers to consider whether we actually live as if we believe these words from Philippians 1:21. He says that of ten people who come to faith in Christ in the area where he works, nine recant when the pressure of persecution rises. Yet seeing the joyful endurance of the one who remains faithful is a great source of encouragement to him. Kevin will share how the Lord called him to serve unreached people groups in Asia, and explain what a new believer is likely to face when they come to Christ in a Buddhist and animistic culture, where persecution usually begins at the family or village level. Because of fear-based animistic practices and the communal culture, the entire community feels like they are at risk when a member of their community becomes a Christian. Kevin has walked with friends who've been put in prison or kicked out of their villages. Some are living in tents because they refused to recant their commitment to Christ. Yet they meet these hardships with joy, responding in faith and perseverance to their persecution. Kevin will discuss how individualistic worldviews in Western nations like the United States compare to the collective Asian culture, and how believers show the unity within Christ's body as they rely on each other when part of the body is hurting. Learn more about the church in Asia and how to pray for Christians there and around the world who face persecution for owning a Bible, gathering for a church service, or simply wearing the name of Christ. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as provide free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

1 Timothy 3:1-8

Send us a textIt is really important to center grace in your life, especially right now with everything going on in the world. So I'm excited to introduce today's guest on Dem Bois Podcast, because he went so far as to use the word “grace” in his name. In this episode, Grayson Thompson, a Black Jamaican American queer transgender cowboy poet and mental health therapist, shares his journey of identity, family dynamics, and the art of writing. He discusses the significance of his name, the complexities of his relationship with his mother, and the impact of his transition on his life and work. Grayson also reads his poetry, which reflects his experiences and thoughts on love, loss, and acceptance, emphasizing the importance of visibility and representation in the LGBTQ+ community.We talk:03:03 Grayson's name and identity journey11:46 The role of a mental health therapist20:23 The significance of family and legacy31:34 Eldership and visibility43:15 Reflections on life and death50:52 The importance of community and supportEpisode References:Donahue (TV Series 1967–1995)8 Mile (2002)Sand Bodied Florida Boy Foglifter Journal Read more about Grayson in his bio below:Grayson Thompson [he/him] is a Black, Jamaican-American, queer transgender cowboy poet who moonlights as a mental health therapist. A mouthful, Grayson is Foglifter Press's 2024 Start A Riot! Chapbook Prize Winner with “Sand Bodied Florida Boy” (June 2025) and Winner of Write Bloody Publishing's 2024 Jack McCarthy Book Prize (forthcoming September 2025). Grayson has been featured in Cathexis Northwest Press, Cleaver (nominated for Best of the Net Anthology), Poetry Online, and other spaces. A teaching assistant for poet Buddy Wakefield's Writer's Anonymous, he supports emerging and established writers. A wanderer, he lives in Northern California and in awe of the oceanInstagram: @graysonwritespoemsWriting: www.graysonwritespoems.comMental Health: www.graysonlthompson.comDonate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! Introducing a groundbreaking collaboration crafted by Emilio Perdomo (featured on episode 37). This isn't just merch--it's a movement! We're empowering trans men of color with creative freedom to design their interpretation of Visibility = Possibility™. Think of it like major brands collaborating with athletes, but this time, our community takes center stage. Every purchase supports our vital programs! Craving more Connection? Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks. Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

The post Biblical Eldership appeared first on Woodland Hills Community Church.

In this powerful NAIDOC Week yarn, I sit down with Uncle Cheg—Gregory Egert—one of our most respected elders and lifelong advocates for community, culture, and education in Southeast Queensland. From growing up in Inala in the 1960s, to decades of service on community boards and as an inaugural Elder in Residence at QUT and now UQ, Uncle Cheg shares stories of resilience, responsibility, and staying grounded in culture. We talk about the early days of big community meetings (complete with the occasional flying chair), the importance of giving back, and how Aboriginal-led research is shaping better futures through the ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Futures. Uncle Cheg reflects on what drives him to keep showing up for mob, why mentoring the next generation is non-negotiable, and his hopes and concerns for our young people as they step into a fast-changing world. Whether you’re mob, an ally, or someone wanting to understand more about what genuine community leadership looks like, this episode is a heartfelt reminder—especially during NAIDOC Week—that our culture, our stories, and our obligations endure. Tune in to hear Uncle Cheg’s wisdom on belonging, legacy, and the power of lifting each other up. Resources & Links ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Futureshttps://indigenous-futures.org/ indigenous-futures.org+1indigenous-futures.org+1 The Murri Schoolhttps://murrischool.qld.edu.au/ murrischool.qld.edu.au+11murrischool.qld.edu.au+11murrischool.qld.edu.au+11 QUT Carumba Institutehttps://www.qut.edu.au/research/carumba-institute qut.edu.au+3qut.edu.au+3qut.edu.au+3 University of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unithttps://indigenous-engagement.uq.edu.au/atsisu Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities. Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. If you enjoyed this episode, please ‘Subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘Follow’ on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you’d like to contact us, please email, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Sunday is a pivotal day at Resonate! We add Kelley and Robin Schubert to our Eldership team, hear from all of our elders about the heart and vision of Resonate, and officially take up our pledges for the Making Room For The Harvest Campaign.

When we look at who is called to be an elder we look at: Character, Competency, Compatibility. In this episode, we discuss these three qualifications and explain why those are important to our team.ResourcesChurch EldersConnect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

Pastors Mike and Todd, and producer Jordan talk about the qualifications for being an elder and how to prepare for eldership for those who aspire. Books Mentioned:-"The Path To Being A Pastor" by Bobby Jamieson-"Biblical Eldership" by Alexander Strauch-"Church Elders" by Jeramie Rinne

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." - Colossians 3:23It's easy to assume this verse applies mainly to our working years, urging us to give our best on the job. But notice—it doesn't come with an expiration date. Today, Jeff Haanen joins us to explore a different kind of retirement.Jeff Haanen is an entrepreneur and writer who builds companies and serves leaders committed to healing the world through their work. He is the author of An Uncommon Guide to Retirement: Finding God's Purpose for the Next Season of Life and Working from the Inside Out: A Brief Guide to Inner Work That Transforms Our Outer World.Rediscovering Purpose in RetirementWhat if retirement wasn't the end of something, but the beginning of something far greater?With 10,000 Baby Boomers retiring every day—and people living longer than ever before—a growing number of older adults are asking the question, “What am I called to now?”Culturally, retirement has been framed as a “never-ending vacation.” From jingles like “Wake up and live in Sun City,” to today's media, the message is clear: retire, relax, and indulge. But the reality is different. Many retirees feel adrift, watching screens and fixing things around the house, not flourishing.A Biblical Alternative: Eldership, Not EscapeThe Bible doesn't speak extensively on retirement, but it does offer a framework. In Numbers, older Levites transitioned their tabernacle responsibilities to the younger men. This isn't “quitting”; it's wise delegation and reorientation.There's a three-part vision in light of this:Lay down past work identities.Embrace a season of rest, reflection, and renewal.Re-engage as elders—servants, mentors, leaders.The cultural idea that “elderly” equals obsolete. In biblical tradition, “elder” is a position of nobility, wisdom, and honor—those who teach, guide, and bless at the city gates.A Path Forward: Rest and RenewalWe encourage retirees to start with rest, not for rest's sake, but to re-center and listen for God's leading. Just as Leviticus 25 calls for rest in agricultural rhythms, so too should we practice rest in life's transitions.It's recommended to initially take 3–12 months for rest and spiritual renewal before re-engaging. This time creates space to reflect, give thanks, and seek God's direction.Rather than merely saving to escape responsibility, we want to propose a new vision: communities of elders who lead, mentor, and give generously—of time, talent, wisdom, finances, and prayer. Retirement then becomes not a retreat from purpose, but a re-engagement with it.As Psalm 92:12–14 reminds us:“The righteous flourish like the palm tree…they still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.”So what's next?Churches need to initiate conversations about the non-financial aspects of retirement, including mentoring, grandparenting, part-time work, volunteering, and more. Financial advisors can also play a key role, helping clients envision what they want their 60s, 70s, and 80s to look like, beyond the balance sheet.It's time we shifted the retirement conversation from numbers to calling.Embrace an Uncommon RetirementIf you're ready to rethink retirement, pick up Jeff's book, An Uncommon Guide to Retirement: Finding God's Purpose for the Next Season of Life. And if you want to read Jeff's full article and explore more biblical wisdom on stewardship, be sure to subscribe to our quarterly magazine, Faithful Steward, by becoming a FaithFi Partner at $35 a month or $400 a year at FaithFi.com/Give.Because retirement isn't the end—it's the start of a new mission. Let's live it well.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband and I own a trucking company, and we're downsizing. We sold one of our trucks and have approximately $80,000. I'm trying to figure out the best way to invest this money or whether it would be wiser to put it towards the debt on our other trucks.Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazineAn Uncommon Guide to Retirement: Finding God's Purpose for the Next Season of Life by Jeff HaanenWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

“Those who have descended from the colonisers, we carry privilege but we also suffer the need to apologise” Landscapes can etch into your very being & create a remembering. Making us feel whole & reminding us that we are just a thread in the complex web of the natural world. While somewhat insignificant your thread has a role to play as a relative to the threads it lies next too. The way we all interact with each other - both human and other than human, will be our making or our undoing.Hilary Giovale, author of “becoming a good relative” is based in the ponderosa pine forests of Arizona, opposite a reservation & lives next to the sacred mountain of kinship which she now considers to be her most important teacher. This feels like an important conversation to have had - as two white women without indigenous heritage -  it feels uncomfortable to have, and we will forever be learning, but Hilary (a 9th generation settler in the United States) begins the process of unpacking what it means to be in right relationship with the people & place that we each call home - pushing past the burden of white fragility to build pathways of robust healing & reconnection to our landscapes - to reconciliation with first peoples.She shares what it means to create ancestral alters & how to connect with these elders who's stories she tells us, are still unfolding.She reminds us that while the work we have to do is exceptionally confronting, grief won't kill us & that the time to heal in the bosom of natural landscapes is now."Elders are always identified by the community, never by the individual - they are usually unwilling but always shows up for the community, is wise, is generous, is funny, is humble,  Our communities can guide us to where the elders are."Loved this? Try another:    Indira NaidooPod Partners Rock:Australian Medicinal Herbs Discount code 'Future5' Support the ShowCasual Support - Buy Me A CoffeeRegular Support - PatreonBuy the Book - Futuresteading - Live Like tomorrow matters, Huddle, Creating a tomorrow of togethernessWe talked aboutBeing fed a whitewashed mythology that was a narrative constructed to serve the cultivation of industrialisation.Realising she had been segregated from the truth of her countries cultureIntergenerational task of building right relations - backwards with her parents & forwards with her childrenCreating ancestral altersEldershipHealing rituals/programs - ritualised apology & forgivenessThe history of settler colonialism has created trauma, damage, theft of knowledge, land & culture.“Grief won't kill you”The relief of grief through letting tears flowCommon threads of wisdom which runs through indigenous cultures regardless of the continentGoing to the land in a reciprocal & respectful way & asking permission to be guidedAsking “how if at all can I help” informs how to be in right relationshipSupport the show

We are fortunate to have both Old Testament & New Testament examples of the "Shepherd King" metaphor for instruction in leading God's people. However the New Testamanet spells out what qualifications the pastor/elder of God's local church should possess to be suited for the job. This is helpful, because it cuts the number of candidates -- to properly represent the actual “small” percentage of those who are truly gifted / called for the responsibility. Yet Proverbs 27 gives us some very practical application from its WISDOM on how those in the oversight of God's people should interact with their local church congregation. Help fund the podcast: Patreon Listen to other podcasts produced by Generation Mars Media

This week we explore Eldership as we install 3 new Elders, all on Declaration Church's 11th birthday!

Series: 1 Timothy   |  Sermon Number: 8 of 19  |  Scripture Passage: 1 Timothy 3:1-7  |  Preacher: Kirk Crager  |  Sermon Date: February 23, 2025  |  Note: This sermon was preached at a combined Sunday gathering of New City Church and Cole Community Church.

Series: 1 Timothy   |  Sermon Number: 7 of 19 |  Scripture Passage: 1 Timothy 2:11-15 |  Preacher: Josh Hibbard |  Sermon Date: February 16, 2025