Podcasts about Eldership

Eldership is one of Christ's gifts to the church. We need to select elders with care, and they will care for us. Ultimately our great pastoral care is from Christ himself. Watch Here on Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/aScRIn9Y610

What does it take to lead a healthy church? In this standalone message from Titus 1:5-9, we explore the life and character of a shepherd — and why the health of a church is so deeply tied to the health of its leaders. The Apostle Paul's instructions to Titus aren't just a checklist for eldership; they're a picture of what it looks like when a man is genuinely formed by the gospel and submitted to Jesus, the Chief Shepherd. We'll see that healthy churches don't happen by accident — they're shaped by men who cling to the gospel, lead with integrity, and prove their character at home before they prove it anywhere else. Whether you're in church leadership, considering it, or simply want to understand what faithful shepherding looks like, this message offers a grounding and honest look at the calling, the character, and the cost of leading God's people well.For more information about Integrity Church, visit our website, http://liveintegritychurch.orgConnect with us on social media throughout the week to stay up to date on events and things happening at Integrity!Instagram: @integrity_churchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveintegrity/

In this session, Terry Kruger (TK) joins 614 Church for a powerful moment of prophetic release and a "recalibration" of what it means to lead and follow Jesus from Philippians 3. Stop competing and start co-laboring.Be sure to follow 614 Church online:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/614_church/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/614church/Website: https://www.614church.orgTo support our ministry, https://614church.org/give/To fill out a contact card so we can stay in touch, click the link below!https://614.churchcenter.com/people/forms/283193Until Everyone Knows Jesus.

Justin Gentry joins the podcast to talk about the biblical importance of confessing sin, the transition of Del-View Church toward an elder-led model, and how Brown to Green disciple-making is helping believers grow and multiply disciples. The conversation centers on humility, biblical leadership, and building healthy churches that make disciples.

Brother Rylan, a new-elder candidate at Legacy RBC, teaches on biblical eldership as part of his new-elder training. Lesson 4 of 4.

A jacked 23-year-old put me in a chokehold last Friday. I'm 45. Most people call Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a hobby. I've started seeing it as elder training.Eldership isn't formed in a seminary classroom or a church board meeting. It's formed in the ordinary rhythms you refuse to quit — the budget meetings, the bedtime Bible readings, the conversations with your kids you'd rather avoid.In this episode, I walk through five weekly habits that are shaping me as I steward my home today and prepare for the authority I'll be trusted with in the Kingdom to come. These aren't theoretical. They're what my family actually does, including the parts I'm still figuring out.If you're a man who senses God is calling you to more than just "being a good dad," this is where that journey gets practical.

Brother Rylan, a new-elder candidate at Legacy RBC, teaches on biblical eldership as part of his new-elder training. Lesson 3 of an anticipated 4. This time dealing with an Elder's qualifications.

Brother Rylan, a new-elder candidate at Legacy RBC, teaches on biblical eldership as part of his new-elder training. Lesson 2 of an anticipated 4.

In this episode, I sit down with J.R. Briggs, author of The Art of Asking Better Questions, to talk about why questions matter in a culture shaped by certainty, polarization, and the pressure to always have the right answer. We explore how questions shape our relationships, our faith, and the stories we tell ourselves, why Jesus so often chose questions over direct answers, and how the questions we ask can either wound or heal. We talk about curiosity, humility, power, and what it looks like to ask questions that lead to connection instead of control, and the conversation turns personal as J.R. puts me in the hot seat to reflect on desire, vocation, and what it means to slow down and really listen.J.R. Briggs (DMin, Missio Seminary) is the founder of Kairos Partnerships, an organization committed to serving hungry leaders through coaching, consulting, and speaking. He serves on staff with the Ecclesia Network and Fresh Expressions, and as guest instructor for Friends University in the Masters of Spiritual Formation and Leadership program. His books include The Sacred Overlap, Fail, and Eldership and the Mission of God. He and his wife and two children live in the greater Philadelphia area.J.R.'s Book:The Art of Asking Better QuestionsJ.R.'s Recommendations:King: A LifeThe Accidental PresidentConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowGet Your Sidekick Support the show

Have you ever found yourself thinking, “Why do men process emotions so differently to women?” Or felt like you and your partner were speaking completely different emotional languages? In this deeply insightful episode of It's a Mindset, I'm joined by John Broadbent - men's mentor, retreat facilitator and father - for a powerful conversation about men, emotions, relationships, and what it really means to understand one another more compassionately. John has spent nearly 30 years working in men's personal development, supporting men through major life transitions including midlife, fatherhood and the move into what he calls Eldership. Through his work - and his lived experience as a father and partner - John has witnessed firsthand how societal expectations and stereotypes shape the way boys and men learn (or don't learn) to relate to their emotions. This conversation is a grounded, honest exploration of how men experience and express emotions, how this differs from women, and how understanding those differences can profoundly improve our relationships - as partners, parents and humans. A personal note from me I took so much from this episode. As someone in a long-term relationship - and as a mother of a son - this conversation gave me deeper insight into how men's emotional worlds work, and how often misunderstandings arise not from lack of care, but from different emotional wiring and conditioning. It's already shifted how I relate to my partner, and how I think about expectations, boundaries and communication - and I know it will do the same for many of you. Key Episode Takeaways: How men experience and process emotions - and why this often looks different to women The impact of societal conditioning and expectations on boys and men Why emotional expression isn't the same as emotional depth How understanding men's inner worlds can improve communication and connection in relationships John's use of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and why it's central to his work with men Powerful parenting insights around boundaries, leadership and why being your child's friend isn't the same as being their parent How unrealistic expectations placed on children (and partners) can quietly damage connection About the Guest: John Broadbent is a dedicated father to two young men, a husband, and a business owner with nearly 30 years of experience in men's personal development. As a specialist coach, mentor, retreat creator, and facilitator, he has witnessed first-hand the profound impact societal stereotypes have on boys and men, including his own sons. John designs and leads weeklong rite-of-passage programs for men navigating significant life transitions, such as midlife and later years, guiding them to explore the rich terrain of Eldership. Passionate about helping men define their legacy, he supports them in rediscovering their vitality, purpose, and passion for life as they age. Show Resources: Follow John on Instagram - HERE Connect with John on Facebook - HERE Check Out John's Website - HERE Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram - HERE Check Out Emma's 1:1 Coaching - HERE Book a FREE 30-minute Discovery Call with Emma - HERE If you LOVED this episode, please share it on your Instagram stories and tag @emmalagerlow and @manunplugged. And if it sparked reflection around your relationships, I'd love you to pass it on to someone who might need this perspective too. Yours in understanding, connection & compassion, Emma. X.

Brother Rylan, a new-elder candidate at Legacy RBC, teaches on biblical eldership as part of his new-elder training. Lesson 1 of an anticipated 4.

Pastor Mike Nafziger  Sermon: Biblical Eldership  Passage: 1 Peter 5:1-5 & 1 Timothy 3:1  Series: Stand Alone  January 11, 2026

As we slow down for the holidays, Claire Pedrick and Bob Singha sit down by the virtual fireside and explore coaching and community. Bob shares his journey into coaching, rooted in gratitude and a deep connection to his ancestral wisdom. Discover how the concept of eldership transcends age, offering a timeless perspective that enriches our lives and practices. Bob's insights into the importance of silence, connection, and communal experiences provide a refreshing take on personal and community development.   Contact: Contact Bob through Linked In linkedin.com/in/bobsingha and www.bobsingha.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. Keywords: coaching, eldership, community, ancestral wisdom, Bob Singha, Claire Pedrick, personal development, gratitude, conversation, silence, village, connection, youth work, transformation, coaching journey, mentorship, cultural heritage, storytelling, life navigation, communal experience   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 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.  

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.

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!

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!

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

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

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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.

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.

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