1. Which of the quotes about the reformation of doctrine resonates most with you? Why?
2. What doctrines can you think of, aside from those mentioned by the speaker, that were once lost and later recovered in church history?

1. Outline Acts 20:17-35, and list out the main things that Paul wanted to leave with the Ephesian elders. What do you learn about how spiritual leadership should lead?
2. Memorize Acts 20:17-35. Every elder or spiritual leader should know this passage by heart.

1. Why do you think that when there is so much teaching about eldership in the NT, that churches continue to go with the pastor-centric form of government?
2. How would you respond to the objection: “The church should adopt the form of government that is most effective for its time and culture?”

1. Make a list of the elders in your church, and indicate in what areas they are particularly strong and act in the role of “first among equals.” How does their leadership show in those areas? Is there evidence that the other elders allow the “first among equals” to lead?
2. Make a list of people in your church that function as “first among equals” in their various ministries? How does their leadership show?

1. The speaker mentions that the eldership should be a microcosm of how the rest of the church looks. Is this true of your church? Does your eldership mirror how you want your church to look?
2. The speaker tells of a church where there is an empty chair at every elders meeting, reminding the elders of Christ’s presence and headship. What are some tangible ways you and your fellow elders can remind yourselves of Christ’s presence and headship in your meetings and your church?

The speaker talks about the difference between genuine accountability and fake accountability. In light of his comments, make a list of some men who could be accountability partners for you. If you don’t have someone to hold you accountable, ask one or more of the people on your list!

1. What passages have you heard that some people use to support the traditional “Pastor” centric form of church government? How would you respond to that way of thinking?
2. In your own words, define the principle of “first among equals.” How does this principle play out in your eldership? Do you err toward either of the extremes the speaker mentions? If so, how can you find a good balance in this principle?

Study 1 Timothy 5:17-18 for yourself. Identify the elders in your church who labor in preaching and teaching which Paul would say are “worthy of double honor.” Is your church obeying the mandate to support those elders? If so, how? If not, what needs to change so that you are obeying this Scriptural principle?

1. Read Titus 1:6. Discuss what the speaker said regarding this verse and what types of problems with children should or should not exclude a man from eldership.
2. An elder must be pure in his sexual life. What are ways that you and your fellow elders keep each other accountable in this area?

1. Meet with at least two elders and ask them which of the qualifications they are doing well in and which are more of a struggle for them? In other words, none of us measures up perfectly in all areas. Ask them to identify their areas of strength and weakness.
2. What steps are you taking to help you resist sexual temptation? To safeguard your internet use? Ask your (fellow) elders what they are doing in this area?
3. Study the qualification of “husband of one wife,” using a couple of good commentaries. List out the different views and evaluate them. Which view do you hold to and why?

1. Why was hospitality important for elders in the New Testament churches? In what ways is hospitality still essential to the ministry of a pastor-elder?
2. Why must elders be men of integrity? What are the consequences if pastor-elders are not men of integrity?

1. Study the quality of gentleness. Why is it so crucial for pastor-elders to be gentle?
2. Meet with at least two elders and ask them which of the qualifications covered in this lesson they are doing well in and which are more of a struggle for them? In other words, none of us measures up perfectly in all areas. Ask them to identify their areas of strength and weakness.

1. The speaker mentioned how he remembers men and women from his young adult years who exemplified what it means to live as a Christian. Do you have anyone like that in your life? Explain how someone has or had a significant impact on your Christian walk.
2. Consider your answer(s) to the question above. How can you seek to be a better model and example for others around you?

1. The speaker talks about preparing future elders and teachers for our churches (1 Tim. 2:2). What is your church doing to train young men to be elders and teachers? If your church isn’t doing anything, what are some simple ways to get such a program started?
2. Why is it so important to instruct the flock of God in the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27)? How does this tie into the second job of an elder, to protect the flock?

1. Interview two or more elders of your church about a time when they had to address a serious doctrinal issue. What steps did they take in dealing with it? What was the congregation’s response? Was the issue fully dealt with and resolved?
2. Are there any issues in your church right now that require specific teaching? Are there any issues that require protecting the people from? What steps can be taken to address those things?

1. The speaker says good leadership is good communication. He also says you as elders probably are not communicating as well as you think you are. What are some ways that you can improve your communication with the congregation?
2. If a stranger came to your church, would they sense that your church is a caring church? Or would they feel a cold, uncaring atmosphere? Whichever atmosphere characterizes your church, what are some ways that you can improve in your care for the flock of God? Discuss this with your fellow elders.

1. Based on Discussion Question 1, ask people from your congregation how you as a body of elders are doing with communicating to the congregation. How do they think you can improve? What steps can you take to improve areas where the people have pointed out weaknesses?
2. What are some ways that you and your fellow elders can improve your meetings? Pick at least one thing and work on it.