OVERVIEW: This handbook is intended to provide leaders a method by which to biblically develop faithful leaders. The authors, Greg Scharf and Arthur Kok, both bring a wealth of experience to this resource. Greg is a seasoned pastor and professor emeritus of homiletics and pastoral theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Arthur is director of training for the Orchard Network in the greater Chicago area.
INTRODUCTION: In the introduction Scharf and Kok share that this training pathway will:
- Supply steps of obedience you can take toward qualification
- Help you discern if you have biblical qualifications
- Help you to be the kind of person who could serve as an elder
- Drive you to your knees in humility and prayer
- Foster intentional fellowship in the Gospel
- Slow you down (i.e. Keep leaders from being too “hasty” in appointing elders - 1 Tim 5:22)
This handbook is intended to be used while prospective elders are also serving in some area of ministry, be it small group leader or teaching a Sunday school class.
PART 1: This section lays out the vision for the book which includes chapters on the following topics:
- The qualities that characterize biblical eldership
- Understanding the power behind leadership as observed in the life of Ezra
- Understanding the pathways for spiritual growth
- The importance of community in the development of leaders
- Tips for identifying potential elders
PART 2: This section features 75 questions written by Dr. Scharf based on ordination topics and principals from the book of Ezra. In this section each question is stated and then followed by biblical passages and additional resources that provide answers to the stated question. Questions include topics like:
- What does the Bible claim concerning itself?
- What is the gospel? How do you explain the gospel to unbelievers?
- What do we know about Jesus's second coming?
- How are individuals initiated into the church? How does baptism relate to a persons salvation?
Dr. Scharf gives an example of how a meeting could function using these questions.
- Participants will bring a bible and notebook to each meeting.
- In preparation for the meeting, they will have answered the question of the week through scripture and resources, and summarized their thoughts in writing.
- Participants will meet in triplets for prayer and accountability and then come together as a larger group.
- In the training hour, individuals will be invited to share what they had written with discussion guided by a facilitator.
- Before ending, the question for the following week is introduced and then the meeting concludes.
As is obvious, the entire plan will require 75 weeks of meetings, which could easily cycle over the course of 1 1/2 to 2 years.
CONCLUSION: I appreciate this resource for the following reasons.
- It will slow you down in appointing elders, improving the quality and preparation of elder candidates
- It is centered on the Word, so it teaches future leaders to explore, understand, and communicate the scriptures to others
- It provides a comprehensive basis by which future elders can grow to become full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another (Rom 15:14)
- It will work with any orthodox Evangelical church, no matter the philosophy of ministry or theological leanings
- It is easy to use
I close with a quote from the president of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Dr. David S. Dockery, who states in an endorsement of the handbook:
A skillfully designed resource for pastors and church leaders who are serious about developing the next generation of church leaders for their congregations. With its focus on vision, training, discipling, and selection, this thoughtful handbook provides and invaluable guidance for the formation of faithful leaders.
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