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Leadership training

Responsibilities in the Local Church

What every officer does — and how the body works together

Twelve sessions on the duties of local church officers — pastor and elders, deacons, clerk and treasurer, Personal Ministries and the supporting ministries — built from the free AdventSource Personal Ministries Quick Start Guide (North American Division, Lincoln, Nebraska) and the Church Manual. The guide is attached below.

Sessions
12
Questions
96
Quiz questions
96
How to use this course.
Read the bookPersonal Ministries Quick Start GuideThe free AdventSource booklet — job description, planning, education and communication, recruiting and training volunteers, and ministry management.→

AdventSource — Lincoln, Nebraska

AdventSource — North American Division leadership resource center
5120 Prescott Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68506
(402) 486-8800 · adventsource.org

AdventSource is the official leadership resource center of the North American Division. The Personal Ministries Quick Start Guide attached to this course is their free download; the fuller Responsibilities in the Local Church collection (54 two-page ministry descriptions, English/French/Spanish) is available for purchase from their store.

The sessions

  1. 01Session 1—The Church as Christ's BodyEvery officer and member is a vital part of Christ's body, uniquely gifted by the Spirit for the collective mission of the church.Church Manual · 8 questions · 8 quiz
  2. 02Session 2—The Pastor and the EldersElders and pastors provide spiritual oversight, acting as shepherds to feed the flock and lead the church in mission.Church Manual · 8 questions · 8 quiz
  3. 03Session 3—Deacons and DeaconessesDeacons and deaconesses serve the church through practical care for members, the sanctuary, and the community.Church Manual · 8 questions · 8 quiz
  4. 04Session 4—Church Clerk and TreasurerFaithful record-keeping and financial stewardship are essential ministries that maintain the integrity and mission of the church.Church Manual · 8 questions · 8 quiz
  5. 05Session 5—The Personal Ministries / Outreach CoordinatorThe Personal Ministries leader is called to plan, educate, recruit, and manage the church's mission to the world.Quick Start Guide pp. 1–3 · 8 questions · 8 quiz
  6. 06Session 6—Planning the WorkEffective planning involves understanding the mission, assessing the community, and coordinating a team-based strategy.Quick Start Guide pp. 2–9 · 8 questions · 8 quiz
  7. 07Session 7—Educating and CommunicatingKeeping the church informed and inspired for outreach through effective communication and celebration of what God is doing.Quick Start Guide pp. 6–9, 17-18 · 8 questions · 8 quiz
  8. 08Session 8—Recruiting and Training VolunteersMatching members' spiritual gifts with meaningful service through personal invitation and supportive training.Quick Start Guide pp. 8, 9, 11-12, 17 · 8 questions · 8 quiz
  9. 09Session 9—Ministry ManagementSupervising outreach programs with a focus on process, teamwork, and evaluation to ensure lasting impact.Quick Start Guide pp. 10, 12-14, 18 · 8 questions · 8 quiz
  10. 10Session 10—Sabbath School, Children's, Youth and Family Ministries LeadersDisciple-making and teaching roles that nurture the faith of all generations within the church family.Church Manual; Deut 6, 2 Tim 3:15 · 8 questions · 8 quiz
  11. 11Session 11—Health, Community Services, Stewardship, Prayer, Music, Communication and GreetersThe supporting ministries that demonstrate Christ's love through practical service, stewardship, and creating a welcoming atmosphere.Church Manual; Matt 25:35-40 · 8 questions · 8 quiz
  12. 12Session 12—The Nominating Committee and the Church BoardThe organizational structure that ensures accountability, order, and unity in the mission of the local church.Church Manual; 1 Cor 12:12 · 8 questions · 8 quiz