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Study 11 of 18

The Pastor-Elder Team

Partners in ministry with distinct lines of accountability

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Chapter 4 opens with the central claim that 'pastors and elders are partners in ministry.' Church pastors are the team leaders, giving spiritual help and direction, while elders are their assistants in leadership. The two differ in accountability: pastors are appointed by and accountable to the local conference or mission; elders are appointed by and accountable to the local congregation. A significant part of the pastor's role is to train elders by delegating responsibility and maintaining continual communication. The elders' group serves as 'the pastor's sounding board about the needs of the church,' and elders' meetings are held regularly. The chapter also gives tender counsel on caring for the pastor — accepting their humanity, being a minister of encouragement, listening, supporting, praying, and planning an annual pastor's day — and on handling pastoral transitions with attention to the grief process and the welcoming of a new family.

Key points

  • Pastors and elders are partners in ministry; the pastor is team leader, the elder the assistant.
  • Pastors are accountable to the conference; elders to the local congregation.
  • A key pastoral responsibility is to train elders through delegation and communication.
  • The elders' group is the pastor's sounding board; meetings are held regularly.
  • Elders are to care for the pastor: encourage, listen, support, pray, and handle transitions well.

Key texts

  • Ephesians 4:11-13
  • 1 Peter 5:1-5
  • Hebrews 13:17
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
  • Acts 20:17-35
  1. Comprehension

    1. Define the pastor-elder relationship in the handbook's own words.

  2. Comprehension

    2. To whom is the pastor accountable, and to whom is the elder accountable?

  3. Comprehension

    3. What does the handbook name as 'a significant responsibility of the pastor'?

  4. Scripture

    4. Read Ephesians 4:11-13. How does this text frame the pastor's training of elders?

  5. Comprehension

    5. What is the role of the elders' group in relation to the pastor?

  6. Comprehension

    6. List at least four ways the handbook says elders should care for their pastor.

  7. Scripture

    7. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13. What does Paul ask of the congregation toward its leaders, and how does the elder model this?

  8. Doctrinal Clarity

    8. Why does the handbook counsel attention to the 'grief process' when a pastor leaves?

  9. Contrast

    9. Contrast a board where the pastor trains elders through delegation with one where the pastor does everything alone.

  10. Application

    10. How could your elders' group become a better 'sounding board' for your pastor this quarter?