Church Elders
தலைப்பு மேலோட்டம்
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Church Elders (1 Module)
Professors: Bruce Ballast & Abigail Dominiak
Enroll me Course Summary
The Church Elders Course equips elders to serve with biblical wisdom, pastoral presence, and practical leadership in the local church. Students will explore the calling, qualifications, duties, and multiplying role of elders, preparing them to guard the flock, guide ministry, shepherd souls, and model Christlike leadership.
Course Description
Elders are called to shepherd the flock of God, not out of duty but out of love, not for selfish gain but with integrity, and not as rulers but as examples (1 Peter 5:2–3). This course equips current and aspiring elders to live out that calling with competence, humility, and courage.
Through twelve sessions, Professors Bruce Ballast and Abigail Dominiak lead students into a comprehensive exploration of the elder’s role.
The course covers the biblical foundation of eldership, qualifications and responsibilities, and the challenges of conflict, spiritual warfare, and church discipline. Students will also learn how elders can evaluate ministry, care for the sick, strengthen congregational unity, and multiply leadership through intentional meetings.
This training emphasizes that elders are first and foremost shepherds—called to know the sheep, oversee the church with diligence, guard against false teaching, and restore those who stray. Biblical passages such as Acts 20, 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and Matthew 18 are studied in depth, alongside case studies and practical handbooks.
By the end of the course, learners will not only understand the responsibilities of elders but also be prepared to embody the heart of Christ in their local context: leading prayerfully, serving gently, weeping when necessary, and always keeping the gospel at the center.
Course Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the biblical foundation of elders in the New Testament.
- Identify the qualifications for elders and how they apply in different denominational contexts.
- Describe the elder’s role in guarding the flock from false teaching and spiritual dangers.
- Recognize and respond to spiritual warfare affecting the church.
- Demonstrate practical skills in knowing and caring for the congregation.
- Understand the oversight responsibilities of elders in church governance.
- Navigate conflict within the church with wisdom, humility, and courage.
- Practice elder visitations, including prayer for the sick and spiritual support.
- Evaluate ministry effectiveness and outcomes with biblical criteria.
- Conduct multiplying meetings that expand leadership and strengthen the church.
- Apply biblical processes for church discipline with gentleness and restoration in view.
- Embrace the multiplying role of elders in reproducing leaders for future generations.
Who Should Enroll
This course is designed for:
- Pastors who want to train and equip their elder boards in biblical shepherding and oversight.
- Elders, Lay leaders, deacons, or ministry coordinators seeking deeper biblical understanding of eldership.
- Aspiring leaders preparing for ordination with the Christian Leaders Alliance.
- Christians who are interesting in learning more
Assignments
- View all video lectures.
- Read all assigned readings for each unit.
- Complete the quizzes based on lectures and readings (100% of grade).
- Quizzes are open-note.
- Each quiz has a 45-minute time limit.
- Final assignment: written reflection and feedback activity.
Grading Scale
A 93–100% A- 90–92% B+ 87–89% B 83–86% B- 80–82%
C+ 77–79% C 73–76% C- 70–72% D+ 67–69% D 63–66% D- 60–62%
F 0–59%Your average for the course must be at least 60%. Otherwise, you will fail the class and receive no credit.
Deadline
You have 180 days to finish the course. Complete all assignments before the final deadline, or you will be automatically unenrolled, and all coursework will be removed. You will need to retake the class to receive credit.
Final Feedback Survey
The last assignment will ask for your feedback regarding this course. As you study and watch videos, please note any suggestions or issues you notice that could help improve this course for future students.
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