The Elder and the Preaching

Minister and elder are partners in the joy that is experienced in their office work; in the disappointment and sorrow that will be the portion of the office-bearers of the church when they experience opposition to God's good Word and the slowness of heart to understand it in the church. They are also partakers of the promises given by Christ for their faithful ministry, as our form for ordination attests.

Discipline: Thoughts on Methodology

What constitutes a biblical, pastoral approach to church discipline? This article establishes that threats that lack preceding instruction and explanation of God's will are unhelpful. The author then provides a set of suggestions for a pastoral approach to discipline: lay a foundation of trust before problems ever arise, make clear what repentance looks like, be persistent, and rejoice when the Lord grants repentance.

The Long Pursuit of Holiness

What does it mean to be holy? After offering some brief commentary the biblical concept of holiness, this article specifically calls upon elders to be engaged in the pursuit of holiness in the congregation, for the church is to be holy as God is holy. The author offers some practical ways for elders to do so: expose sins such as bitterness and sexual immorality, and focus on people's heart-priorities.