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elders

Elders in Every Town

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  • Jakob van Bruggen

This article discusses the task of the elders, as well as the relationship between the elders and the pastor. The author also discusses the question of whether the pastor is a third and separate office. This is done with a focus on 1 Timothy 5:17.

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The Elders in Jerusalem in the Book of Acts

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  • Jakob van Bruggen

Who were the elders mentioned in Acts 12, 15, and 21? These elders had a very unique function in the church. This article looks at the relation of these elders and the apostles, and these elders and the normal elders that were appointed in each church.

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"I Do Not Want a Home Visit" The refusal to receive pastoral care by the pastor or elders

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  • D. Quant

What do the elders and consistory do when a church member is not willing to receive home visits or pastoral care? This article studies the reasons for this situation, and what the elders and consistory can do about it.

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Aspects of the Home Visit Conversation

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  • A. N. Hendriks

What are important aspects to keep in mind during the elders’ pastoral visit to the church members? In discussing these things, the author also points out the goal of the home visit.

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A comprehensible sermon

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  • Cornelis J. de Ruijter

This is article 5 of a series that focuses on the task of the elders in the preaching, sermon evaluation, the teaching and instruction and pastoral focus of the preacher, the relation of the Scripture text to the sermon, the sermon as Word of God, the application in preaching, and the structure and present

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A contemporary sermon

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  • Cornelis J. de Ruijter

This is article 4 of a series that focuses on the task of the elders in the preaching, sermon evaluation, the teaching and instruction and pastoral focus of the preacher, the relation of the Scripture text to the sermon, the sermon as Word of God, the application in preaching, and the structure and present

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The text and the sermon

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  • Cornelis J. de Ruijter

This is article 3 of a series that focuses on the task of the elders in the preaching, sermon evaluation, the teaching and instruction and pastoral focus of the preacher, the relation of the Scripture text to the sermon, the sermon as Word of God, the application in preaching, and the structure and present

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Pastor and teacher in the pulpit

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  • Cornelis J. de Ruijter

This is article 2 of a series that focuses on the task of the elders in the preaching, sermon evaluation, the teaching and instruction and pastoral focus of the preacher, the relation of the Scripture text to the sermon, the sermon as Word of God, the application in preaching, and the structure and present

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The Sermon: What May we Expect?

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  • Cornelis J. de Ruijter

This is article 1 of a series that focuses on the task of the elders in the preaching, sermon evaluation, the teaching and instruction and pastoral focus of the preacher, the relation of the Scripture text to the sermon, the sermon as Word of God, the application in preaching, and the structure and present

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Protocol for Communication with the Session

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  • William Shishko

Elders and pastors are expected to keep confidential matters confidential. This article outlines a protocol to follow in communicating confidential matters, when it is required, in a way that Avoids harm to anyone involved.

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Biblical Eldership

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  • Doug Van Meter

Picking up from the Old Testament, this article shows that Christ chose a plurality of qualified elders to rule and govern His church. This article shows what it means for elders, bishops and pastors to exercise oversight of the flock.

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The Institution of Eldership and Its Task

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  • K. De Gier

This article looks at Martin Luther, Huldrych Zwingli, and John Calvin and their views on the place, task, and role of elders in the church.

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Home Visits – Questions for Children

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  • Peter G. Feenstra

This article provides a whole set of questions that elders could ask children on home visits.

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Character of Home Visits

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  • Peter G. Feenstra

How do elders enter the homes of the sheep? As friends? This article stresses that home visits are conducted by ambassadors of Christ.

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Spiritual Leadership in Church Planting

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  • Brian de Vries

This article considers what spiritual leadership should look like in a church planting setting. It explains the importance of elders and deacons in such a setting.

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Perspectives from the Past: Dickson on Elder Visitation

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  • David Dickson

How can elders make an effective home visits? For home visitation to be effective, there need to be a plans, and this article explains one such a plan.

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"In the Multitude of Counsellors"

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  • Kevin Ash

The church of God is the church militant. This article explains that it is through providing counsel to each other that God makes it possible for the church to be a place of safety. This article explains the role that elders and ministers together with the congregation play in the multitude of counsellors.

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Elders and Deacons as Biblical Counsellors

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  • Mark Kelderman

Elders and deacons have the responsibility to offer biblical counselling to God’s people. This article explains the biblical grounds for this call.

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Biblical Eldership – The Manner of the Work

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  • Doug Van Meter

This article shows that elders are mandated to do their work joyfully. They should be approachable, and they must how humility.

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Biblical Eldership: The Mandate of the Work

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  • Doug Van Meter

This article shows that elders are called to lead, feed, and oversee God’s church.

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Well Ruled Who shall Lead, Teach and Pastor the Church? Scripture is Clear

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  • Stephen Moore

God has given the responsibility to govern and rule the church to elders, with deacons to help.

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Setting the Standard Why Elders, the Biblical Model, Provide the Best Government

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  • John Wilson

God determined that elders should rule his church. This article explains the qualifications for eldership, the advantage of having a plurality of elders, and the elders' responsibility to organize congregational participation in the process of electing elders.

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Leadership in the Church

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  • Paul Coulter

What should church leadership look like? This article first discusses New Testament terms for church leaders, such as apostles, elders, and deacons, and then explains that elders are called to rule God's church, and should be men, not women. It also discusses common models of church government: Episcopalian, Presbyterian, and Independent.

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Elders Who Know the Sheep

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  • Barrett L. Gritters

What is the necessary knowledge that elders must have of their sheep? This article shows that there are three essential areas.

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Called to Rule

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  • Robert D. Decker

Elders are called to give oversight in the church. This work includes exercising church discipline. This article shows that church discipline is broader and narrower. It discusses aspects of the broader discipline that must constitute the work of elders.

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Esteeming the Elders Very Highly for Their Word’s Sake

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  • Robert D. Decker

Elders have a duty towards the church based on the calling Christ have them. However, this article shows that the church also has a duty towards elders, to respect the authority of office-bearers for the sake of Christ.

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Is Luke an Exponent of "Early Protestantism"? Church Order in the Lukan Writings

  • Semi-Technical
  • Kevin Giles

How does Luke represent Christian leadership in the early church? Giles finds it inappropriate to regard the ecclesiology of Luke as "early catholic." He emphasizes that those would lead in the Christian community are not rulers but servants.

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Ten Things You Should Know about Church Elders

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  • Jeramie Rinne

This article reflects on some of the New Testament data concerning elders.

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1 Timothy 5:17-18 – Worthy of Double Honor

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  • George C. Lubbers

This article is a study on 1 Timothy 5:17-18. Focus is given to the work of elders and the honour they must be given.

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Comforting the Bereaved

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  • Robert D. Decker

In their shepherding of God’s flock, elders are required to bring comfort to the bereaved. This article emphasizes the need to listen when comforting the bereaved, and describes the nature of such listening.

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Shepherding the Flock of God

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  • Robert D. Decker

Christ ministers to his church through the offices of elders, pastors, and deacons. This article looks at the role of the elder in ministering under Christ, and the authority this office holds.

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Five Ugly Qualities of the Anti-Elder

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  • Tim Challies

There are many pastors who should not be pastors, and many elders who have no business being elders. It is for this reason that God told his church how it can discern the anti-elder type. This article gives five qualities of such a person, inferring them from 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.

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Do Not Admit a Charge against an Elder, Except...

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  • Tim Challies

Should elders be treated different from other believers according to 1 Timothy 5:9? This article explains what it means not to admit a charge against an elder, and what implications it has for the church and their expectations on pastors.

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Looking for Leaders

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  • William H. Smith

This article helps us to consider how to go about nominating office-bearers in the church. It discusses what office-bearers—elders and deacons—are called to do, and what qualifications for leadership they are required to have. In relation to this, consideration is given to 1 Timothy 3.

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Authority in the Church

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  • Jason P. Van Vliet

How should authority in the church be exercised? To answer this question this article looks at the images used to describe the church, and considers that the church belongs to Christ. Christ governs the church through the offices of ministers, elders, and deacons.

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Should I Tell the Pastor?

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  • David P. Murray

This article shows how elders can deal with criticism directed at their pastor by members or other Christians.

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The Role of Office-Bearers

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  • Karlo Janssen

Office-bearers are given by Christ to his church to equip the saints. This article looks at the biblical foundation for the role of elders and deacons, their qualifications and duties, with texts such as 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.

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Principles behind Reformed Church Polity (2)

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  • Clarence Bouwman

Church polity seeks to answer the question: how does Christ want things done in his church? This article shows that Jesus Christ rules his church through the office of elders. It discusses the shift of authority from the apostles to office-bearers.

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Elders as Shepherds of the Church of God

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  • Mike E. Ross

From Acts 20:17-38 this article shows that elders are called to shepherd God's flock. Looking at the Chief Shepherd this article shows that such shepherding should consist of protecting, knowing, and nourishing the flock.

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Respect Your Elders

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  • Patrick Lennox

The article discusses the application of the commandment to respect and submit to elders. This is done with the help of the text in 1 Peter 5.

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What Do They Do…? A Look at Two Things the Elders Do

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  • Wim van Noordt

Two things elders do before the church service: they have a prayer as the consistory, and they give a handshake to the minister before and after the sermon. This article discusses what these mean.

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Elders: Their Character and Calling

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  • Andy van Ameyde, Paul Davey

Elders are called by Christ for the preparation of and caring for His bride, the Church. This article considers the characteristics essential to being an elder.

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The Elder and Church Government

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  • James Visscher

Elders function within church structures which either enable or hinder their work. This article explains the different types of church government (Papal, Episcopal, Congregational and Presbyterial), drawing conclusions about the best approach to church government.

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Reflections on Pastoral Care to the Elderly

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  • G. Nederveen

This article looks at the responsibility of elders and deacons to care for the elderly, widows, and widowers. The author shows how pastoral care can help to meet their specific needs.

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The High Calling to Shepherd Small Souls

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  • Doug Barnes

Elders have a responsibility to shepherd children by ensuring that they receive the sign and seal of the covenant through baptism, and that their parents understand their responsibility to nurture those children.

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The Offices and the Congregation

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  • Cornelis J. de Ruijter

Office bearers (pastors, elders, and deacons) are appointed on behalf of Christ to render service to the congregation. Does this make them special? This article looks at the authority of office bearers, concluding that their authority is limited by the word of God and the service they render to His church.

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The Officebearer and Young People

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  • H. Folkers

Officebearers can face challenges in working with the youth of the church. This article looks at the nature of such challenges, and proposes a way in which those challenges can be faced. Elders should be able to help young people in their life of serving the Lord.

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Inquiring after the Faith

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  • Bas Luiten

This article looks at the way elders can keep Christ central in the home visit, as well as get all family members to participate in a way that a true inquiry about their faith can be made. The key lies in the tone and attitude of the elder.

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Equipping to Feed the Church of God

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  • Lawrence W. Bilkes

What is the task of the overseer (the elders), and what are the needs of the flock with regards to pastoral care? (Acts 20:28).

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Who Runs This Church?

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  • Larry E. Wilson

This article is about the fourth membership vow: "Do you agree to submit in the Lord to the government of this church and, in case you should be found delinquent in doctrine or life, to heed its discipline?" Who runs the church? Jesus is the only king and head of the church. How does he rule the church? He delegates his authority to pastors and elders and reigns through His Word and Spirit.

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The Qualification of the Office of Elder (5): Married, With Children? Not Necessarily

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

This series of articles looks at the qualifications required in order to be an elder in the church based on 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. This article focuses specifically on 1 Timothy 3:2-4. Must a man be married and have children in order to serve as an elder? Can unmarried men or married men without children also serve?

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The Qualifications of the Office of Elder (4): The Elder's Blamelessness

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

This series of articles looks at the qualifications required in order to be an elder in the church based on 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. This article discusses what it means that elders must be blameless.

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The Qualification of the Office of Elder (3): Adult Males - The Scriptural Defense

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

This series of articles looks at the qualifications required in order to be an elder in the church based on 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. This article discusses whether women can be office-bearers, concluding that God only calls men to serve as elders in the church.

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The Qualification of the Office of Elder (2): Adult Males

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

This series of articles looks at the qualifications required in order to be an elder in the church based on 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. This article discusses whether women can be office-bearers, concluding that God only calls men to serve as elders in the church.

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The History of the Office of Elder (6): After the Reformation

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

In order to rightly understand the office of elder, one must know the development of this office throughout history. This article looks at the office of elders within the confessions and church order, and discusses what we can learn about this office from history.

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The History of the Office of Elder (5): Restored During the Reformation Era

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

In order to rightly understand the office of elder, one must know the development of this office throughout history. This article looks at the struggle during the Reformation to restore God's church to be as He wants it. This struggle also included the fight for the restoration of the office of elders.

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The History of the Office of Elder (4): After the Apostolic Age

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

In order to rightly understand the office of elder, one must know the development of this office throughout history. This article discusses why the office of elders disappeared after the apostolic age.

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The History of the Office of Elder (3): During the Apostolic Age

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

In order to rightly understand the office of elder, one must know the development of this office throughout history. This article looks at the role of elders in the New Testament. The author shows that there is a link between the Old Testament synagogue model and the formation of elders during the apostolic era.

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The History of the Office of Elder (2): During and After the Babylonian Captivity

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

In order to rightly understand the office of elder, one must know the development of this office throughout history. This article looks at the development of this office during the Babylonian captivity, throughout the intertestamental period, and into the New Testament. The author looks at the synagogue system and the role of New Testament elders in supervising the worship service and spiritual life.

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The History of the Office of Elder (1): In the Nation of Israel

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

In order to rightly understand the office of elder, one must know the development of this office throughout history. This article looks at the history of this office from the time of Adam, Moses, and the prophets. The author also discusses the qualifications of elders and their duty to bring God's Word.

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The Nature of the Office of Elder (3): Christ’s Rule Through the Body of Elders

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

Jesus Christ rules His church through the office of elders. The rule of Christ takes place through the consistory – a body of elders standing together. This article provides the scriptural support for this body of elders, and shows the necessity of having a group of elders rather than one elder.

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The Nature of the Office of Elder (2): The Rule of Christ

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

Jesus Christ rules His church through the office of elders. This presence of Christ is manifested in the work of the elders. The rule of the elders on Christ’s behalf consists of feeding, nourishing and protecting Christ's Church.

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The Nature of the Office of Elder (1): The Office of Rule

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

Looking at the teaching of scripture and the reformed Confessions, this article defines the nature of the office of the elder. The author concludes that the nature of this office is that of rule. Elders are called to rule Christ's church on His behalf. The author closes the article by giving reasons why God instituted such an office for His church.

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My Last Word: Let the Deacons Use Their Office Well

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  • Douglas J. Kuiper

This article is a continuation of the previous articles entitled Diaconal Conferences. Considering the difficult nature of their work, this article is designed to encourage deacons to do their work faithfully and diligently. It is a call to both elders and the congregation to encourage deacons. The author also highlights that Christ promises a reward for faithful deacons - this also is a great encouragement to deacons to perform their work to the best of their abilities.

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To Be or Not to Be Reformed (4): Upholding the Formula of Subscription

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

It is a common practice in many Reformed Churches that elders and deacons sign the Formula of Subscription. Why practice this tradition? Two reasons: the adoption of and adherence to Reformed confessions, and to maintain and promote Reformed church government. If this is so, then the confessions must be binding, and discipline must be exercised on those who depart from them.

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To Be or Not to Be Reformed (3): Upholding the Formula of Subscription

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

It is a common practice in many Reformed Churches that elders and deacons sign the Formula of Subscription. Why practice this tradition? Two reasons: the adoption of and adherence to Reformed confessions, and to maintain and promote Reformed church government. This article focuses on what the Form of Subscription requires from individuals.

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To Be or Not to Be Reformed (2): Upholding the Formula of Subscription

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

It is a common practice in many Reformed Churches that elders and deacons sign the Formula of Subscription. Why practice this tradition? Two reasons: the adoption of and adherence to Reformed confessions, and to maintain and promote Reformed church government. This article focuses on the history behind the Form of Subscription.

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To Be or Not to Be Reformed (1): Upholding the Formula of Subscription

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

It is a common practice in many Reformed Churches that elders and deacons sign the Formula of Subscription. Why practice this tradition? Two reasons: the adoption of and adherence to Reformed confessions, and to maintain and promote Reformed church government. This article focuses on the importance of adhering to the Reformed confessions.

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Seminary Applicants and the Role of the Elders

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  • Barrett L. Gritters

What is the process behind the decision of whether an individual will go to a theological seminary? This article maintains that not only is the individual himself behind the decision, but the church federation and the church elders. Elders have the responsibility to seek out and encourage suitable individuals to consider going into the ministry.

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Catechism Instruction

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  • Douwe G. J. Agema

This is an overview of what should be involved with instruction in the catechism. The author looks at the scriptural basis for catechism instruction, the task of parents with regards to catechism, supervision of the elders over the catechism class, etc.

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The Elders Ask Questions

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  • Cornelis Trimp

When doing house visits or family visits, elders must lead the conversation. This article shows questions elders could ask so that they can address the life of a person as it is lived before God's eyes.

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The Value of Family Visitation

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  • Peter Y. De Jong

This article looks first at the value family visitation has for the oversight and responsibility of the elders, and then discusses the value it has for the church.

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The Name and Nature of Family Visitation

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  • Peter Y. De Jong

Why do churches have family visitation with the elders? This article discusses the concept of home visitation, looking also at relevant church history.

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The Elder and the Preaching

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  • A. N. Hendriks

Elders have the responsibility to exercise oversight over the preaching of the Word. In this article, the author shows how elders can do this by looking at the nature of preaching, the character of preaching, and the preaching of the Heidelberg Catechism.

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The Elder and the Administration of Discipline

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  • A. N. Hendriks

This article looks at the responsibility of elders to exercise discipline. The author provides biblical grounds for discipline. Discipline for confessing and baptised members is also discussed. The author concludes with the manner and process of exercising discipline, including excommunication and reconciliation.

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The Elder and the Visiting of the Sick

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  • A. N. Hendriks

Part of the task of elders in caring for the church is visiting the sick. In this article the author shows why such a house visitation is needed, and what should be the purpose of it. The author discusses the role of the elder in bringing the Word and praying for healing for the sick.

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Family Visiting

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  • William W. J. van Oene

Who qualifies to do a house visit? Who qualifies to receive a family visit? This article looks at these questions under the topic of the work of the elders and deacons in the congregation. The author discusses the need for family visits, as well as the manner in which a home visit should be done.

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Family Visit Tonight

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  • W. Meijer

Family visits are a task carried out by the elders under the authority of Christ in order to care for His church. This article looks at the ways elders should prepare for such home visits, and some important aspects of the family visit.

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Pray for the Flock

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  • John R. Sittema

This article looks to call elders to be diligent in praying for the flock under their care. It lists items that elders can pray for: spiritual protection, spiritual joy, and effective witness.

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Through Love Be Servants

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  • W. Pouwelse

What is real freedom? This article explains that freedom is to serve each other through love. In fleshing this out, the author discusses the importance of listening in fellowship, the home visits of the elders, equality in the church, suffering injustice, and being content in the church.

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Some Thoughts on Term Eldership

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  • John R. Sittema

This article is about eldership and the specified term of office for the elders (term eldership).

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The Elder as Preserver and Nurturer of Life in the Covenant: What the Bible Says

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  • Cornelis van Dam

This article looks at the task of the elders, especially from the viewpoint of the elder in the Old Testament. The elder and justice is discussed, as well as the requirements for an elder.

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Are Elders and Deacons Really Office-Bearers?

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  • Karel Deddens

This article looks at the offices of elders and deacons. The author discusses their respective tasks in church life. Acts 6:1-7 is also mentioned in this article.

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The Work of Elders

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  • Ronald L. Cammenga

This article looks at the ruling task and the supervision task of the elders, as well as the elders' task of evangelism and pastoral care.

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The Duties of Elders

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  • Daniel R. Hyde

This article looks at the purpose of the office of elders in general and at the specific tasks of the elder according to the church order.

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Elders, Church Discipline

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  • John R. Sittema

This article looks at the task of the elders in church discipline

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Valuable Verbs For Visiting #5: "Guard"

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  • John R. Sittema

This article looks at the task of the elders in guarding the church. This involves elders always guarding themselves and guarding the gospel.

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How Should We Train Our Future Pastors?

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  • G. I. Williamson

This article looks at the theological training of pastors. The author urges us to let candidates first function and get experience as elders. He stresses the importance of sound doctrine and practice.

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Home Visitation: Back to the Basics

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  • Charles M. Wingard

This article is about home visitation and pastoral care from elders.

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Selecting Elders and Deacons

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  • Larry E. Wilson

This article on the selection of officers, also looks at the qualifications for elders and deacons.

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A Life-Supporting Atmosphere

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  • Richard R. Gerber

This article is about the relation between the session (consistory) and the congregation. There must be good communication between the elders, and also between the elders and the church. This article also looks at change in the church.

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The Bible and Church Planting: Presbyterian Structure Proposition: We Should Start New Churches with a Fully Presbyterian Structure

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  • Ross W. Graham

This article is about the importance of the Presbyterian structure when planting a new church. The importance of elders and the bond of churches (denomination) in church planting is discussed.

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A Scandal to the Church The Question of Titus 1:6 and the Children of Elders

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  • Stephen D. Doe

This article is about unbelieving or disobedient children of elders. The author looks at the family life of office-bearers, the covenant and child-rearing, the response of the covenant child, and church discipline.

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Finding the Elders We Need

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  • Clarence Bouwman

This article is about the qualifications of elders. The elder as overseer, shepherd, steward and leader is also discussed.

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Evaluating Sermon Criticism

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  • Ronald Van Overloop

How should the minister react to sermon criticism? This article looks at openness to and good evaluation of sermon criticism, the self-criticism of the minister, preaching supervision, and the elders and sermon criticism.

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Mutual Censure in the Consistory

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  • Lawrence W. Bilkes

This article is about the censure and encouragement between the minister, the elders and the deacons in the consistory to help one another fulfill their office in a good way.

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Election of Elders

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  • Ronald L. Cammenga

This article is about the election of elders and deacons in their office in the church. This article also looks at the methods of election.

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Family Visitation

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  • Lawrence W. Bilkes

This article is about the house visits that elders make to a family of church members in a church. The author discusses the background of family visitation, and the things discussed at the home visitation.

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An Outward Piety: Nominalism and the Work of the Elder

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  • Clarence Bouwman

This article is about nominal Christians (Christians with only an outward piety), and how the elders and church should seek to give direction to these people. The author looks at Isaiah 1 and Isaiah 6 for his answers. He stresses the importance of knowing the holiness of God, and how that changes our lives.

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Who Likes Family Visiting?

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  • Jay A. Wesseling

This article looks at the objections and the purpose and importance of house visitation by the elders in a church.

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Weak doctrines will not be a match for powerful temptations William S. Plumer
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