Ecclesial Eldership: Taking Heed to All the Flock

This 1988 series, Ecclesial Eldership: Taking Heed to All the Flock, provides a thoughtful and practical exploration of spiritual leadership within the household of God. Drawing on Paul’s words to the elders of Ephesus in Acts 20, the sessions emphasize the need for diligence, humility, and compassion in caring for God’s people. The studies combine scriptural foundations with practical guidance, offering both high principles and practical advice for arranging brethren and ecclesial leaders who seek to shepherd the flock faithfully until Christ returns.

The Basis of Ecclesial Life

The opening class establishes that God is a God of order, and His people are called to live and serve in an organized way. From Israel in the wilderness to the ecclesias of the first century, scripture shows that leadership is about stewardship, not domination. The lesson emphasizes the responsibility of elders to provide stability, guidance, and nourishment for the ecclesia, drawing from the example of Paul and above all from Christ, the chief shepherd.

The Why, What, and How of Ecclesial Discipline

This session explores the meaning of discipline as instruction and discipleship, rather than mere punishment. True ecclesial discipline begins with sound teaching and consistent guidance, helping all members grow in knowledge and Godly living. When correction is needed, it must be carried out with compassion and humility, aiming not to condemn but to restore. The study highlights the balance between upholding truth and extending mercy, ensuring that discipline builds up the body of Christ rather than tearing it down.

Recovering Lost Sheep

The third class considers how ecclesias can reach out to members who drift away or fall into difficulty. Emphasis is placed on proactive care—consistent teaching, meaningful fellowship, and personal prayer for every member. The lecture shows that elders must act as shepherds who know their flock by name, patiently seeking to restore the wayward while preserving the integrity of the whole body. Practical examples illustrate how persistence, compassion, and spiritual vigilance can make the difference in bringing lost sheep back to the fold.

The Ecclesia and the Home in Crisis

This study addresses the challenges of marriage, divorce, and family struggles within ecclesial life. With honesty and realism, it acknowledges the pressures of a permissive society while reaffirming the biblical call to holiness and fidelity. The class provides counsel on supporting marriages, preventing breakdowns, and dealing compassionately yet firmly with the consequences of failure. Elders are urged to uphold God’s standards while offering guidance, patience, and hope to families in difficulty.

Question and Answer Session

The series concludes with an open question-and-answer session, tackling a wide range of real and often difficult issues faced by ecclesial leaders. Topics include confidentiality, dealing with sin and repentance, caring for absent members, handling delicate family situations, and the practicalities of arranging board responsibilities. The discussion underscores the need for wisdom, patience, and prayer in all decisions, reminding leaders that their role is to serve as under-shepherds, caring for the flock entrusted to them by God.

This description has been generated by AI and lightly edited.