A really good book on the role of the Elder is The Elder and His Work by David Dickson (edited by McFarland & Ryken). Dickson describes his duties that he performed back in the 1800s. It is vastly different today. A true eye-opener.

I'm just unsure if the training encouraged by Robin will get us where we intend to go on this. Many Pastors are not sufficiently trained upon leaving seminary, so advocating lay officers going through similiar type of training will leave the same gaps in ministry. I mean they will receive good training in head knowledge but there is much more to ministry for the Elder and Pastor.

Most church Elders see their role as primariy one of teaching SS and governing the church through meeting attendance.

The problem in the overall church is just not with Elders, but the time allocation with everyone. We have too many toys that keep us away from true Christian service.

John Chaney

"having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith . . ." Colossians 2:7