Elder Essentials

What Is It?

Elder Essentials is a comprehensive leadership development course. The self-directed workbook is specifically designed to equip both aspiring and current elders within the Christian Reformed Church. Whether you are preparing to serve for the first time or are looking to deepen your existing ministry, this course provides the foundational orientation you need to serve your congregation faithfully.

Who’s It For?

Elder Essentials is for ALL elders in your church. Perhaps you are new to the role and a little unsure of what is expected of you. Or perhaps you have been an elder a number of times but are looking for inspiration and fresh insight into your role. Or perhaps you just want a refresher course on what it means to be an elder. Whatever the reasons that brought you here, we are confident you and your consistory team will benefit from this journey of learning, discernment, and reflection.

Elder Essentials Workbook

Coming August 2026. Sign up to be notified when available.
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Why Take This Course?

By the end of this journey, you will have a deeper understanding of the unique role of Elders  and how to participate in God’s mission as it is embodied in your local church. Participants will be able to:

  • Articulate the Role: Define what it means to be an elder based on the Bible, our confessions, the Church Order, and the 2016 Form for the Ordination of Elders and Deacons.
  • Connect to Mission: Relate the daily work of an elder to God’s redemptive mission in the world.
  • Access Vital Resources: Gain tools to help your elder team nurture a healthy, thriving congregation through preaching, sacraments, fellowship, faith formation, and gospel witness.

What to Expect

This course is designed for depth and flexibility, consisting of six lessons that take approximately six hours to complete. All necessary materials are contained within the workbook.

  1. Welcome and Introduction: An orientation to biblical and confessional teachings on the elder's role.
  2. Preaching and Sacraments: Exploring how worship communicates the gospel and shapes communal identity.
  3. Fellowship and Hospitality: Learning to promote a welcome that reflects God’s own generosity.
  4. Faith Formation: Reflecting on lifelong discipleship and nurturing the spiritual growth of the community.
  5. Pastoral Care, Visitation, and Discipline: Exploring the theological significance and best practices for care and discipline.
  6. Gospel Witness: Equipping the church to bear witness to God’s redeeming work in the world.

Each lesson includes a key teaching, guided reflection, discussion opportunities, and concrete applications.

Flexible Learning for Your Consistory

There is no "one size fits all" way to use these materials. Choose the format that best fits your church’s rhythm:

  • Retreats: Cover all six lessons during a focused consistory retreat.
  • Regular Meetings: Set aside one hour every two weeks or once a month.
  • Pre-Meeting Study: Read lessons individually and spend 20–30 minutes discussing them at your meeting.
  • Individual Orientation: New elders can work through the material independently to prepare for their role.

Feel equipped and empowered to serve your church faithfully.