About This Class
With the selection process complete, Pastor Eric Ferris leads new elders into the next vital phase—equipping them to serve as faithful shepherds. What begins as celebration soon deepens into calling. The “Hello–Goodbye Dinner” marks this sacred transition, honoring outgoing elders while welcoming new ones through prayer, blessing, and shared encouragement.
Over the next three months, new elders participate in a structured rhythm of learning and relationship, centered on three pillars of healthy leadership: prayer, peacemaking, and doctrine. The first session, Elder Basics, introduces church organization, accountability, and the spiritual heart of elder ministry. Together with their spouses, elders learn how to pray biblically and compassionately—interceding for healing, comfort, and deliverance in the spirit of James 5.
The second session, built around The Peacemaker by Ken Sande, explores unity as intentional discipleship. Elders learn to approach conflict with humility and grace, guarding peace in the body of Christ while serving collaboratively in meetings and decisions.
The third session, grounded in Wayne Grudem’s Christian Beliefs, anchors elders in sound doctrine, preparing them to teach truth, recognize error, and safeguard the church’s spiritual health. Each elder is paired with a mentor and continues learning through case studies, discussion, and ongoing development at monthly meetings.
In the final Q&A session, Pastor Ferris addresses the realities of leadership—why God sometimes answers prayer differently, how to discern essential doctrines, and how to maintain integrity through accountability and transparency. Using trusted resources like Every Moment Holy, he calls leaders to a lifetime of spiritual maturity and humble service.
By the end, new elders emerge not only trained but transformed—men and women of prayer, peace, and biblical conviction, equipped to lead under the Chief Shepherd with wisdom, courage, and joy.
About the Professor
Eric Ferris
Eric Ferris serves as Lead Pastor at Christ Community Church. He is known for his love for the local church, bringing clarity in complexity, and a straightforward approach to life and ministry. He and his wife D'Ann have four kids: Michael, Courtney, Erin, and Katie.
Lessons
Training new elders is both a sacred responsibility and a joyful opportunity. After selecting qualified leaders, the next step is equipping them for ministry. This training begins with a “Hello–Goodbye Dinner,” where outgoing elders bless new ones through prayer and shared wisdom. Then, over three summer sessions, new elders (and their spouses) learn the basics of church organization, accountability, and bylaws, as well as practical ministry skills—especially prayer. They’re taught how to pray for healing, visit hospitals, and handle spiritual concerns with wisdom and humility. Each session deepens their understanding that elders protect the church by asking great questions and shepherding prayerfully.
0% CompleteOne of the key responsibilities of elders is to actively maintain unity within the church. Unity doesn’t happen by chance—it requires intentional peacemaking and wise conflict resolution. In this second training session, new elders study The Peacemaker by Ken Sande, reflecting on each chapter’s insights and questions to guide rich group discussions about forgiveness, discernment, and church harmony. They also learn “meeting basics,” gaining confidence to engage fully in elder meetings and contribute from day one. Ultimately, elders protect the church through three essential roles: prayer, peacemaking, and theological vigilance—guarding both the spiritual and relational health of the congregation.
0% CompleteThe final training session for new elders centers on grounding them in essential Christian doctrine through Wayne Grudem’s Christian Beliefs. Elders discuss each section, noting insights and questions, then explore how these truths apply to church life and leadership. They also learn how to handle “firsts”—new or intimidating situations—by relying on teamwork and mentorship. Each new elder is paired with an experienced mentor for guidance and support. The session concludes with open Q&A and reflection, preparing them for their first official meeting in September. Ongoing development continues monthly through articles, case studies, and discussions that strengthen prayer, peacemaking, and theological discernment.
0% CompleteIn this final Q&A session, church leaders address practical questions about elder training, prayer, theology, and healthy leadership practices. Topics include how to handle unanswered prayers, distinguishing primary and secondary doctrines, and maintaining unity without uniformity. The conversation also explores the importance of resources, accountability partners, and mentoring relationships that sustain spiritual and emotional health. Leaders discuss refining the elder selection process, communicating the role of elders to the congregation, and ensuring continued growth through transparency and teamwork. This session ties together the series by emphasizing prayerful leadership, doctrinal clarity, relational trust, and ongoing spiritual development within the elder community.
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