<![CDATA[John Braland - Church Resources ]]>Sun, 13 Jul 2025 08:26:01 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[Advent Wording for Speakers]]>Tue, 28 Nov 2017 19:13:11 GMThttps://www.johnbraland.com/church-resources/advent-wording-for-speakers1st Sunday in Advent
The word “Advent” means “coming or arrival” and the celebration of Advent dates back hundreds of years. We celebrate Advent to remember the significance of the Christmas season as it pertains to hope we have in Jesus Christ. Each component of the advent wreath has meaning and we will explain that meaning each week before lighting the candle.
 
The first candle in the Advent Wreath is called the prophecy candle. It reminds us that Jesus’ coming was prophesied hundreds of years before he was born. The candle’s purple color represents Christ’s royalty as the King of Kings.
 
Light one (1) purple candle
 
Read Isaiah 9:2,6
 
Hundreds of years before Jesus was born the prophet Isaiah wrote: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned….. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:2,6
 
This prophecy was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. The Apostle Luke writes:  

”But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:30-35
 
Let’s Pray and thank God for fulfilling His promise to us in Jesus.
 
Heavenly Father, thank you for this day.  Thank you that we can get together and worship you.  We are so grateful that you sent your son Jesus Christ into this world to give us eternal life with you.  The verses we just read remind us that you planned long ago to send your son into the world on our behalf.  This Christmas season, help us to remember all that you have done for us.  Thank you for being the light of the world.  In Jesus name, Amen.
 
Second Sunday in Advent
 
The Second Advent candle is called the Bethlehem candle. It is purple just like the prophecy candle reminding us that a king has been born. His name is Jesus and he was born in the most humble of circumstances to be the Savior of the world.
 
Light two (2) purple candles (one if for the first week, one is for the second week)
 
The prophet Micah prophesized the coming of the Messiah, the Chosen One, the savior of the world.
 
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times.” Micah 5:2
 
The Apostle Luke recorded when this was fulfilled.
 
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, a son. She wrapped him cloths and placed him in a manager, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:1-7
 
Let’s Pray –
 
Lord Jesus, you were born in the small town of Bethlehem in the most humble of circumstances. You were placed in an animal food trough that we call a manger and worshipped by angels, shepherds, the wise men, and many, many others.  We worship you today because you are the Savior of the world. You are our King. Thank you for coming into the world and loving us. In Jesus name, Amen.
 
Third Sunday in Advent
The third Advent candle is called the Shepherds’ candle. By lighting this candle we are reminded that God sent the angels to proclaim his arrival to mankind. This profound moment of joy is still celebrated today as we are commissioned to tell the world about the Good News that Jesus has come. This candle is pink in color symbolizing God’s love and faithfulness to us.
 
Light the pink candle AND two (2) purple candles
 
The prophet Isaiah foretold this day.
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7
 
Luke recorded when this prophecy was fulfilled. Luke 2:8-20 reads:
 
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manager. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:8-20
 
Let’s Pray –
 
God thank you so much for including us in your redemptive plan. Thank you for using us to show others the love that you so freely give. Today we ask that you will help us to love other people like you love us. Help us to be like the shepherds who proclaimed the good news that Jesus has come and that He is the hope of the world, may we do the same. In Jesus name, Amen.   
 
 
Fourth Sunday in Advent
 
The fourth candle is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent with the first three. This candle is called the Angel’s candle and we light it to remind us of all the heavenly hosts that proclaimed Christ’s arrival with “Behold, I bring onto you good tidings of great joy!” The Angel candle is also purple, reminding us that it was a king’s birth the angels were announcing.
 
Light the three (3) purple candles & the pink candle
 
Luke writes:
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manager. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:15-20
 
Let’s Pray -
 
Jesus we thank you that you are perfect in every way.  We thank you that you accept us as we are and that you willingly came to earth in the flesh. Today we pray that you will help mold us into your image. Give us your characteristics.  Help us to grow in grace and peace and joy and love.  Help us to follow you with our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.
 
Christmas Eve

The fifth candle is called the Christ candle and it’s lit on Christmas Eve. This white candle rests in the center of the wreath symbolizing Christ’s holiness, purity, and perfection. The incarnation is the heart of Christmas giving light to the world. 
 
Light the white Christ candle first, then light all the other candles
 
Long before Jesus was ever born the prophet Isaiah wrote: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14
 
The Apostle John wrote:
“The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and through the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God- children born not of natural decent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:9-13
 
Let’s Pray –
 
Jesus we thank you that you are perfect in every way. We are grateful that you accept us as we are and that you willingly came to earth in the flesh. We praise you for your grace, are blessed by your mercy, and thankful for your love. Today we pray that you will help mold us into your image. Give us your characteristics.  Help us to grow in grace and peace and joy and love. Help us to follow you with our lives and tell others about you. In Jesus name, Amen.
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]]><![CDATA[Elder Apprentice Program]]>Wed, 20 May 2015 18:41:14 GMThttps://www.johnbraland.com/church-resources/elder-apprentice-programThe purpose of the Freshwater Elder Apprentice Program:
To help men build their faith, discover their spiritual gifts, natural talents, equip them for ministry, and become effective elders.
DESCRIPTION OF THE APPRENTICE PROGRAM
The elder apprentice program is designed to help men become fully equipped leaders in their local church. This is accomplished through completing the required reading, meeting with the lead pastor and/or other Elders, and responding to the required questions. Not every Elder apprentice will complete the program. It is a demanding, and very rewarding program for mentor and student.

LENGTH OF APPRENTICESHIP: 3-6 MONTHS
After successful completion of the apprentice program, the Elder candidate will meet with the elected Freshwater elders and Pastoral staff for a formal review. If the candidate is approved for Eldership at Freshwater, the individual's name will be presented to the congregation as an Elder. The term of an Elder shall be two years. Every two years thereafter, the Elder shall have a review by his peers and the pastoral staff. Upon their recommendation, the Elder shall have the opportunity to extend his service for another two years prior to taking one year off per Freshwater policy.

REQUIREMENTS
  1. Meet weekly or bi-monthly with the pastor or his designate.
  2. Read and study 1 & 2 Timothy, & Titus.
  3. Conduct daily devotionals.
  4. Read Sticky Teams by Larry Osborne.
  5. Read Winning On Purpose by John Edmund Kaiser.
  6. Read Fish Or Cut Bait by John Edmund Kaiser.
  7. Read Spiritual Leadership by Oswald Sanders.
  8. Suggested resource The Unity Factor by Larry Osborne.
  9. Complete any discipleship/membership classes offered at Freshwater.

HOW AND WHEN TO BEGIN THIS PROGRAM
You should start this program by praying that God will bring a man into your congregation or raise a man up within your congregation that has the potential to become an Elder. This program is also designed to be used by your existing Elders in order to help them refocus on their responsibilities and encourage them to continue to grow spiritually. If you are preparing more than one apprentice at once it is possible to go through this program in a small group format. I recommend going through it one on one, but you may find the team approach to be just as beneficial in your setting. You may choose to do it as a group with your existing Elders as well. By doing it in a group form you will save time and have the added benefit of building your team together with structured accountability.

I believe that people always rise to meet the challenge set before them. People will always rise to the height of the bar set before them. If you never raise the bar, they will never rise to meet the demanding challenges required of an elder. By working through this program you will rise the bar for the student, the congregation, and for yourself. If you work through this program and don't learn anything new, you have probably not raised the bar for yourself. If you want your Elder candidates to grow, you will have to model it to them.

STEP 1
Set up a meeting to describe the apprentice program to the candidate. Hand out the required reading. For homework, have the candidate read Titus and First and second Timothy to gain a better understanding of biblical Eldership. Also, recommend reading at least one chapter per week in addition to doing their daily devotions. (Daily devotions consist of a regular quiet time with God including prayer, scripture reading, and personal reflection of God's presence in your life). Begin reading "Spiritual Leadership", followed by "Sticky Teams", "Winning on Purpose", and finally "Fish or Cut Bait". Set time and location for second meeting date.

STEP 2
Start each session in prayer. Ask for God's wisdom for your time together and for His blessings upon you. Make this a priority. Your time together should focus on God and how you can grow closer to Him. He is the only one that can draw you closer to Him, so you need to ask Him to do that and the be willing to follow His lead.

Ask them which chapter they are currently reading in their required reading. Ask them what they are learning and how it is affecting them. Encourage them to read the next chapter before you meet again. Have them explain what they are learning from the reading.

Begin working though the questions on Elder qualifications. Read the verse that pertains to the qualification before you discuss the question. The goal is not to finish the questions in a hurry. You should solicit a response to each question from the apprentice and feel free to add your own feelings and personal stories. Your apprentice will learn as much from you as they will from the questions, so take the time to discuss each question at length. Specific questions pertain to some people more than others. For example, if the Elder does not have children, you can expedite the questions that deal with parenting if you so choose. You may only finish one qualification per session. You might want to take notes in the space provided. Don't try and write your thoughts down in their entirety. The goal is to facilitate honest, open discussion and not spend your time together writing notes.

The goal is to help the apprentice understand the qualifications in a practical way. Each qualification requires personal transformation. We become what we are committed to. When you commit to living out the characteristics that are required of an Elder, your life will gradually begin to change and reflect the image of Christ. This change takes time. Don't expect the apprentice to change overnight, but do expect them to begin to display the characteristics of an Elder soon after you begin the program.

Meet for about an hour. If you meet for much longer, you may overload the apprentice and hinder their spiritual growth. Cover the material thoroughly and methodically giving suggestions as needed and displaying transparency in your own life. Set up another meeting time. If possible, schedule regular meeting times so you can write them into your daily planner and make them a priority.

NOTE: If your apprentice cannot seem to schedule any time to meet, this is a good indication that they really don' have the desire to become an Elder. Maybe they do want to become an Elder, but don't have the time. Either way, take into consideration the fact that if you want your Elders to be active servants in the church, they will have to be available to the people. If they are not available to go through the apprentice program, who's to say that they will all of a sudden become available once they finish the program. I have found that people who desire to serve God, do it all the time. They do it while they learn, while they work, and when they are with their family. The person who says that they will begin to serve once they complete the program is probably never going to get any more involved than they are already.

Close in prayer. This is the time to pray for personal needs that the apprentice may have or that you may have. Model prayer, don't just rush through it to get on with your business. Spend time seeking God's wisdom. Do this after each session.

STEP 3
Finish working through the Elder qualification questions. This will take you several weeks if not several months. Do not rush the apprentice through the program or skip any steps. Once you complete the qualifications, spend one session reviewing what you have covered over the past several months. Be sure that the apprentice is keeping up with the required reading.

STEP 4
Once the Elder apprentice successfully completes the program, have the existing Board of Elders gather for prayer for the candidate. Lay hands on him and pray for God to use him in a mighty way while he serves in the role of an Elder. Formally introduce him to the congregation.

BIBLICAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR ELDERS/OVERSEERS AND DEACONS
  • Self Controlled
1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:8
  • Hospitable
1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:8
  • Able to teach
1 Timothy 3:2, 5:17, Titus 1:9
  • Not violent, but gentle
1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7
  • Not quarrelsome
1 Timothy 3:3
  • Not a lover of money
1 Timothy 3:3
  • Not a recent convert
1 Timothy 3:6
  • Has a good reputation with outsiders
1 Timothy 3:7
  • Not overbearing
Titus 1:7
  • Not quick-tempered
Titus 1:7
  • Loves what is good
Titus 1:8
  • Upright, holy
Titus 1:8
  • Disciplined
Titus 1:8
  • Above reproach (blameless)
1 Timothy 3:2, 3:9, Titus 1:6
  • Husband of one wife
1 Timothy 3:2, 3:12, Titus 1:6
  • Temperate
1 Timothy 3:2, 3:8, Titus 1:7
  • Respectable
1 Timothy 3:2, 3:8
  • Not given to drunkenness
1 Timothy 3:3, 3:8, Titus 1:7
  • Manages his own family well
1 Timothy 3:4, 3:12
  • Sees that his children obey him
1 Timothy 3:4-5, 3:12, Titus 1:6
  • Does not pursue dishonest gain
Titus 1:7, 1 Timothy 3:8
  • Holds to the truth
Titus 1:9, 1 Timothy 3:9
  • Sincere
1 Timothy 3:8
  • Tested
1 Timothy 3:10

Below are questions that correspond with the qualification listed. Look up the Biblical text in your Bible as you work through the questions. Work through the questions with your "coach". Use the space provided after each question to jot down your answers. Come prepared! Fill our each answer completely. Ask God to help you to better understand the qualifications of an Elder and show you how you can be drawn closer to him through being involved in an Elder role. Be REAL in your response.
  • SELF-CONTROLLED    1 TIMOTHY 3:2; TITUS 1:8
  1. Why must an Elder be self-controlled?
  2. Matthew 21:12-13 describes Jesus overturning tables in the temple area. In your opinion, did Jesus lose control, or did He respond to the circumstances with the appropriate actions? Explain.
  3. Have you ever seen someone "lose control"? How did it make you feel as a witness to their actions?
  4. When was the last time you lost control?
  5. How did it affect others around you? Your spouse? Your children?
  6. How can you keep from losing control?
  • HOSPITABLE    1 TIMOTHY 3:2; TITUS 1:8
  1. What is hospitality?
  2. Why is it so important for an Elder to be hospitable?
  3. (If you are married) Would you consider your wife to be a hospitable person?
  4. How would she respond if you invited someone to spend the night in your guest room if they had nowhere else to go?
  5. If I were to ask some of your friends if you were hospitable, what would they tell me?
  • ABLE TO TEACH    1 TIMOTHY 3:2, 5:17; TITUS 1:9
  1. Do all Elders have to be able to teach in a "classroom" setting?
  2. Read Titus 1:9. In light of this verse, what must an Elder/teacher be able to do?
  3. Do Elders have to know all the answers to the questions they might have to field?
  4. What would you do if you were faced with a question someone asked you to which you don't know the answer?
  • NOT VIOLENT, BUT GENTLE    1 TIMOTHY 3:3; TITUS 1:7
  1. Do you enjoy watching violence in movies or on T.V.?
  2. How does pretend violence affect our ability to process real violence??
  3. Name one person whom you would consider to be gentle? What makes this person gentle?
  4. Can a person learn how to be gentle?
  • NOT QUARRELSOME    1 TIMOTHY 3:3
  1. How should you respond if someone wants to argue with you over a trivial church matter?
  2. Does this qualification of an Elder extend to the Elders spousal relations?
  3. How can you prevent a quarrel?
  4. When is the appropriate time to quarrel with someone, if any?
  • NOT A LOVER OF MONEY    1 TIMOTHY 3:3
  1. Why did Jesus talk about money so much?
  2. How much debt do you have excluding your house? Would you consider your debt load manageable?
  3. Should Christians carry any debt load? Why or why not?
  4. How can you prevent yourself from loving money?
  5. Would you consider yourself qualified to talk with others in a confidential manner about finances?
  6. It has been said that if you were to show your checkbook debts and credit card statement to someone, they could figure out what your priorities are. Do you think this is true of you?
  7. Do you practice biblical generosity? (Tithe 10% or more)
  • NOT A RECENT CONVERT    1 TIMOTHY 3:6
  1. How long should a person be a Christian before they are eligible to be an Elder?
  2. When did you become a Christian?
  3. Why shouldn't a recent convert become an Elder?
  4. If a new Christian were aspiring to become an Elder, would you consider taking him out with you on official church business? If so, how would you help him to learn?
  • HAS A GOOD REPUTATION WITH OUTSIDERS    1 TIMOTHY 3:7
  1. Read 1 Timothy 3:7. Why must an Elder have a good reputation with outsiders?
  2. What does it mean to "fall into disgrace"?
  3. Does the devil set literal "traps" for Elders to fall into?
  4. Do your neighbors and co-workers know that you are a Christian?
  5. What is their opinion of you?
  • NOT OVERBEARING    TITUS 1:7
  1. What does it mean to be "overbearing"?
  2. Can you think of someone you would consider to be overbearing?
  3. What can you learn from this person and apply it to your position as an Elder?
  4. What will prevent you from becoming overbearing?
  • NOT QUICK-TEMPERED    TITUS 1:7
  1. Temperament deals with self-control. Who gives you the self-control you need to not become quick-tempered?
  2. Why must an Elder respond to crisis with thoughtfulness and patience?
  3. Some situations demand a quick response. What is the difference between a prompt response and quick-temperament?
  4. How will you respond when someone is quick-tempered with you?
  • LOVES WHAT IS GOOD    TITUS 1:8
  1. What does it mean to "love what is good"?
  2. How can you begin to love things that are good?
  3. Horror movies play on our human fear. Can a person love watching horror movies and still claim to love what is good? Why or why not? What type of evil things do you secretly enjoy (If any)?
  4. If you love what is good, does that mean that you have to hate what is evil?
  5. How can you encourage others to love what is good?
  • UPRIGHT, HOLY    TITUS 1:8
  1. What does it mean to be "upright"?
  2. Name a person who you know who is "holy".
  3. Do you think that a holy person must be a "perfect" person?
  4. Why does Jesus continually challenge his followers to become holy?
  • DISCIPLINED    TITUS 1:8
  1. What makes a person disciplined?
  2. People tend to be either task oriented or people oriented. Give an example how both must be disciplined.
  3. Would you consider yourself to be disciplined? Why or why not?
  4. What would help you to become a more disciplined person (if needed)?
  5. Can a person be very flexible but remain disciplined at the same time?
ELDER QUESTIONS
  • ABOVE REPROACH (BLAMELESS)    1 TIMOTHY 3:2; TITUS 1:6; 1 TIMOTHY 3:9
  1. What does it mean to be above reproach?
  2. Is it possible to avoid situations that could look suspicious to the general public?
  3. Name someone who can help you stay above reproach.
  4. How can this person help you stay accountable in regards to this?
  5. If you fall into sin, is it possible to become above reproach again?
  • HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE    1 TIMOTHY 3:2; TITUS 1:6; 1 TIMOTHY 3:12
  1. Why is it so important for an Elder to be in good standing with his wife?
  2. Do you involve  your wife in ministry with you?
  3. Should you share Elder "issues" with your spouse?
  4. Why is it so important for you to filter confidential information from your wife?
  5. In your opinion, can a divorced man serve as an Elder? Why or why not?
  • TEMPERATE    1 TIMOTHY 3:2; TITUS 1:7; 1 TIMOTHY 3:8
  • Webster's Dictionary defines temperate as: 1. Marked by moderation: as a: keeping or held within limits: not extreme or excessive: MILD b: moderate in indulgence of appetite or desire c: moderate in the use of intoxicating liquors d: marked by an absence or avoidance of extravagance, violence, or extreme partisanship: restrained (Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., Publishers Springfield, MA, U.S.A., 1983.)
  1. Would you consider yourself to be temperate?
  2. Have you ever lost your temper? If so, briefly describe what took place.
  3. How did you feel when you lost your temper?
  4. Describe the difference between righteous anger and losing your temper.
  5. What will help you become more temperate?
  • RESPECTABLE    1 TIMOTHY 3:2; 1 TIMOTHY 3:8
  1. Name someone whom you respect. Why do you respect them?
  2. Should people respect you simply because you have the title "Elder"? Why or why not?
  3. You must earn respect from others. What will help you to earn it?
  4. What will help you to keep the respect of others?
  5. Why is it honorable to seek the respect of others?
  • NOT GIVEN TO DRUNKENNESS    1 TIMOTHY 3:3; TITUS 1:7; 1 TIMOTHY 3:8
  1. Have you ever had a drinking problem? If so, please describe.
  2. How would you describe social drinking?
  3. Should an Elder engage in social drinking?
  4. If necessary, would you refrain from alcohol in order to become an Elder?
  • MANAGES HIS OWN FAMILY WELL    1 TIMOTHY 3:4; 1 TIMOTHY 3:12
  1. Do you have to be married with children in order to meet the qualifications of an Elder?
  2. What does "manage his own family well" mean?
  3. Describe your relationship with your wife.
  4. Describe your relationship with each of your children.
  5. What area of your family life needs improvement?
  6. Authentic relationships demand transparency. Would you share a family struggle that you have endured or are enduring with a church member who is dealing with a similar issue?
  • SEES THAT HIS CHILDREN OBEY HIM    1 TIMOTHY 3:4-5; TITUS 1:6; 1 TIMOTHY 3:12
  1. Have you ever had or are you experiencing any discipline problems with your children?
  2. What style of leadership do you use with your children? Authoritarian, permissive, or authoritative?
  3. Do your children respect you as their father?
  4. How would you encourage someone who is struggling with a child?
  • DOES NOT PURSUE DISHONEST GAIN    TITUS 1:7; 1 TIMOTHY 3:8
  1. Describe dishonest gain.
  2. Is this verse referring only to material gain?
  3. How can you avoid dishonest gain?
  4. Should an Elder profit from official church functions that involve money? (Getting paid for "volunteering" or chaperoning)
  • HOLDS TO THE TRUTH    TITUS 1:9; 1 TIMOTHY 3:9
  1. How do you hold to the truth?
  2. How can you be sure that you are holding to the truth?
  3. What steps can you put in place in order to ensure that your church teaches doctrinal purity?
  4. How would you respond to an individual who is promoting heretical doctrine within the church? What if that person is the pastor?
DEACON QUESTIONS
  • SINCERE    1 TIMOTHY 3:8
  1. Would your friends describe you as a sincere person?
  2. Why is sincerity such an important characteristic for an Elder to have?
  3. Sincere people are good listeners. Are you a good listener?
  4. Is it possible to handle all situations with the same level of sincerity?
  • TESTED    1 TIMOTHY 3:10
  1. What does it mean to be "tested"?
  2. Why is "testing" so important?
  3. How do you know if you've passed a test?
  4. In what way have you been tested lately? Did you pass? If not, what kept you from passing and what can you do to ensure that you will pass the next similar test?
Congratulations on completing the Elder Apprentice Program. This program is designed to give you a well-rounded description of the personal characteristics of an Elder as presented in Scripture. May the LORD bless you as you begin to serve Him in an official capacity once approved by the Board of Elders and/or the congregation in which you serve.

All rights reserved. Copyright Dr. John Braland 2001, 2010, 2012, 2015







]]><![CDATA[Church Systems ]]>Sun, 21 Dec 2014 01:23:12 GMThttps://www.johnbraland.com/church-resources/church-systemsThe human body has multiple systems in operation at any given time. These systems work together enabling a human being to live. The circulatory system is the bodies transport system. The heart pumps blood through the arteries and veins to nourish power everything. The digestive system breaks down food into protein, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fats turning it into energy enabling tissue growth and repair. The immune system is our body's defense system against infections and diseases. Organs, tissues, cells, and cell products work together to respond to dangerous organisms (like viruses or bacteria) and substances that may enter the body from the environment.

Church systems are similar to the systems found in the human body. Every church has them and needs them in order for the church body to function correctly. As a church grows, the systems that sustain it must grow with it. These systems must be created, implemented, managed, and evaluated in a strategic manner.  At Freshwater, we are constantly monitoring our systems and evaluating them in order to ensure they are functioning properly. 
Churches must create systems that enable the body to function properly in order to make disciples in a healthy environment. Nelson Searcy coined an acronym for SYSTEM that captures the significance of having healthy systems in the local church: SYSTEM: ‘Saves You Stress, Time, Energy and Money.’

At Freshwater we have identified ten systems that all work together enabling the body of Christ to operate with efficiency and effectiveness in accomplishing Jesus mission to make disciples. These systems include:        

1. Weekend Service System (How we plan, implement and evaluate our music, preaching, transitions, offertory, etc.)

2. Outreach System (How we attract people to our church)

3. Assimilation System (How we take people from their first visit to fully developing members of church)
 
4. Small Groups System (How we fill and reproduce small groups in our church)

5. Stewardship System (How we develop strong givers and how we manage finances)

6. Leadership Development System (How we develop staff, high-powered volunteers, and mobilize people for ministry)

7. Communication system (How we leverage social media, the web, and print media to clearly communicate)

8. Spiritual growth system (How we encourage people to take the next step in their faith and provide a clear pathway to accomplish this)

9. Strategic Planning System (How we evaluate the above systems for constant improvement)

10. Missions System (how we prioritize,  mobilize, and empower short and long term missions efforts locally and globally)

The process of creating, implementing, managing, and evaluating all of the systems in operation take time, but because churches are built on systems its worth putting in the effort to make them effective. This is where I suggest you start if systems thinking is new to you.  

1.     Identify the systems that exist within your church.
2.     Identify the systems that need clarification.
3.     Develop a process for creating effective systems. Write them down and work through them with others.
4.     Develop a management process to oversee them.
5.     Create a method of evaluating each system on an annual basis.    

]]><![CDATA[6 Keys to Successfully Read the Bible]]>Fri, 27 Jun 2014 02:41:42 GMThttps://www.johnbraland.com/church-resources/6-keys-to-successfully-read-the-bibleThe bible is one thick book! In a recent conversation I heard: “I have no idea how to read my bible, I mean, where do you even start?” It’s a great question. Rather than just flipping open the bible and reading the pages that “appear” thinking God has led you to them, you need to have a plan. There are six keys that will help you successfully stick to reading your bible. I read my bible in order to get to know God’s word much better, experience God more personally, and observe where God is working more clearly. The same God that inspired the biblical authors is the same God that inspires you.
]]><![CDATA[Why Volunteering Matters]]>Fri, 30 May 2014 02:43:38 GMThttps://www.johnbraland.com/church-resources/why-volunteering-mattersI get asked to volunteer for a thousand things, from coaching girls’ volleyball to serving at the kids’ schools, from serving on various leadership boards to attending professional functions. Usually I’m asked to help by people who genuinely care about their cause; other times, I’m asked by less enthusiastic people who were told to go find more volunteers. I’m a fan of volunteering, and I volunteer often, but that doesn’t mean that I say yes to everybody who asks. In fact, the exact opposite is true. I have learned to say yes or no based on these three key questions:

1. Is this volunteer opportunity worth the time, effort, and outcome?
2. Will I be using my spiritual gifts and strengths?
3. Does it help fulfill Jesus’ mission to make disciples?

I learned to ask these three questions after volunteering to do a thousand things that didn’t really matter and I didn’t really enjoy. God gives every Christian a spiritual gift to use to help the church body. He might give a completely new spiritual gift, or highlight an existing natural talent. Either way our gifts and talents are given to us to strengthen and build the local church. This is what Paul told the Corinthians and his inspired words still pertain to us today.

“4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. 12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body–whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free–and we were all given the one Spirit to drink………..27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31But eagerly desire the greater gifts.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-13, 27-30

If you are a Christian, you should be volunteering in some capacity. This is not a guilt trip or a mass plea to mobilize the masses; it’s an honest nudge to get you to take the next step in your faith because you need to. If you’re not serving, you are limiting yourself and hindering God’s ability to work through you. You might have to ask yourself the three questions I ask myself, then commit to the opportunities that enable you to fulfill your purpose and Jesus mission to make disciples. To find out how you can volunteer at Freshwater follow the link: http://freshwaterchurch.org/connect/connection-coach/
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