Elder Apprentice Program

The 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