Resources
Rebuilding The Broken Walls (2000)
This workbook and accompanying video explore eight key areas to which the entire membership needs to give attention if the present trend of decline is to be reversed.“Scripture teaches that healthy congregations will be growing congregations. Statistics show that the Reformed Presbyterian Church is likely to cease to exist during this century if she does not, by God’s mercy, grow and multiply!” Rev. Harry Coulter’.
Preface
Section 1: Disturbing Statistics
Section 2: Developing a Biblical Response
Section 3: Revitalising a Congregation
Section 4: A Daughter Congregation
Section 5: Commencing a New Work
Section 6: Shedding Baggage
Section 7: Attracting New Members
Section 8: Setting Goals
Appendix 1 :Congregational Statistics for 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994&1999
Appendix 2: Mission Committee - Home Section: Aims and Objectives
Appendix 3: Mission Committee - Home Section: Criteria
Appendix 4: Mission Committee - Home Section: Assessment
Training Men to Conduct Worship Services.
This consists of 4 DVDs recorded at lectures given in 2006, with the following content:‘The Heart of the Gospel’ –Prof. David McKay Text-book: John Murray, Redemption Accomplished and Applied (Banner of Truth)
‘Interpreting Scripture’ –Prof. Edward Donnelly Text-book: Paul E Brown, Understanding & Enjoying the Bible (DayOne)
‘The Story of the Bible’ –Prof. Norris Wilson Text-book Graeme Goldsworthy, Gospel and Kingdom (Paternoster)
‘Leading in Worship’ –Prof. Robert McCollum Text-book: Stuart Olyott, Preaching – Pure and Simple (Bryntirion)
A Manual for Elders (2006)
The manual and accompanying CD (made up of PowerPoint presentations) addresses twenty-five key areas in the work of an elder within the Reformed Presbyterian Church. The twenty-five chapters are grouped into personal, practical, pastoral and doctrinal issues.“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers” - 1 Peter 5:2
For the past 150 years the Reformed Presbyterian Church has rightly placed much emphasis on the training of its teaching elders.
However, we have not placed a similar emphasis on training those men who are called by God to the ‘ruling’ eldership in our congregations.
Without doubt this has been a weakness.
The purpose of this manual, and the accompanying CD, is to seek to equip, encourage and train elders to carry out their God-given task.
Some of the areas covered include:
• The Elder’s walk with God
• Evangelism
• Discipling
• Visiting
• Leading a Bible study
• Church Discipline
• The Essentials of the Reformed Faith
• A Vision for Mission (Extract from Preface)
CONTENTS
PrefacePERSONAL ISSUES FOR THE ELDER
1 The elder’s walk with God
2 Elders as leaders in congregation. presbyterv and synod
3 The responsibility of an elder to his fellow elders and minister
4 Elders in spiritual warfare
5 The elder’s responsibility in evangelism, in church outreach and personal witness
PRACTICAL ISSUES FOR THE ELDER
6 How to make a profitable home visit
7 The elder visiting the sick and housebound
8 Leading a midweek Bible study and prayer time
9 The scriptural warrant for church discipline
10 The scriptural practice of church discipline
11 Responsibilities of elders at Sabbath worship
DEVELOPING OUR CONGREGATIONS
12 Identifying and encouraging the use of members’ spiritual gifts
13 Encouraging and developing family and congregational prayer life
14 Christian living in the home
15 Developing discipleship and fellowship in our congregations
16 The development of our covenant youth
17 Encouraging and developing vision for mission at home and abroad
18 Encouraging and developing the praise in our congregations
DOCTRINAL ISSUES FOR ELDERS
19 A sacrifice of praise - What?
20 A sacrifice of praise - How?
21 Addressing the issue of Secret Societies
22 How to explain the way of salvation in a one-to-one setting
23 Infant Baptism
24 The essentials of the Reformed Faith
25 Christ’s Crown and Covenant - how should they affect our service as elders?