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Eldership Through the Ages and through the history of CC/DOC

This presentation explores the history of eldership and spiritual leadership in human culture, specifically focusing on the Judeo-Christian tradition. It discusses the role of elders in early human culture, their significance in the Jewish tradition, their role in the New Testament and Gentile churches, and their evolution in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It examines the conflict between lay elders and ordained clergy and the need to renew and strengthen the role of lay elders in today's post-Christendom culture.

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Eldership Through the Ages and through the history of CC/DOC

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  1. Eldership Through the Ages and through the history of CC/DOC CCNC-N presentation for Elders’ Training March 26, 2011

  2. History of Eldership in Human Culture • In early human culture, elders • taught the knowledge and skills needed to survive • passed on traditions • sustained the culture and beliefs • In Complex Modern Industrial Society, • rapid technological advancement “discredits” elders who don’t “keep up” and seem less relevant to young people • institutionalized education create “experts” in areas well before the elder years. • character built from life-long experience can only be offered by elders.

  3. History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition • Elders in the Jewish tradition: • Elders were the formal leadership within a tribe. • Council of Elders (Sanhedrin) served as judges and leaders. • Kings became a higher authority, but still consulted Elders for cultural and religious leadership. • Modern Jewish tradition and many indigenous/ethnic cultures continue to honor the guidance and judgment of the Elder Councils.

  4. History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition • Elders in the New Testament • Jesus refers to both women and men in leadership roles among his Disciples. • Early Christian documents identified only the original Apostles as “Elder.” • The Jewish Christians kept their cultural structure regarding Elder leadership.

  5. History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition • Elders in the Gentile churches • Brought their own leadership traditions • Established counter-cultural practices • Leadership had to maintain an integrity of these new belief and values

  6. History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition • The Greek references in scripture to Leader or Elder had three separate categories indicating specific roles: • Presbyteros—older or elder person • Presbyteri—overseer • Poimen—shepherd

  7. History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition • With growth came the need for some common structure and polity: • In 325 AD, Constantine established a formal hierarchy of ruling priests in Rome. • There is no clear role for the lay person as an Elder or spiritual leader.

  8. History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition • The Protestant Reformation, beginning in the 16th Century • They rebelled against the rigid hierarchy and corrupt practices. • Leadership was shared between full time religious leaders and lay volunteers.

  9. History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition • Elders in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): • The Campbell/Stone movement criticized institutional hierarchy. • They called for a return to New Testament practice and polity. • They strongly advocated for the inclusion of lay leadership in the churches & the worship process.

  10. History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition • Earliest CC(DOC) Congregations • Were rarely served by ordained clergy. • Lay Elders held administrative authority: • Lay Elders were identified by the congregations to teach, “exercise discipline” and preside over the service • Lay Elders were mostly part time volunteers.

  11. History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition • More full time licensed or ordained ministers were hired. • Conflict and challenge often occurred between Lay Elder authority and ordained clergy. • In many cases, the spiritual leadership of lay Elder has been reduced or lost. • The conflict of leadership authority between lay Elder and ordained clergy continues in many congregations.

  12. History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition • Continued institutionalization of a National Church further decentralized the lay Elder’s authority and influence. • The administrative leadership of the church began to be spread out over other non-elder administrative lay positions, such as Board Chair.

  13. History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition • In Congregations Today: • A desire to support, strengthen and renew the role of lay Elder/Spiritual leader • We see declining congregations that may once again be unable to hire full-time ministers. • We live in a post-Christendom culture which once again moves Christianity to be more counter-cultural. • This may change the role of Elder/spiritual leader as we move forward.

  14. History of Eldership & Spiritual Leadership in the Judeo-Christian tradition • The question put forward to Elders and congregational leadership and membership today is not so much whether we will change, but rather how we will change—with what criteria and values.

  15. Questions for discussion: • What has changed? • What has stayed the same? • Why do we need the role of an Elder or Spiritual Leader today?

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