They had just come from the congregational meeting that confirmed their election so there was good energy as they anticipated this time of service. Many of them, I suspect, had heard from current officers how this new pastor led his one previous training, so they likely assembled expecting the same approach; a few meetings for an hour preceded by the occasional thirty minutes of reading, and then the day of ordination itself. What they did not yet know was I had decided a new method was needed.
I had never been happy with the approach used in my twenty years of ministry. I would talk about the nuts and bolts of being an officer, make sure they knew the levels of Presbyterian government, walk through the Apostles’ Creed and a bulletin to see what questions they evoked, give a quick overview of the Book of Order and The Book of Confessions, and then cover the ordination questions. It took all of four hours spread out over two or three nights yet I never felt it truly prepared them for the practical and spiritual nature of their work as church officers. So when I read Making Disciples, Making Leaders, I was ripe for something new.
The silence that filled the room that day in 2005 came after I explained this new process, and handed out the study guide and three books we would use. We began to look at our calendars to select training dates. I told them it was a new approach for me, too, but felt confident it would be meaningful. No one audibly objected, but later I learned of the questions they silently voiced: Does he really think we have two hours to prepare for each training session? Can we keep our focus and energy up during four meetings that will run three hours and fifteen minutes each? Given the busy schedules of everyone in this room, is it even possible to find four dates everyone can make? I wondered many of the same things at the time; after five years of using this model, I no longer have any doubts.
There are many gifts in the approach developed by Steve Eason and Von Clemans. Beginning each training session with worship and the Lord’s Supper is a wonderful way to help the group transition from a busy day at home or school or work into the evening ahead. Having the first of two 45-minute instructional times followed by a meal allows the group to focus for a time and just when energy begins to fade, share in nourishment around the table. Re-charged for the next instructional period, they are engaged by a new topic and then ready for the change of pace provided by the small group time. All the resources for worship, instruction, small groups, and examination one needs are provided and can easily be led by fellow officers when a minister is not available. Our officers, in particular, have appreciated the practical approach of Selected To Serve (the primary textbook suggested). And the time when session meets with officers-elect for their examination (we call it a “conversation” to lower some of the anxiety) is a spiritual highlight.
We have adapted the model at various points.
The first time I used this resource, having as the first instructional session a discussion about the Lordship of Jesus Christ felt like throwing a new swimmer into the deep end — too difficult a starting point for many in the group. We have since moved it to follow dinner on the first night and that seems to work better.
I have found the need for flexibility on calendar issues, too. Each new class of officers and I always agree at the start upon the four meeting dates, but we have never had perfect attendance in the weeks ahead. Instead, when inevitable life events occur that cause someone to miss a class, I will meet with her or him one-on-one, asking what aspects of that week’s reading stood out or confused them. It doesn’t duplicate the group experience, but does generate some wonderful conversation. Nor have I ever had everyone make the examination night with the session. Since we have a planning retreat for our new session the day before installation of officers, I now include in it a time for the officers-elect who could not make the dinner to meet with the current elders.
I have not appropriated some of the ideas in the book. I do not have a separate committee that works out the arrangements of meals or collects money for the training classes, but instead have a staff person oversee those functions. For other churches, that role could be covered by volunteers. Sunday evening has not been a preferred meeting time for our classes (as I believe is the norm for Steve and Von) as we tend to gather on Monday or Tuesday night. I have had an occasional class start after the Sunday worship service. In those instances, we do not begin the training itself with an additional time of worship.
Having used this approach now with five different classes of officers, I would never go back to my previous method. To a person — even those quiet ones in my first Doylestown class — our elders and deacons will tell you how well this model prepared them. They gained a better understanding of their roles and the larger church, a good working knowledge of The Book of Confessions and Book of Order, and appreciation for the diversity of convictions and life experiences in their fellow officers. Most of all, it helped them discover the great blessing that comes in being called to serve as a church officer and offering one’s gifts.
John M. Willingham is pastor of Doylestown Church, Doylestown, Pa.
