Elder and Deacon training — a requirement of the Book of Order, but also just a darn good thing to do, and to do well.  In my context, Elders and Deacons are elected at the end of November and installed in early January.  This doesn’t leave much time for training, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea.

So where does a pastor turn to plan Elder and Deacon training?  What resources are available for a rookie pastor?  Well, I looked no further than ThePresbyterianLeader.com (Full disclosure: they gave me a deal on the resources and I’m reviewing them on the blog.)

ThePresbyterianLeader.com is a newish online resource for Presbyterians.  It’s similar to The Thoughtful Christian in that you can download pdf versions of studies, but it’s more too.  There’s a worship planning resource, essays on doctrines and beliefs, and studies.  I’ll probably check things out again this spring when we take on something like a Presbyterian 101 event series at the church.  Until then, though, we might as well get these Deacons and Elders trained right.

So I’ll post again once I’ve worked with the studies.  It’s a three session study for Elders and one session for Deacons.  A quick read looks like they might just fit the bill just swell.  Check out the site, and let me know how it has suited you.