ELDER’S TRAINING SEMINAR

1. ELDER’S TRAINING SEMINAR Based on the Elder’s Handbook Ministerial Association of the General Conference www.ministerialassociation.com

2. The Elder and Special Service Chapter 8 – Part 2

3. HouseDedication Purpose • The practice of house dedication varies according to culture and the wishes of each individual family. • Some families may request the dedication when they purchase or build their home, some when they pay off the mortgage or move to a different place. • It is an excellent opportunity to invite the neighbors.

4. Who officiates No license or ordination is required for house blessing services. An elder may perform the service, but should do so with the knowledge and cooperation of the pastor. Order of service (See Elder’s Handbook) HouseDedication

5. Funeral Who officiates • Usually no license is required for conducting a funeral. • In the absence of a minister, an elder may lead out. This should not be done, however, without the pastor’s approval.

6. A diversity of tradition Be sensitive to their grief traditions. Move away from traditional customs that go contrary to Christian principles. Biblical understandings on death, especially those customs that infer the immortality of the soul or the honoring of the spirits. Funeral

7. Funeral Visit the family • Share with them some of God’s promises and pray with them. • You represent Christ to them.

8. Funeral Offer church support • Relatives can be located and notified of death, food can be prepared, telephone answered, small children cared for, and funeral details arranged.

9. NewParishInduction It is a special service which only elders, assisted by conference/mission leaders can perform, pastors cannot. Difficulties of transition • Difficult for the congregation. • Difficult for the Pastor and his family.

10. NewParishInduction Smoothing the transition • Bury the old. • Do not replace too soon. • It takes about three month before a congregation is ready to welcome a new pastor. • Celebrate the new. Pastoral installation service

11. Prayer for theSick Who officiates • Local elders may officiate at an anointing service in the absence of a minister, but with the pastor’s approval. Preparing for the service • Where held. • Who attends. • Preparing the recipient.

12. Prayer for theSick • Encourage the sick person to examine his/her life before the anointing. Order of service • Preliminary remarks. • The anointing prayer. • Concluding the service.

13. Wedding The family tie is the closest, the most tender and sacred of any on earth. Who officiates • Only by an ordained minister. Pastors restricted • Some circumstances that forbid a minister to marry a given couple. • Pastor’s own decision.

14. Wedding Spiritual ceremony A church wedding involves: • A legal contract. • A spiritual commitment.

15. AnAppeal for theElders • Your ministry is vital to the ongoing growth and development of the church. • Because of the unique leadership talents the Holy Spirit has given you, you can make a tremendous difference. • Lean on Him for grace and guidance.

16. AnAppeal for allElders “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (I Peter 5:1-4)