This episode set the table for the rest of the series. We’ll discuss the how and the what of our following discussions, plus discuss some big picture questions about ourselves as elders. 

Passage: 1 Timothy

Before the meeting:

1. Watch the Transform 2025 pre-conference on eldering well (link). Watch all of it (1:25) or just the first 42 minutes of it.
2. Read the entire book of 1 Timothy (it’s not that big!!!).
3. Preview the meeting notes below and jot down any thoughts that come to mind before the meeting.
4. Pray for yourself and for your fellow elders.

Download the discussion guide here: Episode 1 guide (or download the document HERE)

Stream the introductory video here: Episode 1 video

This episode focuses on the need for elders to "lean into their calling." We fear that elders will grab too much authority, but there's an equal danger that elders will be too shy about what they are called to do. We want to fully embrace what the role is without grabbing at things that don't go with eldering.

Passage: 1 Timothy 1:1-7

Before the meeting:

1. Review your notes from the previous meeting.
2. Watch the first section of the video (https://docs.google.com/videos/d/1XCz0yig5FwBxULl14uW5Lo7KKXOjKR56rngCwLHcZGc/edit?usp=sharing). 
3. Read the passage at least twice (preferably in different translations). A link to the NET version is listed above.
4. Preview the meeting notes below and jot down any thoughts that come to mind before the meeting.
5. Pray for yourself and for your fellow elders.

Download the discussion guide here: Episode 2 guide (or download the document HERE)

Stream the introductory video here: Episode 2 video

This episode focuses on the sobering reality that elders have been "entrusted to fight." Eldering is a form of “fighting the good fight,” but before we engage in that fight, remember that God has specifically entrusted us to engage in that fight. What is the impact on our ministry knowing that God Himself entrusted us to go to “battle” in His name?

Passage: 1 Timothy 1:8-20

Before the meeting:

1. Review your notes from the previous meeting.
2. Watch the first section of the video (https://docs.google.com/videos/d/1VOkZvQLXP-KcAgfEj2peOgAzMOrGbJr91pjwBhyrqFQ/edit?usp=sharing). 
3. Read the passage at least twice (preferably in different translations). A link to the NET version is listed above.
4. Preview the meeting notes below and jot down any thoughts that come to mind before the meeting.
5. Pray for yourself and for your fellow elders.

Download the discussion guide here: Episode 3 guide (or download the document HERE)

Stream the introductory video here: Episode 3 video

This episode calls elders to pray because Scripture calls elders to pray as a priority (Acts 6:7). But not just the activity of prayer - praying missionally and evangelistically. Part of the ministry of prayer that the elders have been appointed to is teaching the congregation to pray missionally and evangelistically, too.

Passage: 1 Timothy 2:1-15

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This episode looks at the “qualifications of elders” passage to discuss those qualifications. But also we want to look at the same passage as a form of invitation - what we’re inviting men to become together.

Passage: 1 Timothy 3:1-7

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This episode calls elders to stay in their lane because God has gifted the church with a variety of types of leaders (cf. Eph 4:7-16).

Passage: 1 Timothy 3:8-13

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Passage: 1 Timothy 3:14-16

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Passage: 1 Timothy 4:1-5

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Passage: 1 Timothy 4:6-10

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Passage: 1 Timothy 4:11-16

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Passage: 1 Timothy 5:1-16

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Passage: 1 Timothy 5:17-6:19

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Passage: 1 Timothy 6:20-21