Officer Training: What Happens?

In June, men who accepted nominations for the office of elder or deacon will begin their officer training. This is a time-intensive and relationally-intentional process in which we spend two hours together most Sunday nights for several months. Over the course of the summer, the officer candidates meet with our Teaching Elders and Ruling Elders in order to learn the qualifications and roles of church officers.

At Officer Training, we study a summary of our whole system of doctrine, we learn how our Book of Church Order helps us govern and serve the church under Christ, and we strive to apply our theology (doctrine) and polity (church government) to how we shepherd and serve in the offices of elder and deacon. 

Our aim is not only to learn sound doctrine and consider the conduct of church officers but to develop the godly character that serves as the bedrock of these offices (1 Timothy 3:1-13).

At the end of the summer, those who are ready to stand for office will be tested by the elders in both their character and knowledge. 

Those who do not stand for office have the opportunity to join Corey and Rick in Ongoing Officer Training. This has been a wonderful addition to our process which allows for more time to learn and grow together. Men in Ongoing Officer Training may stand for office at a future date.

Officer Training helps these men and our Session to discern their calling and to consider carefully the privileges and the responsibilities involved in caring for the people of God at Midtown as an officer in the church. We design this time of training to strengthen any man who stands for office such that he might shepherd and serve with humility, honesty, and hope.

Please pray for the men participating in our Officer Training this summer. Pray that our gracious God would strengthen our church by providing officers who aspire to shepherd and serve according to his Word.

— Pastor Rick