| Abstrakt: |
Although Scripture speaks about elders in the Old Testament and New Testament, many churches in North America do not maintain eldership as a distinct ecclesiastical office. The Canadian Reformed Churches are different in this respect since ordained elders serve in their midst next to ministers of the Word and deacons. This dissertation is designed to determine within the context of the Canadian Reformed Churches in Manitoba how elders individually and as a body can be helped to understand more deeply their role and importance in preparing "God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up" (Eph 4:12). The following three questions guided the exploration of this topic. What does the Bible say about offices, in particular the office of elder? Which insights of Martin Bucer and John Calvin, two Reformers of the 16th Century, are either already reflected in or could enrich the Canadian Reformed understanding of office, in particular the office of elder? What information can be derived from input given by elders and congregation members to help establish what elders in the Canadian Reformed Churches need to know and be able to do in order to function effectively in their work of shepherding the flock? Questions characteristic of quantitative and qualitative research were formulated for surveys in order to gather input from two rural and two city congregations in the province of Manitoba. The results are summarized and assessed in the body of the dissertation, while much of the statistical data is available in separate tables in appendices. The research provides content and direction for the development of materials that can be of assistance in training elders in a way that will give them a stronger sense of identity, purpose, and focus in fulfilling their tasks in the midst of the Canadian Reformed Churches that they serve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
