This is the third course in a three-part elder training program. The three courses are: ET 911 The Calling of an Elder, ET 912 An Elder Is a Shepherd, and ET 913 An Elder Is a Disciplemaker.

This course is intended to be part of the preparation leading up to the ordination of a man to the office of elder in the Church of a Lutheran Brethren congregation. The course covers the Biblical and theological knowledge, the ministry skills and the character traits of an effective elder. The topics include providing spiritual care, encouraging spiritual growth, protecting the church from error, and discipling new Christians and future leaders.

Instructors: Joel Egge and Eugene Boe


What You Will Learn

  • To know how to demonstrate effective pastoral care of pastors, elders, and the congregation
  • To understand your role in protecting the Lord’s flock (the church) from false teaching and other temptations
  • To be alert to preparing additional elders and other leaders in the church

Course Objective

To provide the knowledge and skills that will enable a man to begin to serve as an elder who shepherds God’s people as one of Christ’s undershepherds in a local congregation, exhibiting the convictions and character of a disciple of Christ.


Required Textbooks

  1. Olsen, Warren and David Rinden, Explanation of Luther’s Small Catechism, Lutheran Brethren Pub. Co., no date.
  2. Thune, Robert H. Gospel Eldership: Equipping A New Generation of Servant Leaders, Greensboro, North Carolina: New Growth Press, 2016.
  3. Ysteboe, Timothy, We Believe, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Lutheran Brethren Pub. Co., 2009.
  4. Several other documents are available online in the course.

Course Module Topics

  1. An Elder Cares
  2. An Elder Protects
  3. An Elder Mentors