ELDERS COURSE
ONBOARDING COURSE
The Local Elders Onboarding Course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the vision and values of Vintage Church. The course consists of six sessions captured at our 2023 Vintage Conference. All Elder Candidates who were not present for the 2023 Vintage Conference will be required to watch each session and provide reflections on the topics as part of the application process.
Session 1: Strength In Unity
This session focuses on the importance of unity within Spiritual Family. It emphasized compassion for the lost, acceptance of those being saved, and the necessity of teaching obedience to God’s Word. The session highlighted the perils of suppressing truth and the resultant rebellion against God. Concluding with a powerful call for a fearless church guided by the Holy Spirit, it stressed standing firm against evil, and underscored the transformative power of unity in faith.
Session 2: Setting The Table
The session begins with an introduction to the concept of the church as a spiritual family, emphasizing God’;s role as a loving father. It then delves into the metaphor of a family dinner table, using various chairs to represent different stages of spiritual growth: the Bridegroom (Jesus), the Guest Chair (new believers), the Connecting Chair (initial growth), the Serving Chair (contribution), the Growing Chair (adolescence in faith), and the Leading Chair (mature leadership). Each stage reflects a deeper connection with God and a progression in spiritual maturity, emphasizing the importance of both personal growth and serving others within the church community.
Session 3: Family Values
These values guide decisions and shape the church’s atmosphere, which is critical for creating a space for encountering Jesus. In this session we discusses the necessity of embodying these values at all levels, from the Senior Leadership to new members, highlighting that the church’s strength lies in the unity and commitment of its entire community. The values covered are, spiritual family, relational unity, servant leadership, personal discipleship, and operational excellence, each contributing to the collective goal of fostering a vibrant, value-driven community.
Session 4: House Rules
This message explores the importance of handling conflict biblically, not only for personal growth and spiritual maturity but also for maintaining unity within the church and with God. We examined biblical wisdom on resolving conflicts, including personal responsibility, honesty, understanding others’ perspectives, and extending grace. The session aimed to equip participants with practical and spiritual tools to address conflicts constructively, fostering stronger relationships and spiritual growth within the church family.
Session 5: Maturity In Christ
The session emphasizes the growth of personal Christian faith and aiding others in their spiritual journey. Key themes include the importance of connection and service as spiritual nourishment, the role of the Gospel, the Holy Spirit, and the local church in fostering faith, and confronting the challenges of entitlement, materialism, and offense. The session culminates with insights into the five mountains of growth: Faith, Family, Freedom, Finances, and Fitness, each representing a critical aspect of becoming more Christ-like.
Session 6: Empowering Leaders
The final session offers a comprehensive exploration of spiritual growth and leadership within the church. The session emphasized unity, family values, and effective interpersonal relations. It highlighted the need for compassion over empathy, focusing on proactive assistance. The discussion delved into the three categories of spiritual gifts - Gifts of the Father, Holy Spirit, and Son - emphasizing their unique roles in church leadership and individual spiritual development. The session also outlined the 5-Fold Ministry Gifts and their symbolic significance, stressing the importance of equipping church leaders to foster a mature, united, and knowledgeable congregation.