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PRACTICAL TOOLS FOR THE CHRISTIAN LIFE & FOR MINISTRY

COURSE Nic Cook COURSE Nic Cook

Church leadership structures and struggles (Part 1)

Leadership struggles are common in all churches. If you were to ask who is supposed to lead the church, you will get a lot of different answers. There are 3 main models for leadership in a church. Here is how they often lead to struggles. Is there a better model for how leadership should work in the local church?

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Church leadership titles and clarity (Part 3)

Why do we call the preacher pastor? Why do we call some people pastors but not others? Why do we seem to have so many fights over who can be a pastor and who can’t? We need a clear definition that helps us see the difference between the role and the gift. Additionally, maybe we need to use a different word to help clear un any misunderstandings.

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LEADERSHIP, COURSE Nic Cook LEADERSHIP, COURSE Nic Cook

Leadership as stewardship

Many of the fights and disagreements that happen in a church because people are acting more like owners than stewards. It becomes a question of who get’s their way instead of asking, “if this really belongs to Jesus, what does he want us to do?”

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COURSE COURSE

GETTING STARTED WITH SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Ready to see how God has uniquely wired you to help others? This guide simplifies "spiritual gifts," showing how these roles are tools given to everyone. Learn to find your natural groove and make an impact in your community.

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COURSE COURSE

SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND JESUS (Pt 2)

Jesus perfectly modeled how to balance different strengths to serve others. By looking at His life, we see the ultimate example of the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, and Teacher roles working in harmony to build a healthy community and reach the world.

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COURSE COURSE

SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND THE GIVER (PT 1)

Ever wonder why you’re naturally good at certain things? This post explains how God, the original Giver, wired every human with specific talents. Discover how Jesus redeems these natural abilities so you can use them to make a difference.

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COURSE COURSE

NATURAL GIFTS AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS

What's the difference between being "talented" and having a spiritual gift? This post explores how God takes your natural abilities and puts them to work for a bigger cause. See how your everyday skills can make a lasting impact.

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Board eldership versus biblical eldership

Understand the biblical qualifications and responsibilities of church elders. This guide contrasts corporate leadership models with God's design for eldership, emphasizing spiritual maturity and shepherding over secular success to help you build a healthy, scripture-aligned leadership team.

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Elder roles and responsibilities

Elders are described as being “shepherds”. What does a shepherd of God’s people and family look like? What does it mean to help feed, guide, guard, and heal the people who are part of a church?

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Called to serve as an elder

Think you might be called to lead as an elder in your church? This post breaks down what a "calling" actually looks like, from that gut feeling to getting a thumbs-up from your community. Learn why timing and family support matter just as much as your desire to serve.

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Elders’ internal qualifications

What does it really take to be a church leader? This post dives into the "inner life" of an elder, focusing on character traits like self-control and maturity. Discover why being a good shepherd is more about who you are than just what you know.

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External qualifications (Part 1)

What does it actually mean for a church leader to be a "one-woman man"? This post tackles the complex debate around marriage, divorce, and singleness for elders. Learn how to look past the surface to find leaders who model faithful, Christ-like devotion in their closest relationships.

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External qualifications (Part 2)

How a leader manages their home often reflects how they’ll lead a church. This post explores the importance of healthy parenting, solid finances, and a good reputation in the community. Discover why a well-managed household is a key indicator of leadership readiness.

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Elders: Expectations for the spouse

Eldership isn't just a solo mission; it affects the whole family. This post explores why a spouse’s spiritual maturity and support are so important. Learn how a united couple can better handle church challenges and serve the congregation together.

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Elders: defined by humility

True leadership starts with humility. This post explores how church elders follow Jesus’ example by putting others first. It also breaks down the "traps of pride"—like being driven by competition, scornfulness, willfulness, and self-consciousness—that can secretly damage a community.

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EXPLORING YOUR SOUL: TEACHING (PT. 1)

Intro & Heart

This teaching is from a breakout session done for a men’s conference called Iron Sharpens Iron. It is an overview of what a soul is using Dallas Willard’s conceptual map. It includes examples of how each part of our souls can be explored in prayer with God. The next video is an actual guided prayer that takes you through the process of praying and asking God to search each part of your soul.

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COURSE Nic Cook COURSE Nic Cook

EXPLORING YOUR SOUL: TEACHING (PT. 2)

This teaching is from a breakout session done for a men’s conference called Iron Sharpens Iron. It is an overview of what a soul is using Dallas Willard’s conceptual map. It includes examples of how each part of our souls can be explored in prayer with God. The next video is an actual guided prayer that takes you through the process of praying and asking God to search each part of your soul.

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