This class is a presentation of the Bible’s teaching about leadership in the church and the particular activities (and responsibilities) of elders and deacons. To download the informational packet for the course, click here. For our blog post about the first iteration of this class, click here. An embedded audio and video player with the recordings of the sessions from the most recent iteration of this class is available at the bottom of this page. You will also find links to all resources related to the course at the bottom of this page.
An officer nominating period precedes each iteration of this class (other than the initial one). Over the course of three months (twelve weeks), the following topics are addressed:
Phase One: Vetting (3 Weeks)
During this opening phase of our officer training, we are primarily concerned that all men interested in serving in an ordained capacity meet the character qualifications laid out in Scripture and have a desire (an internal sense of call) to serve Christ and His church as an ordained officer. During this phase, the names of all participants in the “preparatory track” of the class will be kept private in order to make it easier for the participants to withdraw if they find that they are unavailable, uninterested, or otherwise unqualified to serve as an officer at this time.
1. Class Introduction & Officer Qualifications
In the first part of this opening session, we cover the twelve-week class outline and how it fits into the full officer training program at Antioch. Then, we spend some time considering the biblical qualifications (especially those pertaining to character and family) for serving in ordained office. For a handout on qualifications for serving in church office (based primarily on 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1), please click here. Men on the “preparatory track” for the officer training program will provide contact info for references.
2. The Respective Functions & Vocations of Church Officers
This session explores first the respective functions of elders and deacons at Antioch, according to the Presbyterian Church in America’s Book of Church Order and in accord with the clear direction given to us in God’s Word. Then, the class proceeds to consider the respective callings of elders and deacons. For the handout including excerpts from the BCO, click here. Men on the “preparatory track” for the officer training program will begin reading The Christian’s High Calling (by Maurice Roberts) and Developing a Healthy Prayer Life (by Joel and James Beeke). Men on this track will also complete a character self-assessment.
3. The Westminster Standards for Church Officers
This session considers how church officers use the doctrinal standards (“the pattern of sound words”) of the church in ordained service as elders and deacons in leading and serving the flock. Men on the “preparatory track” for the officer training program will complete an assignment on calling/vocation and read the Westminster Standards in order to discuss with the pastors, noting especially any potential disagreements or questions.
Phase 2: Teaching (9 Weeks)
If men on the “preparatory track” for the officer training program are eligible (and interested) to continue into Phase 2, they have the basic character and inward sense of call needed to serve as officers at Antioch. Now, we want to dig deeper into understanding how the church works: its theology and its commitments regarding the offices of elder and deacon. This phase is designed to provide the foundations needed to succeed in Phase 3, where the men will start doing the work of an elder or deacon. In this phase, the names of men on the “preparatory track” will be shared with the congregation so that church members can observe, support, and pray for the men. Men on the “preparatory track” will also be assigned to one of the currently serving officers of Antioch for prayer, encouragement, and counsel.
4. Bible Knowledge for Church Officers
This session considers what it means for Antioch as a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) to be Faithful to the Scriptures. This will involve an overview of expected knowledge of and affection for the contents and use of the English Bible. Men on the “preparatory track” will complete a diagnostic Bible knowledge assessment. These men will read Part 1 of The Shepherd Leader (Intro. & chs. 1-4).
5. Reformed Theology for Church Officers
This session considers what it means for Antioch as a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) to be True to the Reformed Faith. This will involve an overview of expected knowledge of and affection for Reformed theology. For the handout with basic definitions, terms, and other materials from this lesson, click here. Men on the “preparatory track” will complete a book summary of The Christian’s High Calling and discuss the book with the pastors. These men will read Part 2 of The Shepherd Leader (chs. 5-8).
6. PCA Polity & History for Church Officers
This session considers what it means for Antioch to be a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and for officers to be involved in the polity and aware of the history of this expression of Christ’s church. This will involve an overview of contemporary issues in the PCA. For the handout which accompanied this lesson, click here. Men on the “preparatory track” will read the Form of Government of the PCA’s Book of Church Order (chs. 1-26) and discuss their reading with the pastors. These men will read Part 3 of The Shepherd Leader (chs. 9-11).
7. Plurality, Collegiality, & Shepherding in the Church
This session considers what it means for Antioch’s officers to minister collaboratively to God’s people at Antioch in particular. This will involve an overview of church leadership, healthy plurality, and Antioch’s shepherding plan for pastoral care. Men on the “preparatory track” will finish reading The Shepherd Leader (Conclusion & Appendices) and produce a book summary.
8. Worship in the PCA
This session considers what it means for officers (and especially elders) to oversee and participate in the worship of the church. This will involve an overview of planning and leading worship according to the official standards of the PCA. Men on the “preparatory track” will read the Directory for Worship of the PCA’s Book of Church Order (chs. 47-63) and discuss their reading with the pastors.
9. Diaconal Ministry Introduction & Overview
This session introduces the scope, aims, and basic processes of diaconal ministry at Antioch. Men on the “preparatory track” will read Part I of In the Shadow of Plenty (Intro. & chs. 1-10).
10. Benevolence in Diaconal Ministry
This session outlines the expectations, accountability measures, and procedures of benevolence as a part of diaconal ministry at Antioch. Men on the “preparatory track” will read Part 2 of In the Shadow of Plenty (chs. 11-13) and Parts 1-2 of The Peacemaking Church (chs. 1-7).
11. Church Discipline in the PCA & Peacemaking
This session explores formal church discipline as an indispensable instrument of reproof, reconciliation, and restoration in the church. Men on the “preparatory track” will read the Rules of Discipline of the PCA’s Book of Church Order (chs. 27-46) and discuss their reading with the pastors. They will finish reading The Peacemaking Church (chs. 8-9, Epilogue) and produce a book summary of The Peacemaking Church.
12. Conclusion & the Spiritual Mission of the Church
This closing session of Phase 2 of the class considers what it means for Antioch as a congregation of the PCA to be Obedient to the Great Commission, bringing together the material and concepts of the first eleven weeks. Men on the “preparatory track” will produce a brief (4-8 pages) reflection paper on the class, addressing their sense of call and any unanswered questions.
Phases 3-5
Following the conclusion of the Sunday School portion of the Leadership Development Class, formal Officer Training will continue in Phase 3 with eight weeks of practical training. This phase will conclude with an officer nominating period. Any men nominated for office will then be examined by the session and qualifying candidates for office will be presented to the congregation for election to office (in Phase 4). Any men elected by the congregation in Phase 4 will then proceed to ordination and installation to office in Phase 5.
Resources for the Class
If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Groff by email at zack@antiochpca.com, or call the Church Office at 864.670.9000. Audio and video recordings are available on our SermonAudio page here and below. The next iteration of this class will run after the conclusion of an Officer Nominating period slated for September 1-14, 2025. Thank you!
