Elder Training Track

Created by Western Seminary

About this Learning Track

The role of the elder is critical to the health and well-being of the local church. In the E Elder Training track, experienced church leaders share helpful insights that will benefit every church leader.

Enroll and complete each of these courses and earn a certificate of completion.

Courses

Course 1 :
Developing Leaders in the Small Church

Take Course
12 Month Access ($35.00 USD)

About this Course

The leadership needs and concerns of small churches are unique. In this course, pastor and author Dr. Glenn Daman addresses issues critical to the development of leaders in small churches, including the call to leadership, the priority of the board, prayer, shepherding, oversight of the church mission, functioning as change agent, and administration among others.

Course 2 :
Ministering for Maturity

Take Course
12 Month Access ($20.00 USD)

About this Course

In this course, Dr. Bert Downs establishes the primary importance of maturity in the lives of believers and congregations, and in our responsibility as “shepherds” to join God in His process with His resources to be His agents of that desired outcome. It means that we need to be active in the maturing process ourselves if we hope to be used to produce maturity in others.

Course 3 :
Training Future Leaders

Take Course
12 Month Access ($50.00 USD)

About this Course

Dr. John Johnson describes leadership as being both a science and an art. In creating and managing teams, it's important to take into account social and cultural contexts. Your values determine mission and vision so you can identify objectives and create strategies to accomplish them. Since leadership is transformational by nature, it's important to know how to initiate and manage change when it happens.

Course 4 :
12 Marks of a Healthy Board

Take Course
3 Month Access ($10.00 USD)

About this Course

In Twelve Marks of a Healthy Board, Bert Downs, John Johnson, and David Jones discuss characterstics that are essential in choosing board members and structuring how they interact together. They also describe how the board should minister to the staff and congregation and prayerfully lead by articulating a vision.

Course 5 :
When a Member of the Flock Needs Special Care

Take Course
12 Month Access ($15.00 USD)

About this Course

The primary subject of this course is depression. In much of the Christian world this topic has been taboo, misunderstood and rejected out of hand. If that is your perspective, let me encourage you to take another look. In 2005 I almost lost the ministry God had gifted me for and called me to because of depression. Dr. Gregory Knopf, my medical doctor at the time treated me with skillful, tender, compassionate Christ-centered care and saved my ministry. Dr. Gary Lovejoy brings a pastoral heart to his profession and to this issue.  If you are a leader in a church, this course will give you insights into people’s lives that will be productive. If you are struggling yourself with discouragement you will be encouraged and challenged. - Dr. Jim Hislop

Certificate : Obtain My Certificate of Completion

About the Certificate of Completion

When you have completed this learning track on BibleMesh.com, you will need to enroll here to apply for your certificate of completion. This enrollment will be activated when you have successfully finished all the courses in this track.

Purchase Course Bundle

Enjoy a special one-time discount when you enroll now in all courses in this track.

Retail Price for all Courses: $20.00 USD
Registration Period: 6 Month Access

Instructors

  • Dr. Glenn Daman
    Dr. Glenn Daman

    Dr. Glenn Daman is pastor of First Baptist Church in Stevenson, Washington, and the former director of the Institute for Church Health. Glenn earned two masters degrees from Western Seminary and the Doctor of Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

  • Dr. Bert Downs
    Dr. Bert Downs

    Dr. Bert Downs is the Chancellor and former long-time President of Western Seminary. Bert is also the former General Director of the Southwest Church Connection of the Conservative Baptist Association, and serves as a teacher, and consultant for ministries around the nation.

  • Dr. John Johnson
    Dr. John Johnson

    Dr. Johnson is Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology at Western Seminary and lead pastor at Village Baptist Church in Beaverton, Oregon. Dr. Johnson is a M.Div. and Th.M. graduate of Western Seminary and earned his Ph.D. from Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas.

  • Dr. Gary H. Lovejoy
    Dr. Gary H. Lovejoy

    Gary H. Lovejoy has been conducting his private counseling practice for over 30 years and has gained extensive experience serving individuals, couples, and families. He continues an active practice with Valley View Counseling Services, LLC in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Lovejoy was a professor of both psychology and religion at Mt. Hood Community College for 32 years. He earned a master’s degree in religious education from Fuller Theological Seminary as well as a master’s in psychology at California State University, Los Angeles, and completed his doctorate in psychology while attending the United States International University.

  • Dr Gregory M. Knopf
    Dr Gregory M. Knopf

    Gregory M. Knopf, M.D., has been a family practice physician for 30 years and is the founder and medical director of the Gresham-Troutdale Family Medical Center. He is a graduate and Clinical Associate Professor of Family Medicine at Oregon Health Sciences University. Dr. Knopf has a particular interest in the treatment of anxiety and depression. 

  • Dr. David Jones
    Dr. David Jones

    David Jones is Vice President of Corporate Affairs and CFO of the Luis Palau Evangelistic Association, and Executive Director of the Palau Foundation for World Evangelization. He has also served on many ministry boards including "Need Him Global" and "SAT7."


How It Works / FAQs

What is a learning track?

A track is a group of courses that provide a guided program of study in a specific subject area.

Why should I work to complete a track?

You should work to complete a track if you desire to build greater proficiency and a more comprehensive understanding within a particular area of study. Completing a track successfully will give you a sense of satisfaction in a job well done and BibleMesh or one of our partners will acknowledge your work through a track.

Can I go at my own pace?

Although a course subscription only provides access to a given course for a set time period, you may take as long as you wish to complete a learning track.

Can I skip certain courses?

In order to complete a learning track, you must complete every course within that track. Some tracks, like the Biblical Languages tracks, also require courses to be completed in a specific sequence, though this is not true of all tracks.

Can anyone receive a certificate of completion?

Yes. Anyone who enrolls in a course on BibleMesh can work toward earning a certificate of completion.

How do I receive a certificate of completion?

Upon finishing all the courses in a track, you may apply for and receive a certificate of completion.

Is this certificate of completion recognized for credit by colleges and seminaries?

Several colleges and seminaries do accept BibleMesh Biblical Language courses as a pre-requisite or advance placement option. But, if you are interested in earning a credit-bearing certificate that provides degree pathway opportunities to partner academic institutions, you will need to enroll in the BibleMesh Institute. For more information go here.