Strengthening the Church Through Biblical Leadership

What does God’s Word teach about church leadership? What does it mean to serve as an elder, deacon, or gospel preacher?

This Fall’s After Dark course is a study of I Timothy, II Timothy, and Titus. Written to two young preachers, these books are often mistakenly called the “Pastoral Epistles.” That is because many people think the word pastor means a preacher. In Scripture, however, a pastor is a shepherd, and the shepherds of the church are elders.

Two of these books—I Timothy and Titus—list the specific qualifications for elders in the church. That is why these books are essential reading for every Christian. One of the greatest challenges facing the church in any generation is the lack of qualified spiritual leaders. These inspired books provide God’s pattern for developing and appointing elders in the local congregation. The book of I Timothy also contains the New Testament’s qualifications for the important office of deacons.

At the same time, these letters were written to younger preachers who needed direction and encouragement. Paul called Timothy and Titus his sons in the faith. He instructed them how and what to teach, how to provide biblical order within the congregation, and how to confront false teaching and false teachers. He also gave them practical guidance for their own lives as faithful Christian ministers.

These books are a clear corrective to many modern approaches to church leadership and organization. This class will examine unbiblical models of church organization found in Catholic and Protestant traditions and address the question of female participation in church leadership.

But these books are not just for preachers, elders, and deacons. They contain timeless instruction for every Christian, offering wisdom, conviction, and encouragement for faithful daily living.

Taught by Jason Gann, this After Dark course meets every Monday evening at 6 PM CST from September 14 through November 23 on the campus of Tennessee Bible College.

You do not have to be a current student to attend. Community members are welcome to register for non-credit study. Current students may enroll for credit during registration under the course title T332 I-II Timothy and Titus.