Gateway Podcast: Episode 58

You can listen to or watch Gateway Podcast Episode 58 here.

Questions/topics addressed in this episode:

(NOTE: Timestamps are for video version only.) 

What have you been reading lately? Josh, If you had to pick one book you’ve read in the past few months that you’d recommend our listeners read, what would it be and why? (6:30)

Discussion with Ruling Elder, Justin Stiles

Tell us a little bit about yourself. (13:55)

You serve as what we call a Ruling Elder. What does that mean and how is it different than what Josh and Robert are as Teaching Elders? (15:30)

How did you become an elder? What are the qualifications or training needed? (19:25)

All the elders collectively are called the Session. What is a typical Session meeting like? (23:30)

I think there are two common misconceptions about the relationship between Session and staff. The first is that the elders are the bosses of the staff, and the other is that Josh is the boss of everyone - staff and Session. Can you give some clarity to how these relationships work? (28:20)

Another misconception about Session is that it is supposed to be an equal representation of the makeup of the congregation, where each demographic is represented so their voices are heard when decisions are being made. What is wrong about this way of thinking? (34:30)

What is one thing that has surprised you about being an elder? (37:40)

What is one the greatest joys you have had in serving in this way? (43:25)

I have a friend who has been going through an extremely difficult couple of years. When I asked her about her support system, she mentioned that she has had the elders at her church pray with her several times. Is this something the elders at Gateway do? And if someone wanted the elders to pray for them, what should they do? (45:20)

Final Thought (47:50)