The ICOC Ministers Wellness Committee hosted a free webinar about how to equip elders on November 6, 2025 called, “Elders for Every Body” and the recording of that webinar is now available here:
The Hebrew writer charges us as disciples to, “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account” (Heb 13:17). Paul and Peter give the responsibility and accountability of watching over the flock to elders (Acts 20:28; 1Pet 5:2). In order to inspire the confidence and healthy submission expected in Hebrews 13, we need viable ways to develop thriving elderships.
The Bible gives specifics about elder qualifications, but development is not clearly defined. This workshop includes a look at these biblical qualifications, a panel that explored the various ways to create elderships, a discussion about their structure and ways of functioning, and lessons learned over the years. The workshop includes valuable perspectives from elder’s wives, elders who serve in the full time ministry, and those who serve while maintaining secular jobs. The goal is to provide meaningful information that will inform the development of healthy elderships across our fellowship of churches.
Featured speakers:
- Ruben and Barbara Marbury – Chicago
- Darren Gauthier – Chicago
- Mark and Terri Priday – Denver
- Valdur Koha – Boston
- Mike VanAuken – Boston
Ruben Marbury (MA, LPC, LAMFT) and Barbara Marbury (M.A.T., CALT-QI) have been in the full-time ministry for 33 years. They currently serve as elder and elder’s wife, and ministry center leaders in the Chicago Church of Christ.
