Forming Leaders for the Nebraska Church

The health of a congregation depends on the faithfulness of its leaders. CCN resources elders, deacons, board members, and other congregational leaders with training and formation tools to help them serve their churches well.

Rooted & Renewed: Elder Training

The Rooted & Renewed Elder Training series was developed by the Christian Church in Kansas and offered through the Tri-Regional Partnership — a collaboration between the Christian Church in Nebraska, Kansas, and Greater Kansas City. These seven sessions offer practical formation for elders serving in Disciples congregations. We are grateful to our partners for making this resource available to Nebraska churches.

The instructor, Rev. Dr. Joshua Bell, was born in Enid, Oklahoma, but grew up all over the world and graduated from McAlester High School. Joshua is the oldest of 6 kids and knows that he is absolutely cooler than his younger siblings! Joshua is married to the love of his life, Carman Lowe and they have 2 beautiful kids, Madeline and Quinton Bell.

Joshua started working at FCC in August of 2017 and loves every minute of working in and around the church community. Before Joshua was in ministry, he did a little of everything from singing opera and teaching Junior High and High School kids to cooking BBQ competitively!

Josh completed his Masters of Divinity and his Doctor of Ministry degrees at Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa. He has a passion for teaching and ministering at the local church level.

Session 1: Our Story – The History of Elders in the Disciples Movement
Click on the play button to start the video!
Session 2: Congregational Culture – How Do Elders Function Locally?” (Part 1)
Click on the play button to start the video!
Session 2: Congregational Culture – How Do Elders Function Locally?”(Part 2)
Click on the play button to start the video!
Session 3: The Elder’s Voice – Crafting Table Prayers and Pastoral Prayers (Part 1)
Click on the play button to start the video!
Session 3: The Elder’s Voice – Crafting Table Prayers and Pastoral Prayers (Part 2)
Click on the play button to start the video!
Session 4: Training the Called – Using Peter Morgan’s ‘The Cost of Eldership’
Click on the play button to start the video!
Session 5: Elders in the 21st Century – A Theological Vision
Click on the play button to start the video!

Rooted & Renewed: Elder Training

CCN is developing a series of workshops on Congregational Thriving for church leaders across Nebraska. Details coming soon.