Overview, Schedule & Curriculum

[Updated by Pastor Jonathan, May 4, 2021]

Main Objectives of Cohort

• To help nominated men discern if God is calling them to the office of elder or deacon.
• To train/equip nominated men for service through in-depth study of the Biblical characteristics of leadership, Reformed Theology (as summarized in the Westminster Confession of Faith), and the nature of the office to which you aspire.
• To prepare nominated men for an oral examination with the Session of Heartland.

Commitments of Participants

• Participate at cohort mtgs (14 total mtgs on Tues. from 6:30-8:30pm) during the months of January – September.
• Attend at least one elder or deacon mtg during the training period.
• Complete ALL required reading.

Required Reading

• Confessing the Faith: A Reader’s Guide to the WCF by Chad Van Dixhoorn
• On Being Presbyterian by Sean Lucas
• Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church by Paul David Tripp
• When Being Good Isn't Good Enough by Steve Brown
• PCA Book of Church Order

Recommended Reading

• The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
• The Elder and His Work by David Dickson (ELDER)
• The Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxtor (ELDER)
• When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert (DEACON)
• The Shepherd Leader by Timothy Witner (ELDER)
• Resources for Deacons by Tim Keller (DEACON)

Requirements to be ordained as an Elder or Deacon @ Heartland Community Church

• Nominated to the office of elder or deacon by another Heartland member.
• Complete the Heartland Officer Training Cohort.
• Read the entire Westminster Standards and PCA Book of Church Order.
• Candidate & Spouse must meet with a pastor & elder to discuss questions and/or hesitations.
• Pass examination with Heartland Session as per BCO 24-1 (TBD; approx. Oct/Nov timeframe).
• Assent to the vows of an officer (see BCO 24-6).
• Share testimony and sense of call with the congregation (may be done via video).
• Be elected by the members at a congregational meeting (usually in Dec.)

Meeting & Reading Schedule (subject to change)