Quite often, elders and others in lay leadership positions in local congregations can feel overwhelmed and challenged by the many responsibilities and expectations they face. Val Morrison of the Yorkshire Synod elders’ development group shares how Yorkshire Synod is dealing with these growing concerns.

It is our firm belief in Yorkshire Synod that elders are a precious resource in our churches and in the wider communities they serve. They are people of deep faith who know the life of their churches and their members intimately. They understand the context they live and work in, giving much of their energy and time to leading local congregations in their service to God.

Until recently, all of this service, time and commitment given by elders in Yorkshire synod was pretty much restricted to a local level, without there being much in the way of recognition or encouragement to enable people to undertake the tasks they were fulfilling, or support in feeling confident when new and unfamiliar tasks presented themselves.

Recognising that the role of elders has changed over time and is continuing to increase in terms of the responsibilities and expectations being placed on people, the elders’ development group was set up in the synod to offer tools which would enable those being faced with these challenges to feel confident in dealing with new and challenging situations.

Over the last ten years or so we in the development group have tried to redress the balance. We have hesitated to offer ‘training’ as this suggests simply passing on knowledge and experience and leaving people to get on with it. Instead, we prefer to speak of development, nurture and support.

We have recognised that some of the most valuable support comes from drawing on the experience of others in a similar situation. So, for a number of years we have run an annual elders’ conference. In these events, which bring elders together for a time of worship, fellowship, discussion, reflection and food together, we have covered a range of subjects such as community development, lay leadership in local ecumenical partnerships, developing spirituality for a multi-faith world and, in the spirit of Walking the Way, the discipleship of the whole people of God. Important in the process of deciding on a topic has been feedback from elders across the synod on what they would find helpful to delve further into. In 2019, our conference was on the subject of Holy Habits. We were blessed to have Andrew Roberts, author of the original Holy Habits book, with us to lead the day.

Simon Peters, who attended the 2019 event had this to say, ‘It was an honour to spend time amongst the elders in Yorkshire synod, who have built up a strong network of mutual nurturing which enables everyone to learn and grow together. It is vital to make sure that our elders and other lay leaders feel valued and supported in their vital ministry. Yorkshire Synod is leading the way in this. I look forward to learning what the 2020 event will bring!’

How might your church or synod further support elders in their ministry? What has worked in terms of helping your elders to grow and develop in their confidence? What hasn’t worked? Share the wisdom by keeping in touch with us and sharing your thoughts on our social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram).