The health of CCCNZ churches is connected to the health and effectiveness of elderships as they are entrusted with the spiritual oversight and shepherding of God’s people.
Over the past year, a growing number of churches have been investing in the development of both current and future elders through a series of workshops designed to strengthen biblical understanding, practical leadership, and collaboration among eldership teams.
This initiative began in 2025 with pilot workshops facilitated by Peter Lemmon (Church@109, Taupō) alongside members of the CCCNZ Regional Enabling Team, Grant Birks and Richard Fountain. Together, they have been helping churches explore biblical eldership and encouraging the development of healthy oversight teams for the future.
In June 2025, elders from Oak Lane Community Church (in Tauranga, formerly known as Lifezone), Agora Church (Hamilton), and Hillcrest Chapel (Hamilton) gathered for an Exploring Biblical Eldership pilot workshop. The training examined the biblical role of elders as overseers of God's flock, covering topics such as roles and responsibilities, being a worker approved by God, and different approaches to leadership.
Participants spent time studying Scripture together and reflecting as eldership teams on how biblical principles shape their leadership. For some, it was their first opportunity to explore the biblical foundations of eldership in depth. One participant remarked:
“It was the first time I had truly understood what it means to be an elder.”
A second pilot workshop followed in July 2025 in Epsom, bringing together elders from Tāmaki Community Church, Northcross Church, and Auckland Bible Church.
The workshop included both experienced and developing elders, creating opportunities for learning and mutual encouragement. Reflecting on the day, Hayden Johns, pastor at Auckland Bible Church, said:
“It was a meaningful time exploring topics together as a team.”
Building on the success of these pilots, the first CCCNZ Eldership Development Workshop was held in Whangārei in May 2026, bringing together 20 elders from six Northland churches and two Auckland churches.
Benny (Kilipeni) Fakatou from Kaitaia Bible Chapel said one of his key takeaways was:
“As an overseer you are overseeing the work, but don't have to do everything.”
Andrew Clemow, from Clark Road Chapel (Whangārei), appreciated meeting other elders and highlighted the importance of elders being, “among the flock.”
Graeme McNae, from Papatoetoe Bible Chapel, says he appreciated the set up and facilitation of the day:
“The notebook and study materials were well organised, and it was great to see such a strong representation from our northern churches. The experience of the presenters, especially Peter Lemmon, was a real strength, as was the clear presentation of the Trinity and its relationship to eldership. It was encouraging to be there with others from our own church, and use the helpful tools provided.”
In July 2026, 29 elders from eight churches attended the Auckland Eldership Development Workshop at the Parnell Hotel. The gathering gave eldership teams time to connect, learn together, and discuss their roles and responsibilities.
Tony Gallagher, co-chair of Howick Community Church, reflected:
“Having lunch together was great and I very much appreciated each of the workshop speakers—the wisdom and experience they shared was valuable.”
Spouses were invited to join the Friday dinner and overnight stay. Ann Mullen, attending with her husband Peter from Kaukapakapa Bible Chapel, said:
“It was a treat! I appreciated the accommodation, meals and the fellowship of meeting up with other Christians.”
Throughout these workshops, a consistent theme has emerged: healthy churches need healthy elderships, and developing future elders is just as important as supporting those currently serving. Peter Lemmon and the Regional Enabling Team have played an important role in creating opportunities for elders and developing elders to learn together, strengthen their biblical understanding, and grow in their ability to shepherd God's people.
The journey continues, with four additional workshops planned for 2026 in Taupō, Auckland, Palmerston North, and Wellington. As churches continue to invest in the development of elders, please pray for those who serve in this important ministry and for those who are being prepared to lead in the future.
