The manner of training elders

Barry Gritters examines how the Protestant Reformed Churches train elders for their vital role in church leadership and oversight. He argues that elder training occurs primarily through the Holy Spirit's work via the means of grace—God's Word preached and taught in the church—which develops both the spiritual character and biblical knowledge necessary for faithful eldership. The article emphasizes that this spiritual formation of heart and mind, while different from formal seminary training, is equally rigorous and essential for the church's governance and discipline.