The word “praxis” means “to translate an idea into action.” In this case, we seek to translate the idea of a biblical, functioning community into action, and we believe this begins with biblically established elders and deacons.
The praxis discovery track is designed to vet individuals who may sense a calling to either eldership or deaconship within the local church. The purpose behind this program is not to make leaders, but rather to identify the biblically qualified elders and deacons Jesus has already established in our ranks.
Participation in praxis is open to anyone at any level, including those who simply desire to learn, but individuals who specifically desire the formal offices of elder or deacon will be placed under more stringent requirements throughout the track. Those who desire to be an ordained elder will have some additional requirements.
REQUIREMENTS
For those simply desiring to learn more about church and theology there are no specific requirements to be a part of praxis.
Those seeking the office of deacon or elder must be a member of Redemption Church.
Deacon candidates are required to follow along in the course material and go through an interview process, but no additional homework is required,
Elder candidates must complete a ½ page synopsis of each module. Elder candidates seeking ordination as well must also read the 9 required books (and complete the assignment for each) as well as write a final philosophy of ministry paper (10 page minimum). All papers are double spaced in the 12-point font of your choice.
All elder or deacon candidates must complete the full inventory of modules. If a module is missed it must be reviewed via video before the next scheduled module.
2012 PRAXIS SYLLABUS
January
30th (7-9pm)
Mod 1: General Ecclesiology and its relationship to NT Leadership
- For elder candidates – ½ page synopsis
- For ordained elder candidates additionally – Book 1: Missional Leadership by Boswell (write a 2 page synopsis)
February
13th (7-9pm)
Mod 2: Model and Function of NT Elders and Deacons
27th (7-9pm)
Mod 3: Qualities of NT Elders & Deacons
- For elder candidates – ½ page synopsis
- For ordained elder candidates additionally – Book 2: Vintage Church by Driscoll & Breshears (write a 4 page synopsis)
March
12th (7-9pm)
Mod 4: Qualities and Responsibilities For Church Members
26th (7-9pm)
Mod 5: Biblical Study/Hermeneutics
- For elder candidates – ½ page synopsis
- For ordained elder candidates additionally – Book 3: Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics by Kaiser & Silva (write a 4 page synopsis)
April
2nd (7-9pm)
Mod 6: Church History
9th (7-9pm)
Mod 7: Old & New Testament Survey
23rd (7-9pm)
Mod 8: Theology 1 (Father, Son, Spirit & Scriptures)
- For elder candidates – ½ page synopsis
- For ordained elder candidates additionally – Book 4: A Biblical Theology of the Old Testament by Zuck, Merrill & Bock (write a 5 page synopsis)
May
7th (7-9pm)
Mod 9: Theology 2 (Satan, Humanity & Sin)
21st (7-9pm)
Mod 10: Theology 3 (Atonement & Gospel)
- For elder candidates – ½ page synopsis
- For ordained elder candidates additionally – Book 5: A Biblical Theology of the New Testament by Zuck & Bock (write a 5 page synopsis)
June
11th (7-9pm)
Mod 11: Theology 4 (Church, Mission & End of Time)
25th (7-9pm)
Mod 12: Theology 5 (Hot topics and where Redemption Church stands)
- For elder candidates – ½ page synopsis
- For ordained elder candidates additionally – Book 6: Doctrine by Driscoll & Breshear (write a 5 page synopsis)
July (OFF)
Break 1: Personal interview and evaluation 1 with written intensive, designed to determine if one can retain information, refute error, and teach with skill. The oral intensive is to be conducted by the elders and is based on the content of the first half of praxis.
August
6th (7-9pm)
Mod 13: Leader Disciplines (Prayer, Fasting, Studying, Solitude, Teaching & Service)
20th (7-9pm)
Mod 14: Teaching (Homiletics, small venue and one-on-one)
- For elder candidates – ½ page synopsis
- For ordained elder candidates additionally – Book 7: Transforming Grace by Bridges (write a 4 page synopsis)
September
10th (7-9pm)
Mod 15: Shepherding (multiplying investors and raising up leaders)
17th (7-9pm)
Mod 16: Correcting and Confronting (biblical parameters for when and why)
- For elder candidates – ½ page synopsis
- For ordained elder candidates additionally – Book 8: Pastoral Ministry by MacArthur (write a 3 page synopsis)
October
1st (7-9pm)
Mod 17: Counseling and Consoling (biblical counseling, visitation and bereavement)
15th (7-9pm)
Mod 18: Defending and Refuting (Apologetics)
29th (7-9pm)
Mod 19: Who We Are: Redemption Vision, Values and Vibe
- For elder candidates – ½ page synopsis
- For ordained elder candidates additionally – Book 9: The Reason For God by Keller (write a 2 page synopsis)
November
12th (7-9pm)
Mod 20: Oral Final For Potential Elders (submit written final)
Break 2: Final Interview and evaluation with second oral intensive designed to see the synthesis of belief and practice. The second oral intensive is to be conducted by the elders with an open invitation for the whole church.
- For elder candidates – ½ page synopsis
- For ordained elder candidates additionally – A final 10 page minimum philosophy of ministry paper due by Nov. 15th.
December
Congregational Affirmation of Elder Candidates
Installation of Deacons