A free 10-page starting point for a new or renewing deacon and elder team. This handbook helps a small church name the role clearly, build a healthy meeting rhythm, and take a faithful first 90 days without assuming a large staff.
What is included
- Role-clarity prompts for deacons and elders.
- Character and spiritual-care conversation prompts.
- Meeting and communication rhythms for a small team.
- Boundaries for confidentiality, referrals, and shared responsibility.
- A first-90-days checklist for orientation, listening, and review.
How to use it
Give it to each incoming leader, discuss one section at a time, and adapt the rhythm to your church’s governing documents and local practice. Pair it with the Deacon Care & Visitation Guide when the team is ready to build a care workflow.
Important boundary
This is ministry-planning material, not legal, medical, emergency, counseling, or safeguarding advice. Follow your church’s approved policies and qualified professional guidance.
Format: Free downloadable PDF; 10 pages.
When your team is ready for a repeatable meeting rhythm
Start with this free guide, then use the Small-Church Board Meeting Toolkit for a printable agenda, decision prompts, action register, and follow-up rhythm. It is a low-cost next step for a volunteer-led board that wants meetings to produce clear owners and dates.
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