Defining Elders and Shepherding Church

What should care and correction in the church look like? How should followers of Jesus care for widows in their church body? In this episode, Watermark elder Todd Anders joins Emma Dotter to discuss Acts 6:1-7 and what it means to be a shepherding church, the five aspects of a shepherd, and the “one another” commands in Scripture. Then, faithful Watermark member Melanie Graber describes her experience in being cared for by the church and offers practical advice on caring for widows. 

// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: 

Exodus 17: 11; 18: 21-22; Ephesians 4: 15; 2 Peter 3: 9; Psalm 23 

// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:  

• S4:265 – Acts 5-6 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-265-acts-5-6/id1600151923?i=1000735373170) 

// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY: 

• Church Membership by Jonathan Leeman: (https://a.co/d/035b4DsL) 
• Aging with Purpose: 7 Essentials for Finishing Well by Dr. Hal Habecker (https://a.co/d/0fP6bqSu) 
• Read Melanie Graber’s story: (https://www.watermark.org/blog/ordinary-obedience) 
• Watermark Community Church ministries mentioned: 
• Christ-Centered Recovery (https://www.watermark.org/ministries/regeneration-recovery) 
• Marriage Enrichment (https://www.watermark.org/ministries/re-engage) 
• International Student Ministry (https://www.watermark.org/outreach/international-students ) 
• Women’s Bible Study (https://www.watermark.org/ministries/womens-bible-study)  
• Newly Married Women (https://www.watermark.org/ministries/to-have-and-to-host)  
• Men and Women 60+ (https://www.watermark.org/ministries/legacy)  

// WHAT IS JOIN THE JOURNEY? 

Join The Journey is a realistic daily Bible reading plan that helps followers of Jesus at Watermark Community Church and beyond enjoy abiding in Jesus together. Join The Journey Jr. is designed to help parents guide their kids in Bible reading through interactive and age-specific lessons. In 2026, we’re studying the book of Acts—one passage per week. For another year, teaching on Sunday will align with each week’s passage. Then, for the next six days, we’ll return to the same passage with fresh focus, exploring insights about who God is and how we can enjoy him more deeply. Monday through Saturday, we’ll approach the same passage from a different perspective each day—whether observation, interpretation, prayer, or another spiritual practice—to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for God’s Word. Then, watch or listen to the video podcast to tackle the week's toughest verses and discover key historical, theological, and practical insights. 

Daily Bible lessons for adults: https://jointhejourney.com
Daily Bible lessons for parents and families: https://jointhejourney.com/jr
Weekly Bible podcast for kids: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...  

// MORE RESOURCES FROM JOIN THE JOURNEY:  

Digital Bible study resources: https://jointhejourney.com/resources
Previous years’ print curriculum: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Waterma...
Contact the Join The Journey team: jointhejourney@watermark.org