Elder Leadership

Consistent with Scripture, we recognize a plural, local

team of Pastoral Elders as the God-ordained means

of provision for the leadership and direction of the

church (Acts 14: 13; 20: 17; Titus 1: 5; 1 Peter 5: 1).

Jesus Christ often referred to Himself as the “Good

Shepherd” and His church as “sheep”. Though Christ

is the Chief Shepherd and Head of the Church

(1 Peter 5:4; Colossians 1: 18), He has instructed that qualified under-shepherds continue to be responsible for providing the ongoing care and leadership of His sheep in His temporary physical absence (John 21: 16-17; 1 Peter 5: 1-4). The Scripture uses three different yet interchangeable terms to refer to these men and their functions: poimen (pastor), presbuteros (elder), and episcopos (overseer). We have chosen the terminology “pastoral elders” to emphasize the spiritual leadership of the elder and to distinguish it from more traditional ideas of eldership which emphasize the executive function of this ministry. While decision-making is a major responsibility for the pastoral elders, it is not the primary responsibility. These God-ordained, spiritually qualified, gifted men are charged (2 Timothy 4: 1-2) with the pastoral oversight of His people in each local church setting. Therefore, the vision, direction, management, and oversight of the church is recognized as the responsibility of the Pastoral Elders as they, with all diligence and dependency, pray, watch, and seek the heart and mind of God as revealed by the Holy Spirit in accordance with the Scriptures. The Pastoral Elders may, however, at their sole discretion, organize, staff, restructure, disband, etc., other leadership structures to which they may delegate responsibility and appropriate resources to carry our the purpose of the church.

As a collegial team, each Pastoral Elder serves in mutual submission to one another, giving preference to one another in honor (Romans 12: 10). The Pastoral Elders are entrusted with power and authority from God to fulfill their responsibilities (Romans 13: 1; Acts 14: 23; Titus 1: 5; Hebrews 13: 17), but this power and authority is entrusted primarily to the whole; to the individual members it is delegated by the whole. While the Pastoral Elders may: (1) utilize hierarchical structures for management purposes (including staff management), (2) differ in the amount of responsibility based upon circumstances including availability, and (3) differ in ministry focus based upon spiritual giftedness, calling, and other factors, and while it is recognized that there may emerge “firsts among equals”, each Pastoral Elder retains equality in responsibility, power, and authority. The Pastoral Elders are accountable to God through one another.

While we recognize the benefits of counsel from those outside the local Body, we do not recognize any ecclesiastical authority outside the local church. As an autonomous church, we recognize the Pastoral Elders as responsible unto God for the church.

We also recognize the New Testament office of Deacon (Servant Leaders). The New Testament describes the deacon as the servant of the Lord, filled with the Holy Spirit and with wisdom. The deacon’s domain is the practical. Their service is subordinate to and under the direction of the Pastoral Elders.

All biblical church leadership, whether pastoral elder, deacon, or other is based upon the example of Jesus Christ. All who serve in roles of leadership responsibility, regardless of function, must be characterized by and committed to an ever-increasing love and concern for the total well being of the church.