Electing Leaders

Members of the congregation nominate other members (or themselves) to serve as Ministry Area Coordinators, Deacons, and Elders at our annual business meeting. These nominations are collected by a committee who oversee the process by which these members are contacted and interviewed before their names are put before the congregation to be elected. This process is outlined in the by-laws.

The guidance found in the New Testament about electing leaders focuses on a potential leader's character. So we encourage members to review those passages before they make a nomination. We encourage members to consider whether those they nominate are setting a Christian example, are consistent in their participation, active in their service, are relationally responsive, and would be recognized by other members as a servant leader.

Elders are the spiritual overseers of our church with duties as expressed in the New Testament. Such duties include pastoral support of members, prayer, teaching, doctrinal oversight, and visitation. Together with the ministerial staff, they shall provide the spiritual vision and direction for the Church in accordance with scriptural mandates.

The character of a member who desires to serve as an Elder can be found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-8

Deacons are servant leaders of our church with duties as expressed in the New Testament. Such duties include providing practical care for our members. They are ministers of mercy.

The character of a member who desires to serve as a Deacon can be found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, Acts 6:3

Ministry Area Coordinators are servant leaders with duties expressed in the New Testament. Such duties depend upon the grouping of needs for which they are coordinating our church's response.

The character of a member who desires to serve as a Ministry Area Coordinator is the same as a Deacon.