6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. - Titus 1:6-9
Constitution, Covenant and By-Laws | Articles 2, Section 2.
The Elders shall be composed of men who satisfy the qualifications for the office of Elder set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6–9. No Elder shall hold the office of Deacon during his tenure. Subject to the will of the congregation, the Elders shall oversee the ministry and resources of the Church. In keeping with the principles set forth in Acts 6:1–6, Acts 20:17-33, and 1 Peter 5:1–4, the Elders shall devote their time to prayer, the ministry of the Word by teaching and encouraging sound doctrine, and shepherding God’s flock. The Church shall recognize men gifted and willing to serve in this calling, in accordance with the constitutional provisions on elections. These men shall be received as gifts of Christ to His Church and set apart as Elders. Upon election, Elders will be licensed by the Church to the Gospel Ministry.
The Elder board shall consist of no more than twelve (12) Elders and no less than three (3). A quorum of Elders is a simple majority of the total number of Elders. The Elder board should be comprised of no more than fifty percent (50%) paid ministerial staff. At least fifty percent (50%) of the Elder board must be lay Elders. Candidates for Elder must be at least thirty (30) years old and must have been a member in good standing for at least twelve (12) months prior to nomination. Staff Ministers must be on staff for a minimum of twelve (12) months before they can be considered for Eldership. Staff Ministers considered for Eldership will follow the same election rules as any Elder other than Lead Pastor. Lay Elders will serve for a three (3) year term. The congregation will vote to reaffirm Elders every three (3) years at a Members’ Meeting. After a Lay Elder has served two (2) consecutive three (3) year terms, he may only be elected to the office of Elder after at least one (1) year has elapsed. An Elder's term of office may be terminated by resignation or by dismissal. Any two (2) members with reason to believe that an Elder should be dismissed should express such concern to the Elders. Any such action shall be done in accordance with the instructions of our Lord in Matthew 18:15–17 and 1 Timothy 5:17–21. Any of the Lay Elders may be dismissed by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of all members present and voting at any Members’ Meeting of the Church.
The Elders shall take particular responsibility to examine and instruct prospective members, examine and recommend all prospective candidates for offices and positions, oversee the work of the Deacons and appointed Church agents and teams, conduct worship services, administer the ordinances of baptism and communion, equip the membership for the work of the ministry, encourage sound doctrine and practice, admonish and correct error, oversee the process of Church discipline, coordinate and promote the ministries of the Church, and mobilize the Church for world missions. The Elders are further to ensure that all who minister the Word to the congregation, including outside speakers, share our fundamental convictions.
The Elders may propose ministry positions and/or establish teams to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities. The Elders may also propose funding for new paid staff positions. The membership shall approve all candidates to fill the positions of lead and staff pastors. The scope and approval of job descriptions for any staff position shall reside in the hands of those with hiring authority for that position. The Elders shall have primary responsibility for the employment, supervision, and evaluation of all staff members in cooperation with the Personnel Team.
Each year the Elders shall approve an itemized budget before the Finance team presents it to the Church. This budget shall be communicated to the congregation two (2) weeks prior to the Members’ Meeting in which it is to be affirmed. No money shall be solicited by or on behalf of the Church or any of its ministries without the approval of the Elders.
The Elders shall elect a chair, vice-chair and secretary of Elders’ meetings and shall also elect one of their number to serve as moderator of the Members’ Meetings.
Nomination forms submitted without each question answered will not be considered. You may nominate as many men as you wish. Each nomination must be made on a separate nomination form.
