Section 2: Elders

    1. A spiritually mature male member of the Church who is recognized by the Church to provide guidance, shepherding, wisdom, and vision (1 Timothy 3:1-7).

    2. An elder is chosen from, and primarily teaches and shepherds, his particular congregation.

    1. Members of the Church will nominate, in writing, potential candidates for the office of elder.

    2. Elders will interview, examine, and approve potential candidates. Selection of new elders will be by unanimous vote of existing elders.

    3. Each congregation will ratify the selection of elders by a 75% vote of the members identified with their respective congregation.

    1. Elders shall conform to the character qualities of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

    2. Elders shall ascribe to and annually affirm the doctrinal statements, teaching positions, and mission/vision statement of the Church.

    3. Elders shall be sacrificial and proportionate givers, with tithing as a model.

    4. Elders shall exercise love and discipline in the home, assuming the spiritual leadership of their family.

    5. Elders shall set the highest example of moral integrity in their business and citizenship responsibilities.

    6. Elders shall be able and willing to teach the Word of God, both publicly and privately, when called upon or when the need arises.

    7. Elders shall demonstrate Christian hospitality to both acquaintances and strangers.

    1. The elders shall give themselves to the teaching of the Word and prayer (Acts 6:4).

    2. The elders shall hear and respond appropriately to concerns of members of their congregation.

    3. The elders shall provide for the spiritual nurture and growth of the members of their congregation.

    4. The elders shall oversee the administration of the ordinances of baptism by immersion and the Lord's Supper.

    5. The elders shall intercede on behalf of the members of the congregation through prayer.

    6. The elders shall ensure that the congregation is led to worship, pray, and evangelize.

    1. Elders will serve three-year terms. No elder other than the campus or senior pastors shall serve more than two consecutive terms without a one-year sabbatical.

    2. Termination

      a. Elders will hold each other accountable for personal character and priorities required by the Scripture. Any circumstance that renders an elder unable to meet the qualifications [Article 5, Section 2c] or to carry out his responsibilities [Article 5, Section 2d] may be cause for termination.

      b. Any circumstances that requires an elder to be disciplined shall be done in accordance with Matthew 18 and 1 Timothy 5, and shall be cause for termination.

    1. The number of elders necessary shall be a minimum of three and a maximum of twelve. If there are not enough qualified elders for a congregation, members of the Executive Team will serve as interim elders until a minimum number are secured.

    2. The senior pastor is an elder and his term is indefinite.

    3. The campus pastor is an elder and his term is indefinite.

    4. Other pastoral staff members may be selected as elders in the same manner as all other elders.