Exciting Eldership News
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore, an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
1 Timothy 3 (ESV) – Qualifications for Overseers
As we seek to fulfil God’s commission here at JCC we recognise the need to grow the existing Eldership. Isaiah 54 speaks of the increase of God’s influence on the earth, through the extension of his kingdom. To go further we also go deeper, to lengthen we must strengthen, and that includes the Eldership team.
It is my delight at this time to put forward Chris Bryant for consideration as Elder. Chris has served JCC faithfully as Trustee, Small Group Leader and most recently Worship Pastor, overseeing our worship ministry. Below are four statements from scripture to act as a guide to our thoughts and prayers. I have also included the process we follow in appointing Elders.
1. The Head of the Church:
“Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Saviour.” Ephesians 5:23
The Church is described as the body which receives its instruction, guidance and nourishment from the head – Jesus. He saves and he leads. Therefore, the leadership of a Church is unlike that of a business. We are not simply led by natural leaders, but by our supernatural God, the head over us.
2. A Holy Priesthood:
“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
It is our belief that there is now one ‘great high priest’ – Jesus, who we all come before. We do not hold to an Elder or any other leader acting as sole ‘go-between’ from God to his people, we all are welcomed into personal relationship with God.
3. Recognising Eldership:
(Speaking to the elders of Ephesus), “Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God.” Acts 20:28
Whilst we all stand before God, equal as his children, the Bible makes it clear that He gives the Church gifts, calling some to lead and oversee the local Church. It is our practice to follow the New Testament model for appointing Elders which is by an apostolic figure (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5) or through the local Eldership team (1 Timothy 4:14). This appointment is done through the laying on of hands for the anointing of the Holy Spirit and the blessing of God.
Elders are not recruited, as a C.E.O, but their call is recognised and received by the Church. We therefore give time for news of an Eldership appointment to be weighed by the Church. If at this point, there are concerns they are brought to the existing Eldership/apostolic team.
4. Role of the Elders:
The primary roles are to feed and lead the Church. In this the Elders will devote themselves to prayer, reading of the word and being filled with the Holy Spirit. The role of local Church Elders include:
1) DISPLAYING godly character
2) DEFINING what is biblical doctrine and practice
3) DIRECTING the mission and ministry of the church
4) DELEGATING the work to capable workers whom they support
5) DISCIPLINING church members, where necessary
Appointing Elders – Process:
A Church can agree on the need for Elders, be convinced through scripture of their character, yet get stuck with the how. In Titus 1 I can imagine the church nodding enthusiastically at the idea of Elders, but it is only when Paul charges them with acting on it that steps are taken. Here is a rough guide to see new Elders emerge, God willing.
1. Agree there is a need for more Elders.
2. Pray and seek God for those he has in mind. (This can be a lengthy process as there needs to be a sense of ‘names remaining’. Some names come and go, but others remain through testing).
3. Approach the individual(s) to share this sense of leadership calling and to listen to see if there is a responding desire/sense of call.
4. Suggest a project or task to test the individual(s) in their calling.
5. Invite the individual(s) to sit with and pray into their call with Elders. Ask questions on life, marriage and work – test against the qualifications in Timothy and Titus.
6. Increase profile of the individual(s) in Church life.
7. Trustees to approve an application to add a new ‘member’ (aka elder) for the CIO.
8. Invite individual(s) to attend Elders prayer and Elders meetings.
9. Sit individual(s) with Apostolic oversight to get their approval/comments.
10. Share with the Church this person as a potential (give a month to respond/receive) teach on Eldership, with a proposed appointment date 3 months afterwards.
12. Set Eldership appointment date & appoint.
I invite you then to pray for God to strengthen Jubilee, to give wisdom to our Eldership team and for God’s calling to become clear on Chris Bryant’s life.
In Love
Dan Baptist – (on behalf of the Eldership team)
