THE RECOGNITION OF GODLY LEADERS

Each year at this time, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to select from among ourselves men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we may put in charge of caring for the needs of this church (Acts 6:3). 

We believe that scripture teaches that the congregation is to be involved in recommending those who serve. Your part is two-fold: 1) If you have a desire to serve as an elder or deacon, please let us know of your desire, and 2) if you would like to recommend someone else to serve, we would like to know that as well. It goes without saying that this should be done carefully and prayerfully since the responsibility is serious and the cause of Christ will be affected. This is your privilege, and we urge you to take advantage of it. 

At the bottom of this page you will find a link, which will allow you to submit your elder and deacon nominations. The elders will consider all names before presenting those who have been approved and are willing to serve.

Before submitting a nomination we would ask that you please go over the responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 & Titus 1:5-9. 

ELDER

Elders are appointed to have the spiritual care of and to exercise authority over the local church. The word elder (prebuteros) speaks of their spiritual maturity, while the title overseer (episkopoi) indicates the nature of their work. The elders are not subject to any higher earthly authority outside of the local assembly.

The elders are to rule by biblical precept and example. They are to serve and care for the flock and give themselves for it. Eldership is a position of servitude, not dictatorship. The key to real leadership is example. Example is what makes precept believable. It can be safely assumed that a church's growth, viability, and veracity are dependent upon its elders.

The unity and harmony of a church begins with the elders. Their unity and harmony, in turn, is dependent upon their knowledge of the Word (precept) and their conformity to the Word (example). When their knowledge and spirituality is right, their influence will pervade and give spiritual alignment to every level of the church. Elders, therefore, are to make all decisions based upon biblical truth in the spirit of Christian love and humility.

Keeping all of this in mind, you can see that elders are not to be selected on the basis of their executive abilities, financial success, public relations skills, or any other worldly means. They are to be chosen because of their spiritual qualifications. In the Scripture we find explicit qualifications given for the office of elder (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).

Both lists of qualifications begin with the general qualification of “above reproach.” This does not mean that he is sinlessly perfect. That should be obvious. Nobody would meet the qualification if that were true. It is, however, a life that is not marred by some obviously sinful defect in character.

Another word that could be used to describe his life is "blameless." He lives a life that gives no just cause for blame. His life is free from any offensive or damaging blight of character or conduct so critics cannot discredit his beliefs. An elder is to be a man who has a good moral and spiritual reputation. He is a man of integrity. This integrity is evident in every area of life as the rest of the qualifications spell out. The elder is to be an example to the flock in how he conducts himself in the home, the church, and the community.

An elder must be able to skillfully handle the Scripture. He must be "able to teach" (1 Timothy 3:2). While the Scripture does make a distinction between elders, indicating that while all rule some labor in preaching and teaching; nevertheless, all elders are to be proficient with the Word. It is through the teaching and applying of the Word that they lead and protect the flock. Titus 1:9 indicates that the elders must have a firm grip on the Word so that they can exhort in sound doctrine and rebuke those who are in error.

To sum it up, elders are to be men who are above reproach, living lives of integrity, and who are knowledgeable in the Word and skillful in the teaching of it.

The following guidelines are set out in our church by-laws for elders:

Section 2.  Elders

(1) Qualifications: All nominees for the Board of Elders must be members of this Church who have demonstrated spiritual maturity and who are qualified for the office according to the standards set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-8 and Titus 1:5-9. In addition, they shall be in agreement with the doctrinal position and Constitution of this church and shall be active participants in its services and ministries.

DEACON

The deacons are to carry out the directives of the elders in areas of service to the flock. The word deacon (diakonos) refers to one who renders service or ministers to the needs of another. The office of deacon, therefore, speaks of one who renders service on behalf of the church. They serve as official representatives as they perform their ministry. Therefore, the qualifications for deacon are just as high as they are for the elder (see 1 Timothy 3:8-12).

You will notice that the deacon must be beyond reproach, just as the elder must be beyond reproach (1 Timothy 3:10). He is to be a man of integrity in every area of life. When it says that he is "holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience" that means that he has a good knowledge of the truth and he is living in accordance with it. In terms of his spiritual life, the deacon is to exhibit the same level of maturity that you would expect from an elder.

You will notice the lack of any specific skill required of a deacon. While an elder is to serve primarily in the ministry of the Word and in providing oversight for the flock, the deacon is primarily to serve the needs of the fellowship and those can vary from time to time and place to place. Therefore, the same deacon may perform many different ministries over time depending on the needs and the direction of the elders.

The following guidelines are set out in our church by-laws for deacons:

Section 5.  Deacons

(1) Qualifications: All nominees for the Board of Deacons must be members of this church who have demonstrated spiritual maturity and who are qualified according to the standards set forth in Acts 6:3 and 1 Timothy 3:8-12. In addition, they shall be in agreement with the doctrinal position and Constitution of this church and shall be active participants in its services and ministries. 

It is certainly a high calling to serve as an elder or deacon but don't let that be a deterrent, but rather an encouragement. If you meet the qualifications and have a desire to serve, we need you. The Lord has brought you to Believers Fellowship for service, and if you know others who should serve, please let us know. Let us all seek the Lord's will as we search His Word so that in all ways our ministry might be to His glory!

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS

The Board of Elders request that members of Believers Fellowship submit their recommendations by Sunday, May 4th.  

If you would like to nominate someone for the position of deacon or elder please click here.