Elders
What is the role of an Elder? According to the epistles of the New Testament, Elders are given the great responsibility of the spiritual guidance and care of the church. In a word, they are caretakers for the church. They oversee the spiritual health and affairs of the local church. However, their authority over the church is not by force, but by example and precept. The Elders also have the responsibility to teach and to preach and to pray for and care for their people. In the matter of doctrine, they have a responsibility of proclaiming truth to the congregation, correctly interpreting the Scriptures and modeling them before the congregation. They are not perfect men, but men who strive to live godly lives. Their lives reflect the qualifications mentioned in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
I Timothy 3 :1-7
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.
Titus 1:6-9
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. 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, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 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.
OUR ELDERS
(Click on their pictures to learn more)
Deacons
What is the role of a Deacon? It is clear in the epistles that the role of the Deacons is primarily that of service. The three primary Greek words from which we get the word “Deacon” suggest a broad range of services. In the context of the church, this can range from providing resources to meeting the physical needs of the Body to providing spiritual care. They are men of dignity and character. Their role involves administration, caring for church resources and property, taking care of and helping to lead God’s people. They serve, they sacrifice and they are selflessly committed to the needs of others. They have the privilege of coming alongside the elders and easing the burdens of their tasks. Their lives reflect the qualifications mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-6.
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
OUR DEACONS
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Rex Blevins
Jim Pelis
Ron Ciani
Cliff Kelley
