Elders
An Elder is called to be an Example to the Church
Leadership matters. Spiritual leadership is important to discern God’s call, maintain a clear vision, and provide healthy oversight and accountability for our congregation. Elders are called to help lead a group of believers to receive and experience all Jesus has given. Elders are to be an example to the Church. The greatest equipping, discipling tool is modeling. Jesus appointed twelve that they may be with Him (Mark 3:14). The vital role of modeling a godly life marked by the right priorities, principles and practices cannot be overemphasized. God has placed this vital role primarily in the hands of elders (I Tim. 4:12). Paul continually pointed to it in his life (II Tim. 3:10; I Thess. 1:6) as did Jesus (John 13:13-15). Elders are involved in serving, teaching, discipling, and reproducing godly, Christ-like believers. The primary method is for the Elder to demonstrate Christlikeness themselves.
"Elders…
Characteristics of an Elder: Elders are raised up by the Holy Spirit. The primary indicator that the Holy Spirit has prepared a man is in his character. The New Testament puts far more emphasis on what a man is than what he does. (I Timothy 3: 1-7 and Titus 1: 6-9). They are primarily the marks of spiritual maturity, the marks of one who has grown in Christ and has experienced the life-changing power of the Lord through the ministry of the Spirit of God and the Word of God. They are goals and they provide us with a target, something we should all set our sights on. Since all believers should grow and mature in the Lord, these characteristics should be the goal of every believer, not just elders and deacons.
ELDER BIBLICAL CHARACTERISTICS
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:2-7)
if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. (Titus 1:6-9)
1. ABOVE REPROACH
Elders are called to be Godly – blameless, presenting no patterns of scriptural disobedience or grounds for accusation. This is the summary of all other characteristics
2. HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE
Elders who are married must be devoted to their wives. This qualification does not exclude divorcees; present lifestyle only is in view (as with all the characteristics).
3. SELF-CONTROLLED AND TEMPERATE
Elders are called to exhibit self-controlled, enslaved to nothing, free from excesses. Elders must be sober, wise, balanced in judgment, not given to quick or superficial decisions based on immature thinking.
4. RESPECTED, TRUSTWORTHY AND SINCERE
Elders will demonstrate a well-ordered life and good behavior. They should be well respected by unbelievers and free from hypocrisy. Elders will demonstrate verbal consistency and must not be prone to saying one thing to one person and something else to another.
5. HOSPITABLE
Elders will be unselfish with their personal resources, and willing to share blessings with others.
6. HOLDING FIRMLY TO THE TRUSTWORTHY MESSAGE
Elders will be stable in the faith and obedient to the Word of God, continually seeking to be led by the Holy Spirit. They will be able to communicate the truth of God and exhort by the Truth in a non-argumentative way.
7. NOT GIVEN TO DRUNKENNESS
Elders must be free from addictions and must be willing to limit their liberty for the sake of others.
8. GENTLE, NOT VIOLENT OR QUARRELSOME
Elders must not be given to quarreling or selfish argumentation. Elders are called to be gentle and characterized by patience and tenderness, not having a quick temper. To exercise self-control in difficult times
9. NOT A LOVER OF MONEY AND DOES NOT PURSUE DISHONEST GAIN
Elders will not be stingy, greedy or out for self-gain. They must not be preoccupied with material things but should be models of giving. They will be purely motivated in their service and not pursuing dishonest gain.
10. MANAGES OWN FAMILY WELL
Elders are called to have a well-ordered home, a healthy family life, and well-behaved children.
11. NOT A RECENT CONVERT
Elders must not be new believers but must have followed Christ long enough to demonstrate the reality of their faith in Jesus and the Word of God.
12. LOVES WHAT IS GOOD
Elders desire the will of God in every decision. Elders will be fair and impartial. Their judgments must be based on biblical principles.
13. HOLY AND DISCIPLINED
Elders must be reverent, continually desiring to be separate from sin. They must be devoted to prayer, the study of Scripture, and the guarding of their own spiritual walk. Elders must have proven over time that they are faithful and that their walk is credible.
ELDER ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES The elders have responsibility for the oversight and shepherding of the church body, and shall have responsibility for managing the affairs of the church. While the staff directs the various ministries of the church, the elders provide the overarching protection of the body.
1. STEWARD THE CHURCH OF GOD
Elders are to oversee the life of the Church with the assistance of other Godly leaders. They must be people who can “rule well.” 1 Timothy 3, 1 Timothy 5:7, Acts 6:2-3
2. MODELING CORE VALUES
Elders are to provide a scriptural role model and set before the congregation an example of a rightly ordered life with one purpose, to glorify God. In addition, they are to engage in activities that promote the church’s mission of making disciples, both in their personal walk and in their influence over the walk of others. 1 Peter 5:3
3. PRAYING
Elders are to pray for the spiritual and physical well-being of members of the congregation. Acts 6:2-4, James 5:14-15
4. REMAINING VIGILANT
Doctrinal Error: Elders are to confront those who are teaching what they should not teach, refuting those who contradict truth or who are continuing in a pattern of behavior contradictory to biblical truth. Thus,
elders are to close potential entrances for Satan, so that the truth of Christ will remain credible to both the congregation and the community. Acts 20:29-31, Titus 1:9
Divisiveness: Elders are to protect the church by interceding in and presiding over issues that could serve to cause disharmony or division within its body of believers. They shall help to mediate resolution for issues handed over for their care and consideration. Ephesians 4:3, 1 Corinthians 1:10
Discipline: Elders shall determine church discipline, as mandated and/or supported by Scripture, for the protection of the church and for the personal benefit of those within its body. 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Matthew 18:15-22
5. SUPPORTING THE SENIOR PASTOR AND STAFF
Elders are to exhort the Senior Pastor and staff of the church, which includes providing encouragement, comfort, persuasion, counseling, teaching and accountability. 1 Timothy 3:1-16, Titus 1:5-9
6. SHEPHERDING THE FLOCK
Serving in all humility, elders are to guide, direct, guard and protect the members of the body, seeking to meet their needs and assist in any way possible, warning against harmful influences, and guarding against false teaching. 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1:9
Leadership matters. Spiritual leadership is important to discern God’s call, maintain a clear vision, and provide healthy oversight and accountability for our congregation. Elders are called to help lead a group of believers to receive and experience all Jesus has given. Elders are to be an example to the Church. The greatest equipping, discipling tool is modeling. Jesus appointed twelve that they may be with Him (Mark 3:14). The vital role of modeling a godly life marked by the right priorities, principles and practices cannot be overemphasized. God has placed this vital role primarily in the hands of elders (I Tim. 4:12). Paul continually pointed to it in his life (II Tim. 3:10; I Thess. 1:6) as did Jesus (John 13:13-15). Elders are involved in serving, teaching, discipling, and reproducing godly, Christ-like believers. The primary method is for the Elder to demonstrate Christlikeness themselves.
"Elders…
- serve and lead the church [1 Tim 5:17; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 5:1-2],
- teach and preach the Word [1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9],
- protect the church from false teachers [Acts 20:17, 28-31],
- exhort and admonish the saints in sound doctrine [1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 3:13-17; Titus 1:9],
- visit the sick and pray [James 5:14; Acts 20:35],
- judge doctrinal issues [Acts 15:16].
- help oversee, lead, and care for the local church".
Characteristics of an Elder: Elders are raised up by the Holy Spirit. The primary indicator that the Holy Spirit has prepared a man is in his character. The New Testament puts far more emphasis on what a man is than what he does. (I Timothy 3: 1-7 and Titus 1: 6-9). They are primarily the marks of spiritual maturity, the marks of one who has grown in Christ and has experienced the life-changing power of the Lord through the ministry of the Spirit of God and the Word of God. They are goals and they provide us with a target, something we should all set our sights on. Since all believers should grow and mature in the Lord, these characteristics should be the goal of every believer, not just elders and deacons.
ELDER BIBLICAL CHARACTERISTICS
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:2-7)
if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. (Titus 1:6-9)
1. ABOVE REPROACH
Elders are called to be Godly – blameless, presenting no patterns of scriptural disobedience or grounds for accusation. This is the summary of all other characteristics
2. HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE
Elders who are married must be devoted to their wives. This qualification does not exclude divorcees; present lifestyle only is in view (as with all the characteristics).
3. SELF-CONTROLLED AND TEMPERATE
Elders are called to exhibit self-controlled, enslaved to nothing, free from excesses. Elders must be sober, wise, balanced in judgment, not given to quick or superficial decisions based on immature thinking.
4. RESPECTED, TRUSTWORTHY AND SINCERE
Elders will demonstrate a well-ordered life and good behavior. They should be well respected by unbelievers and free from hypocrisy. Elders will demonstrate verbal consistency and must not be prone to saying one thing to one person and something else to another.
5. HOSPITABLE
Elders will be unselfish with their personal resources, and willing to share blessings with others.
6. HOLDING FIRMLY TO THE TRUSTWORTHY MESSAGE
Elders will be stable in the faith and obedient to the Word of God, continually seeking to be led by the Holy Spirit. They will be able to communicate the truth of God and exhort by the Truth in a non-argumentative way.
7. NOT GIVEN TO DRUNKENNESS
Elders must be free from addictions and must be willing to limit their liberty for the sake of others.
8. GENTLE, NOT VIOLENT OR QUARRELSOME
Elders must not be given to quarreling or selfish argumentation. Elders are called to be gentle and characterized by patience and tenderness, not having a quick temper. To exercise self-control in difficult times
9. NOT A LOVER OF MONEY AND DOES NOT PURSUE DISHONEST GAIN
Elders will not be stingy, greedy or out for self-gain. They must not be preoccupied with material things but should be models of giving. They will be purely motivated in their service and not pursuing dishonest gain.
10. MANAGES OWN FAMILY WELL
Elders are called to have a well-ordered home, a healthy family life, and well-behaved children.
11. NOT A RECENT CONVERT
Elders must not be new believers but must have followed Christ long enough to demonstrate the reality of their faith in Jesus and the Word of God.
12. LOVES WHAT IS GOOD
Elders desire the will of God in every decision. Elders will be fair and impartial. Their judgments must be based on biblical principles.
13. HOLY AND DISCIPLINED
Elders must be reverent, continually desiring to be separate from sin. They must be devoted to prayer, the study of Scripture, and the guarding of their own spiritual walk. Elders must have proven over time that they are faithful and that their walk is credible.
ELDER ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES The elders have responsibility for the oversight and shepherding of the church body, and shall have responsibility for managing the affairs of the church. While the staff directs the various ministries of the church, the elders provide the overarching protection of the body.
1. STEWARD THE CHURCH OF GOD
Elders are to oversee the life of the Church with the assistance of other Godly leaders. They must be people who can “rule well.” 1 Timothy 3, 1 Timothy 5:7, Acts 6:2-3
2. MODELING CORE VALUES
Elders are to provide a scriptural role model and set before the congregation an example of a rightly ordered life with one purpose, to glorify God. In addition, they are to engage in activities that promote the church’s mission of making disciples, both in their personal walk and in their influence over the walk of others. 1 Peter 5:3
3. PRAYING
Elders are to pray for the spiritual and physical well-being of members of the congregation. Acts 6:2-4, James 5:14-15
4. REMAINING VIGILANT
Doctrinal Error: Elders are to confront those who are teaching what they should not teach, refuting those who contradict truth or who are continuing in a pattern of behavior contradictory to biblical truth. Thus,
elders are to close potential entrances for Satan, so that the truth of Christ will remain credible to both the congregation and the community. Acts 20:29-31, Titus 1:9
Divisiveness: Elders are to protect the church by interceding in and presiding over issues that could serve to cause disharmony or division within its body of believers. They shall help to mediate resolution for issues handed over for their care and consideration. Ephesians 4:3, 1 Corinthians 1:10
Discipline: Elders shall determine church discipline, as mandated and/or supported by Scripture, for the protection of the church and for the personal benefit of those within its body. 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Matthew 18:15-22
5. SUPPORTING THE SENIOR PASTOR AND STAFF
Elders are to exhort the Senior Pastor and staff of the church, which includes providing encouragement, comfort, persuasion, counseling, teaching and accountability. 1 Timothy 3:1-16, Titus 1:5-9
6. SHEPHERDING THE FLOCK
Serving in all humility, elders are to guide, direct, guard and protect the members of the body, seeking to meet their needs and assist in any way possible, warning against harmful influences, and guarding against false teaching. 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1:9
Faith Life Church - Ministers Code of Ethics
Born again believers are to live a repentant and willing life to do God’s will. Believers (Ministers) should practice in their daily lives all-moral and spiritual teachings revealed in the Bible. Therefore believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God and proclaiming Him as Lord and Savior, I affirm as a servant of God and by His grace, I commit myself to the following:
Love God and love people (Luke 10:27, I Corinthians 13)
Love God and people with your thoughts, speaking, actions and possessions. All ministry flows from His Love; His love is the reason you do what you do. Jesus is Lord, Master, we know and declare that He comes first in all areas of our lives (thinking, speaking, actions)
Pray, Study and be a public Witness of Christ. ( II Timothy 2:15, I Timothy 2:8, Matthew 28:19-20)
Talk and listen to God daily; and be led by His Spirit, His Word. Study the Word so you will know the will of God; be prepared to minister to the body of Christ and the world around you.
Faithfully attend worship services & fellowship with your Church family (I Corinthians 4:2, Hebrews 10:25, Acts 2:42-47)
Be faithful to God by being faithful to the church, be prepared and be on time. We are ministers, people depend upon us to love and direct them to God. Build relationships with the people God has placed before you.
Be submissive to those who lead you and your fellow ministers (Hebrew 13:7, I Peter 5:5)
Listen and follow the Godly directions of those who are leading you to Him. To yield and surrender to God we must submit to people whom God speaks through.
Utilize the spiritual gifts from God to serve actively in church (I Corinthians 12:1-27, Romans 12: 6-8)
Pray and allow the Gifts of the Spirit to flow through you. Do not quench (put out, damper) the Spirit of God with unbelief or the opinions of man.
Practice the giving of tithes and offerings.(Malachi 3:8-10; Matthew 23-24; II Corinthians 8:1-5; 9:6-12)
Your harvest is dependent upon your sowing. As a minister of the Gospel, you are instructed by God to give the tithe and offerings into the church.
Abstain from relationships, communication and actions that have the appearance of evil so that your witness of Christ and His Church will not be hindered. (I Thessalonians 5:22)
We are not obstacles (stumbling blocks) to people we are ministers of reconciliation; through our words and actions we direct people to Jesus Christ. We will solve problems not create or sustain them with our speaking or actions.
Take care of your body (temple) for it belongs to God (I Corinthians 3:16, 6:12, 19)
Let us take care of our bodies through eating properly, exercise and avoiding substances such as tobacco, non-prescribed drugs, alcohol, etc. for they may and can harm the temple of God. All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. (I Corinthians 6:12)
Your tongue is for praise and worship unto God and spreading the Gospel (Matthew 12:23-37, Proverbs 15:4, Psalms 35:28)
Never speak badly about your church, your leadership or your brothers and sisters in Christ. Never bring disunity through your words or actions Give life to people by speaking His Words of love, encouragement and instructions to all people.
Our lives will be Transformed (Matthew 3:2, Romans 12:1-2)
We will be lead by God; we will change our minds and the directions (Repent) of our lives with the power of His Word. We will renew our minds and become doers of the Word; our lives will be transformed.
Love God and love people (Luke 10:27, I Corinthians 13)
Love God and people with your thoughts, speaking, actions and possessions. All ministry flows from His Love; His love is the reason you do what you do. Jesus is Lord, Master, we know and declare that He comes first in all areas of our lives (thinking, speaking, actions)
Pray, Study and be a public Witness of Christ. ( II Timothy 2:15, I Timothy 2:8, Matthew 28:19-20)
Talk and listen to God daily; and be led by His Spirit, His Word. Study the Word so you will know the will of God; be prepared to minister to the body of Christ and the world around you.
Faithfully attend worship services & fellowship with your Church family (I Corinthians 4:2, Hebrews 10:25, Acts 2:42-47)
Be faithful to God by being faithful to the church, be prepared and be on time. We are ministers, people depend upon us to love and direct them to God. Build relationships with the people God has placed before you.
Be submissive to those who lead you and your fellow ministers (Hebrew 13:7, I Peter 5:5)
Listen and follow the Godly directions of those who are leading you to Him. To yield and surrender to God we must submit to people whom God speaks through.
Utilize the spiritual gifts from God to serve actively in church (I Corinthians 12:1-27, Romans 12: 6-8)
Pray and allow the Gifts of the Spirit to flow through you. Do not quench (put out, damper) the Spirit of God with unbelief or the opinions of man.
Practice the giving of tithes and offerings.(Malachi 3:8-10; Matthew 23-24; II Corinthians 8:1-5; 9:6-12)
Your harvest is dependent upon your sowing. As a minister of the Gospel, you are instructed by God to give the tithe and offerings into the church.
Abstain from relationships, communication and actions that have the appearance of evil so that your witness of Christ and His Church will not be hindered. (I Thessalonians 5:22)
We are not obstacles (stumbling blocks) to people we are ministers of reconciliation; through our words and actions we direct people to Jesus Christ. We will solve problems not create or sustain them with our speaking or actions.
Take care of your body (temple) for it belongs to God (I Corinthians 3:16, 6:12, 19)
Let us take care of our bodies through eating properly, exercise and avoiding substances such as tobacco, non-prescribed drugs, alcohol, etc. for they may and can harm the temple of God. All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. (I Corinthians 6:12)
Your tongue is for praise and worship unto God and spreading the Gospel (Matthew 12:23-37, Proverbs 15:4, Psalms 35:28)
Never speak badly about your church, your leadership or your brothers and sisters in Christ. Never bring disunity through your words or actions Give life to people by speaking His Words of love, encouragement and instructions to all people.
Our lives will be Transformed (Matthew 3:2, Romans 12:1-2)
We will be lead by God; we will change our minds and the directions (Repent) of our lives with the power of His Word. We will renew our minds and become doers of the Word; our lives will be transformed.
