Elder Nomination
Introduction
The Bible has much to say about the sort of leaders God calls for his people. Above all, an elder must be led by Christ, seeking to become more like him, humbly trusting Him rather than ourselves. Secondly, an elder must love the church and be committed to seeking the mind of Christ for this congregation and our mission. Key passages to consider before nominating someone are 1 Tim 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-11.
Nomination Process
You can nominate someone by communicating with a pastor or current elder, or filling out this form. The elders consider every nomination. To be an elder, one must be a member. When any member receives more than one nomination, the session initiates a discernment process with the individual - both are given time to pray, learn, discuss. This includes interviews with the session, one on one meetings, and lots of reading. If the nominee and the elders sense this is the Lord’s leading, the nominee will be recommended to the Body, who will examine and vote on the nominee in a congregational meeting. If voted in, the new elder begins his/her term immediately. Elders serve 3-year terms and can serve 2 consecutive “active” terms before needing to take at least 1 year away.
The Role of Elders in the EPC
For a more detailed understanding of how elders function in our denomination, here are highlights from the EPC Book of Order regarding Elders and the Session.
A. Office of the Ruling Elder (Book of Government, 10-4).
1. Watches over the spiritual welfare of the congregation.
2. Shares authority with the Teaching Elders in all the courts of the church in both rights & duties.
3. When appointed to participate at Presbytery or General Assembly, watches over the spiritual welfare of the court and participates diligently in their commission.
4. Representative of the people in the courts of the church.
5. Represents the mind of Christ, as that person understands it, in the church.
B. Life of the Ruling Elder (Book of Government, 10-5).
1. Blameless in life.
2. Sound in faith.
3. Wise in the things of God.
4. Discreet in all things.
5. Lifestyle that is an example to all – in and out of the church.
C. Responsibilities of the Ruling Elder (Book of Government, 10-6).
1. Study and learn the Word. Be prepared to teach it. Adept at leading prayer and worship.
2. Visit the sick, lonely, aged, bereaved and those that have a pastoral need.
3. See to the development of the children, encourage new members or new believers in spiritual development.
4. Diligent to watch for moral failures and to reclaim those who stray.
5. A Ruling Elder can be authorized by as a Commissioned Pastor. (10 – 6, section E)
D. Authority of the Session (Book of Government, Ch. 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 16)
1. Govern the church. (4-8)
2. Establish missions of the congregation. (5-1)
3. Set and determine membership. (6, 9)
4. Authority to bear witness against error or doctrine that is contrary to Christian faith. (16-4)
5. Authority to discipline Ruling Elders. (10-6d)
6. Oversee Deacons. (10-7)
7. Authority to establish rules for its own governance – must conform with Scripture and Constitution of the Church. (16-4)
8. May apply discipline to its members or those under its charge in keeping with the regulations established in the Book of Discipline. (1-13)
9. Authority to establish a search committee and issue a call to a Pastor (with concurrence of Presbytery and Search Committee). May issue calls to persons to serve in various capacities assigned to that court or agency. Such calls shall always be for a specific period of time not to exceed three years. Such calls shall ordinarily be renewable. (10)
10. May organize itself as it deems appropriate for the fulfillment of its duties.
11. The Church Session has jurisdiction over all that belongs to the worship and ministry of a particular church, excepting the structure and content of worship as set by the Pastor. (16-5)
12. Authority to establish and conduct Sunday school and Bible classes. (4-5)
E. Duties of the Session (Book of Government. 10-5)
1. As a Board of the Organization
a. To determine the budget of the church and the benevolence objectives of the congregation.
b. To keep rolls in accordance with Section 9-1. To dismiss, restore, grant affiliation, or remove members - Sections 9-4, 9-5, 9-6 and 9-7.
c. To fulfill the obligations to those elected to the office of Ruling Elder or Deacon as set forth in Sections 12-3, 13-8, 9 and 10.
d. To determine policies regarding the use of the property and facilities.
e. To organize itself for the advancement of the ministry of the Church and the mission of that congregation.
2. As Overseers of Ministry & Worship
a. To initiate the ministry of evangelism as the first business of the Church, and to seek to lead persons to an acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord.
b. To remind parents of the responsibility of presenting their children for Baptism, and to provide instruction as indicated in the Book of Worship (BOW) 3-2.G.
c. To receive members in accordance with Sections 9-2.A, 9-2.B and 9-2.C.
d. To oversee the educational program of the congregation.
e. To oversee the work of the Board of Deacons (or comparable ministry) and to review its minutes at least semiannually unless otherwise provided for by the Church Session. It is also desirable to call a joint meeting at least semiannually to discuss matters of common interest.
f. To oversee the worship of the congregation in accordance with the Book of Worship, including the time and place of worship, special services, the music program, and the celebration of the sacraments. This shall not infringe on the responsibility of the Pastor in the selection of hymns, Scriptures, sermon, administration of the sacraments, or other duties that are incumbent on the office of Pastor.
3. As Shepherds of the Congregation
a. To monitor the spiritual conduct of the members, and to take action when appropriate according to procedures set forth in the Book of Discipline.
b. When there is no pastor present, an elder may convene the people for worship on the Lord’s Day, offering prayers, praise, reading the Scriptures and teaching thereof.
c. To order special offerings, special days of prayer and fasting, special days of worship and other matters that benefits the spiritual life of the people. 1-14
d. To do whatever else may be necessary for the spread of the Gospel, the edification of the members, the well-being of the church, the advancement of the Kingdom, and the growth in grace of all.
4. As Partners with the EPC
a. To approach the Presbytery on matters it believes vital or helpful to the whole Church, and to observe and carry out the injunctions and instructions of the higher courts. The Church Session shall elect representatives to Presbytery and shall hear a subsequent report on that court
b. Presbytery - Two Ruling Elders for each Teaching Elder from a particular church.
c. General Assembly - Two Ruling Elders for each Teaching Elder from a particular church.
The Formal Process:
A member is nominated by at least two members
He/she is informed of the nomination and asked to prayerfully consider if this is the Lord’s call. Eldership is voluntary.
He/she is examined by the current Session and enters into a period of training and discernment.
The Session issues a recommendation to the congregation for or against the election of this member.
The nominee is examined by the members in the annual congregational meeting in which the budget is presented.
The members vote. A simple majority is required.
If elected, the new elder is installed and begins his/her term immediately.
Additional Notes:
Elders at LCC serve 3 year terms, and may serve two consecutive terms.
A church of our size is required to have at least 2 elders (including the pastor).
If you want to become an elder yourself, please let us know! You cannot nominate yourself, but 1 Timothy 3:1 says this is a noble desire. Ruling Elders on Session are members and therefore participate in the nomination process.