Felton Bible Church An Elder-Led Congregation for the ... · 2. The FBC Ministry Team began to...
Transcript of Felton Bible Church An Elder-Led Congregation for the ... · 2. The FBC Ministry Team began to...
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FeltonBibleChurchAnElder-LedCongregationfortheGloryofKingJesus
I.IntroductionA.GeneralDiscussion:
This document describes a construct for initiating a robust ministry of elderleadershipamongsttheflockatFeltonBibleChurch.Itcomesasa“next-step”inaseriesofstepsthatbeganin2017:
1. P.J.DavisaddressedbiblicaleldershipduringaSundaySchoollessonaspartofthepastoralcandidateweekendinSeptember2017.
2. TheFBCMinistryTeambegantogenerallyconsiderbiblicaleldershipduringthelastmonthof2017.
3. Earlyin2018,theBiblicalEldershipStudyGroupbegantoworkthroughAlexanderStrauch’sBiblicalEldership:AnUrgentCalltoRestoreBiblicalChurchLeadership.
4. InOctober 2018, the FBCMinistry Team completed a one-day retreat focused onbiblicaleldership.
5. InJanuary-February2019,P.J.Davispreachedafive-partsermonseriestitledPastor-Elders: Servants in Love. This series included two all-congregation question andanswersessions,andalinkontheFBChomepagewithvariousresourcesrelatedtobiblicaleldership.
6. InMarch2019,theBiblicalEldershipConceptDevelopmentTeambeganworkingonthe“how”ofimplementingrobustbiblicaleldershipamongstJesusflockgatheredasFBC.Thisdocumentrepresentsoneoutcomeoftheirwork.
If approvedby the congregation, thisdocument (or anymodification thereof)will
comealongsidethepre-existingFBCConstitutionandBylaws.WhereitconflictswitheithertheConstitutionortheBylaws,thisdocumentwilltakeprecedence.Intime,aninitialCouncilof Elders will guide FBC through the process of updating its Constitution and Bylawsconsistentwiththisconstruct.
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II.RoleoftheCongregationA.GeneralDiscussion:
EvenasthisdocumentproposesimplementingrobustelderleadershipatFBC,itisessential to emphasize congregational life as, under Christ, the chief “repository ofresponsibility”forthischurch.Inotherwords,FBCbelievesthatJesusinveststhetotalityofa given congregation with profound responsibility in a local church.1 Examples of thisresponsibilityinScriptureinclude(butarenotlimitedto)thefollowing:
1. Jesusentruststhefinalstepinchurchdisciplinetothelocalbodyasawhole.2PaulreflectsthisprinciplewhenheinstructsthechurchinCorinthregardinganoffendingmemberintheirmidst.3
2. Paul,inteachingonspiritualgifts,emphasizesthechurchcorporateasthevehicleofJesus’ministryintheworld(see1Corinthians12:1-31).
3. TherisenChristaddresseswholecongregationsintheopeningchaptersofRevelation.
TheseandotherscripturalexamplesformourconvictionthatJesusmeanstoexercise
hispowerandministrythroughthechurchcorporateinthisworld,andparticularlythroughlocal expressions of his body.4 FBC expresses its Christ-givenministry responsibility invariousways,including:
1. ThecongregationaffirmsthepreachingofGod’sWordinitsreceptionofthatWorddelivered.
2. The congregation affirms those who serve it as elders-pastors-overseers (seeSectionIIIbelow)and“ordains”themtotheirwork.
3. ThecongregationapprovesFBC’sannualbudget.
4. Thecongregationisthelastcourtofchurchdiscipline.
1Hereitisimportanttonotethat“congregation”referstothoseindividualswho,beingtruefollowers
ofJesus,havegatheredtogetherasalocalexpressionofhisbodyincommittedrelationshipwithoneanother(usually expressed through membership). Practically speaking, for the purposes of this paragraph“congregation”equals“membersofthechurch.”
2Matthew18:15-20.31Corinthians5:1-13.
4ItisinthissensethatsomemayspeakofFeltonBibleChurchas“congregationallyruled,”thoughthat
termisnotbiblicalperseanditstonestrikesthewrongchord.OnlyJesus“rules”hischurch,andtohischurchheassignsawesomeresponsibility(seeabove).Elders-pastors-overseersthenleadeachexpressionofthelocalchurchincarryingoutthoseresponsibilities.
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5. The congregation is the final hiring authority of FBC church staff (see Section Vbelow).
6. The congregation welcomes individuals into membership and, when necessary,dismissespersonsfrommembership.
7. TheConstitutionandBylawsofFBCbelongtothecollectivemembership.III.Elders-Pastors-OverseersatFeltonBibleChurchA.GeneralDiscussion:
AlongsideourconvictionregardingthevitalityandresponsibilityofthecongregationstandsourequallystrongconvictionthatJesus’churchis,andalwayswillbe,led.Weareapeoplewhofollowoneleader,namelyJesus,whoexerciseshispastoralleadershipthroughsubordinate leaders. These leaders the New Testament calls “elders,” or “pastors,” or“overseers,”andtheirpresenceinalocalbodyisoneofJesus’giftstothatchurch.
Scriptureusestheterms“elder,”“pastor,”and“overseer”interchangeably–witha
particularemphasison“elder”and“overseer”–todescribeoneoftwobiblical“offices”inacongregation.5Eldersservealocalchurchthroughtheministryofshepherding-leadership.6Theyareacongregation’s“pastors,”7chargedtowatch-overandshepherdtheflockofJesus’peopleentrustedtotheircare.8Withrespecttotheministryofelders,FBCiscommittedtothefollowing:9
5“Office” here refers to one of two specificministry roles in the local church, namely “elder” (or
overseer,pastor)and“deacon.”Thisisnottobeconfusedwiththespecificroleofanofficerofthenon-profitreligiousorganizationthatisFeltonBibleChurch.
6Hereafterthisdocumentemploystheterm“elder”inreferencetoapastor-elder-overseer.
7Someofthesepastorsmayserveas“staffpastors”(or“staffelders”),whileothersmaynotfunction
inapaid-staffrole(seePartVbelow).
8Acts20:28;1Peter5:1-5.Hereisonehelpfulwayofdefining“elders”fromGod’sWord:“Eldersarequalifiedmenwho,ascaringshepherds,fillanofficeofleadershipandoversightinthelocalchurch;onedefinedespeciallybytheworkofprayerandteachingGod’sWord.”(TakenfromasermontitledPastor-Elders:ServantsinLove–BiblicalEldership101,FeltonBibleChurch,January13,2019).
9Whatfollowsisnotafull-orbedtheologyofbiblicaleldership.Rather,itassumesanunderstandingof this ministry role as articulated in Scripture. In order to explore biblical eldership in greater detail,interestedpersonsshouldavailthemselvesofthefollowingresources:1)AstudyofGod’sWord–especiallythosepassageslistedinAppendix2;2)ThesermonseriesonbiblicaleldershippreachedatFBCduringJanuary-February2019;3)AlexanderStrauch,BiblicalEldership:AnUrgentCalltoRestoreBiblicalChurchLeadership;4)PhilA.NewtonandMattSchmucker,Elders intheLifeof theChurch:RediscoveringtheBiblicalModel forChurchLeadership.
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1. ThelordshipofJesusChristoverhischurch. Jesusistheheadofhisbody–itsKing,GreatShepherd,andChiefOverseer.10 Jesusexerciseshisministryof shepherdingand oversight through elders in each local congregation. Elders ought never topresumeuponthekinglyroleofChristJesusoverhispeople.
2. The leadership of the Holy Spirit. Before his crucifixion, Jesus promised that his
discipleswouldreceivefromGodthegiftoftheHolySpirit.TheHolySpirit–whoisGod,oneofthethreepersonsoftheGodhead–would,Jesussaid,“guideyouintoallthetruth.”11ItisevidentfromthewrittenaccountofJesus’churchinitsearliestdays(seeActsandtheEpistles)thatJesusmeansforhisunder-shepherds(elders)tolistento,andfollow,theleadingoftheHolySpirit.
3. Thenominationandaffirmationofelderswhomeetthequalificationsforserviceinthisoffice/ministry,asoutlinedin1Timothy3andTitus1.Eldersmustbemenqualifiedfortheirrole.12TheymustalsobemembersofFeltonBibleChurch.
4. Elders who lead and shepherd this body as a team of equals. While there will be
distinctionsofrolesandresponsibilitiesamongtheelders, theyare fundamentallyequalaspastorsofthischurch.
5. Elderswhoshepherdthebodywithanearnestheartforlovingservice.Theministryofan elder is not one of tyrannical domination. Rather, it is a ministry defined byenergeticconcernforJesus’sheepthatmanifestsitselfinadesiretoservetheflockinlove.13
6. ElderswhomakedecisionsbasedontheprincipleofSpirit-ledconsensus.“Consensus”doesnotimplyunanimityamongsttheelders.Itisalsonotamere50%+1majorityrule. Consensusrefers to thegeneral like-mindednessofpartiesresponsible foradecision, and to a sense of prevailing peace or contentednesswith respect to theSpirit’sleadinginaparticularissue.Consensusdecisionsallowforsomemeasureofdisagreement(especiallywithrespect tothedetailsofapolicy,orthe“how”ofanagreed upon “what”), but necessitates that all decision-makers can, in goodconscience,supportadecisionmade,eveniftheirpersonalpreferenceliesinanotherdirection.
7. Achurchbodythatwillinglysubmitstoitselders.ThereisnodoubtinScripturethatJesusmeansforeach localchurchtosubmitto itsGod-ordained,congregationally-
101Peter2:25;Col.1:18.
11John16:13.12FBCbelievesthatJesushasentrustedtheministryofelderstomeninthebodyofChrist. Foran
extendedconsiderationofthistruth,pleasereviewthesermontitledPastor-Elders:ServantsinLove–GenderandBeautifulComplementarity(preachedatFeltonBibleChurchonJanuary27,2019).
131Peter5:1-5.
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affirmedshepherds(elders).Alocalchurchcontinuesinits“responsiblevitality”(seeSectionII)asitsubmitstogodlyelderswhointurnsubmittoChrist.Intheend,Jesusistheheadoverallthingsinhisbody.14
B.RolesandResponsibilities
TheeldersofFBCundertaketheshepherdingleadershipofthiscongregation.TheywillbearresponsibilitybeforeGodforeveryaspectofFBC’sbody-life,withspecialemphasisoncaringforthepeopleofFBCintheirwalkafterChrist.15ThereisnoaspectofanyministryendeavorundertakenbyFBCthatliesoutsidethepastoralresponsibilityoftheelders.Thisdoes notmean that the elderswill themselves accomplish theministries of FBC. Rather, itbelongstothepeopleofFBC–asSpirit-indweltbeliever-priests–toaccomplishallofthevariousministriesthatGodgiftsusfor,callsusto,andprovidesusopportunitytopursue.Inparticular,itbelongstotheelderstodothefollowingforFBC:16
1. EnsurethebodyisnourishedfromGod’sWordthroughbiblicallyfaithfulpreachingandteachingthatisexpositoryinnature.
2. RegularlyprayforthepeopleofFBCandthevariousministriesofthechurch.
3. Watch over the church’s doctrine and theology, ensuring faithfulness to the truth
revealedinScripture.
4. GuardtheholinessofFBC’slifeandtestimony,especiallybyleadingthebodywithrespecttoanynecessarychurchdiscipline.
5. LeadFBCbyexampleinworship,regularlypointingFBCtothegloryofGodintimesofcorporategathering.
6. ProvideoverallleadershipanddirectiontoalltheministriesofFBC(seeSectionIV).Itwill be the special responsibility of the elders to think and pray “strategically,”consideringFBCasalocalchurch“onmission”fortheKingdomofGod.
7. Exemplify the lifeof redeemedsinnerswhoare steadilygrowing in thegraceandknowledgeoftheLordJesusChrist.
8. RepresentFBCtotheworldatlarge,andparticularlytootherlocalexpressionsofthechurch,ortolargergatheringsofJesus’people.
14Col.1:18;Hebrews13:17.15Hebrews13:7,17.
16Thisshouldnotbeconstruedasanall-inclusivelistofthevariousdutiesandresponsibilitiesthat
maybelongtotheelders.
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9. Identify the need for church staff; develop church staff job descriptions; presentcandidatestafftothecongregationforratificationandformalhiring.
C.Qualifications
In1Timothy3andTitus1, theHolySpirit, throughPaul,articulatesaclearsetofqualificationsforthosecalledtoserveaseldersinthelocalchurch.AllofFBC’seldersmustmeet these qualifications, as determined by the Spirit-led, wise application of the elderselectionprocess(seeSectionIII-Gbelow).Additionally,attheirdiscretion,forthesakeoflike-mindednessinministry,theeldersofFBCmayrequirethatprospectivefutureeldersadheretotheologicalandministerialconvictionscommonlyheldbytheCouncil;convictionsthatextendbeyondtheEvangelicalFreeChurchofAmerica’sStatementofFaith.TheCouncilmustarticulatesuchconvictions inwrittenformandmakethedocumentavailabletothecongregationasawhole.D.ChargesAgainstanElder,Disqualification,andDischargeforNon-DisqualifyingReasons
The FBC Council of Elders will investigate any credible charge against one of itsmembersthat,iftrue,woulddisqualifythemanfromministry.TheinvestigatingteamwillincludeoneortwoothermembersoftheCounciland,ifneeded,anappropriatenon-eldermemberofthebody.Ultimately,theCouncilwillnotrecognizeachargeagainstanelderas“legitimateandverified”unlessitissubstantiatedbyatleasttwoormorewitnesses.17Ifthechargeissubstantiated,theCouncilofElderswillproceedasoutlinedinthenextparagraph.
Ifanelderno longermeets thequalifications for thisministryrolehemusteitherremovehimselforberemovedfromtheoffice.Thisremovalmayhappeninoneoftwoways:
1. Theelder,inconversationwithhisfellowelders,arrivesatthedeterminationthathemuststepdown.Hedoessoviaaletterofresignation,coordinatedwiththeCouncilof Elders, and provided to the congregation as a whole. At the discretion of theCouncil, thespecificreasons forresignationmay,ormaynot,bearticulatedto thewholebody.
2. Intheeventthatanelderisrecalcitranttotheadmonitionthatheneedstostepdown,
ignoring biblically sound reasons for discontinuing his service in office, then themembership of FBC may remove him from the ministry of an elder. Upon therecommendationof theremainingelders, thecongregationofFBCwilldosoviaamajorityvoteofthosememberspresent.Inadditiontotheabove,theremaybetimeswhenanelder’sserviceinministryisno
longer advisable for reasonsother thandisqualificationper1Timothy3orTitus1. Forinstance,agivenelder, forreasonsotherthanobvioussin,mayfail toworkwellwithhis
17See1Timothy5:19 (Note:A “witness”maybehumanor “evidentiary”– i.e. someother formof
legitimate,non-humantestimonythatpertainstotheissueathand).
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brothersontheCouncil,orhiseffortsmayproveineffectiveinthebodyoveranextendedperiodof time.18Under suchcircumstances itwill likelybecomenecessary for theothereldersontheCounciltoaddresstheissue,followingthesameproceduresasoutlinedabove.
Finally,aneldermayalsovoluntarilystepbackfromactiveserviceforanynumberof
reasons unrelated to either disqualification or difficulties of the sort noted above. Forinstance,mattersofenergy,desire,medicalissues,employment,orfamilymaypointanelderawayfromactiveserviceontheCouncil(seeSectionIII.E-3,SpecialNote2below).E.StructureoftheCouncilThefollowingpointspertaintothestructureoftheCouncilofElders:
1. TheCouncilwillconsistofaminimumofthreemen.Untilthreequalifiedeldersareserving, the Council cannot rightly operate under the construct outlined in thisdocument. There is nomaximumnumber of elders. Rather, the total number ofelders at any given timewill depend on: 1) The size of the congregation and itscorrespondingneedforelders;2)Thenumberofqualifiedmenavailabletoserve;3)Thedictatesofwisdom–i.e.,intermsofeffectiveleadership,appropriateefficiency,flexibilityoforganization,etc.
2. TheCouncilwillconsistofbothstaffandnon-staffelders.StaffeldersarethoseelderspaidbyFBCasamatterofregularemployment(whetherfullorpart-time),orunpaidelders who otherwise need to be considered a part of the church staff (i.e., forinsurance purposes, oversight, etc.). As a matter of general practice, wheneverpossibletheproportionofstafftonon-staffeldersshouldbeeitherequalorweightedinfavorofthenon-staffelders.
3. Alloftheeldersserveanindefiniteterm,dependentonthecongregation’srecurringvalidationoftheirministry.Everythreeyears,theCouncilwillaskthecongregationforaformalreaffirmationofelderscurrentlyserving.ThiswillnormallytakeplaceduringtheJanuarycongregationalmeeting,thoughitmayoccuranytimeinthefirstquarteroftheyear(beginninginJanuary).Thisreaffirmationprocesswillinvolvethefollowing:
• Attheappointedmeeting,allmemberspresentwillreceiveaformthatlists
theelderscurrentlyserving,withspacetoaffirmorrejecttheircontinuedservice.Memberswillbeaskedtorespondtoeachnameintheaffirmativeorthenegative.Intheeventamemberbelievestheymustrejectanelder’scontinuedservice,heorshewillbeaskedtogiveareasonfortherejection(inwrittenform).Thememberwillthenaffixtheirnameandsignaturetotheform.TheChurchSecretary(seeSectionVI.A-3below)willcollectthe
18Thissortofcircumstancemayproveespeciallyapplicableonoccasiontostaffelders,particularly
thosehiredfromoutsidethebody.
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completed forms, review their contents, and provide the results to theCouncilofElders.19
• Foranyelderwhosecontinuedservicedoesnotreceiveaffirmationbyat
least75%ofthememberspresent,theremainingelderswilladdressthewrittenobjectionstotheman’sministryinaccordancewithSectionIII-Dabove. The same will be true for any elder against whom a credibledisqualifyingchargeismadeduringtheaffirmationprocess,whetherthemanisaffirmedby75%ofthemembershipornot.
• SpecialNote1:Becauseeldersserveanindefiniteterm,itisincumbenton
the Council to carefully monitor its members in terms of their energy,desire,ability,andmotivationforservice.TheCouncilmustguardagainstits members becoming “burned out.” Furthermore, the Council mustcontinuallyseektorefreshitself(asappropriate)withqualifiedmenfromthebody (seeSection III-Fbelow). TheCouncilmayrecommend to thecongregationappropriatesabbaticalperiodsforanyofitsmembers.20
• SpecialNote2:Ifaneldereverleavesactiveservicefornon-disqualifyingreasons, theCouncil shouldrecognize themanasan “inactiveelder,” solongashecontinuesina“qualified”status.Suchmencanprovidevaluableservicetothecongregation(andtheCouncil)inan“unofficial”capacity.
4. In general, the Council of Elders will apportion roles, responsibilities, and any
necessarytitledesignationsamongstitselfasitdeemsnecessary. Thesewillcomeaccordingtothegiftingsofeachindividualelderandtheneedsofthebodyasawhole.Whendescribinganindividualelder’sroleitmaybeappropriatetoutilizetheterm“Pastor”or“Pastorof(RoleDescription).”
5. NotwithstandingSectionIII-E-4above,theCouncilofElderswillincludethefollowingthreespecificpositions:
• ChairmanoftheCouncilofElders–ByapprobationoftheentireCouncilthis
elderwillserveastheCouncil’schairman.Inthisrolehewillestablishthe
19TheSecretarywill countas invalidany formcollectedwithout themember’snameaffixed. The
Secretarywillholdtheformsinconfidence(confidential)untilsuchatimeasitisappropriatetodisposeofthembyshredding(orsomeotherdestructivemethod).TheSecretarywillshareanyformsthatregisteranobjectionagainstanelderwiththeChairmanoftheCouncilofElders.Heinturnmaysharethedocument(s)asnecessarywithhisfellowelders,exceptingtheelder(s)againstwhomanobjectionisraised.Atnopointwillanelderbeshownaformonwhichamemberhasarticulatedtheirreasonsforobjectingtohisservice(Note:ThisdoesnotprecludetheChairmanorotherelderswithdiscussingthecontentsoftheform,includingtheidentityofthememberwhomadeanobjection,withtheelderinquestion,shouldtheydeemitappropriateandnecessaryinordertoresolvetheissue).IftheChairmanistheelderagainstwhomamemberraisesanobjection,thentheSecretarywillprovidetheformtoanotherappropriatememberoftheCouncil.
20SabbaticalperiodswillbewrittenintothehiringagreementforallofFBC’sstaffelders.
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agenda for,and lead,meetingsof theCouncil,21serveas theheadof themonthlyFBCMinistryMeeting(seeSectionIV.E),andserveasoneofthethreechurchofficersforFBC(seeSectionVI.A-1).22
• Pastor of Ministry Leadership 23 – The Pastor (or Elder) of Ministry
Leadershipservesthebodyintwoparticularways.First,heisprimarilyresponsibleforthepreachingandteachingministriesofFBC.Second,heoverseesandleadsthechurchstaffonbehalfoftheCouncil,andhegivesgeneraldailyoversightforthevariousministriesofFBC.24Itisincumbenton the Pastor of Ministry Leadership to ensure that he functions as arepresentative of the Council. 25 The Council of Elders will maintain a“PastorofMinistryLeadershipJobDescription.”
• SecretaryoftheCouncilofElders–ThesecretaryisamemberoftheCouncil
andmaintainsanaccurateandadequaterecordoftheCouncil’smeetingsandactions.26
F.TrainingofPotentialElders
ItistheresponsibilityoftheCouncilofElderstoidentifyanddisciplepotentialeldercandidates. To that end, the Council will establish a formal training process for theedificationofmenwhomightpotentiallybecalledintothisministry.G.ProcessforSelectingElders It istheresponsibilityoftheCouncilofElderstodiscernwhentheSpiritraisesuppotentialeldersatFBCandmakescleartheneedforthemtoserve.Whenthishappens,the
21 While one of the staff elders may actually formulate and produce the agenda, it will be the
responsibilityoftheChairmantoofficiallyintroduceandsettheagendaduringCouncilmeetings.
22TheChairmanwillnotserveasoneofthechurchofficersifheisalsoastaff-elder(seeSectionVI.A.1).
23 The Pastor of Ministry Leadership may serve as the Chairman of the Council when necessary.
Typically,itispreferablefortwoseparateelderstofilleachoftheseroles.
24Inhisrole,thePastorofMinistryLeadershipmaysuperviseoneormoreofhisfellowelderswhoarealsostaffmembers.Thisdoesnotinvalidatetheiressentialequalityaspastor-eldersofthebody.Consistentwiththevisionofthisdocument,theCouncilofEldersmaychangethisjobtitleastheydeemnecessary.
25Whenit isnecessaryorexpedientto identifyoneoftheeldersasthe“SeniorPastor”ofFBC,the
PastorofMinistryLeadershipwillfillthisrole.ThiscaveatdoesnotestablishhispreeminenceovertheothermembersoftheCouncilofElders.TheCouncilmayadoptatitledifferentthan“PastorofMinistryLeadership”wheneveritdeemsitnecessaryforthegoodofFBC.
26Thisisnotthesamepositionorroleasthesecretaryofthelegalnon-profitreligiousorganizationthatisFeltonBibleChurch(seeSectionVI).
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Councilwillleadthecongregationthroughaprocessofelderselectionthatwillinvolveatleastthefollowingsteps:27
1. Initial Evaluation– The Councilwill invite potential elders into a period of initialevaluation.ThisperiodwillinvolveaninterviewwithtwoormoremembersoftheCouncil,focusingonareasoftheologicalunderstanding,biblicalconvictions,viewofthechurch,andpersonallife(asper1Timothy3andTitus1).TheCouncilmaymakeuseofwhatevertoolsitdeemsappropriateinordertoaccomplishthisinterview(i.e.,pre-interviewquestionnaire,etc.).
2. PublicConsideration–Afterinitialevaluation,thepotentialelder(s)willenterintoa
periodofpublicconsideration.TheCouncilwillannouncetothecongregationthatamanisbeingconsideredforserviceasapastor-elderofFBC.Thisperiodofpublicconsiderationwillallowforthefollowing:
• Opportunity for anyone to raise a formal objection against a prospective
elder.AnysuchobjectionmustbeprovidedinwritingtotheChairmanoftheCouncilofElders,withthenameoftheobjectorattached.TheCouncilwill thendealwiththeobjectionasitdeemsappropriate. If theCouncilaffirms the objection and finds it substantive (i.e., pertinent to aman’ssuitedness forserviceasanelder), theCouncilwillwithdrawtheman’sname from consideration. At the Council’s discretion, they may do sowithoutanyformalannouncementsimplybychoosingnottoadvancethepotentialelder’snameontostep#3.
• Opportunityforapublicquestionandanswertime. TheCouncilofElderswillhostapublicquestionandanswer timewithallprospectiveelders.Thiswillbeanopportunity for thecongregation toaskquestionsof thepotentialelders.
3. Formal Vote – The FBCmembershipwill vote to affirm or reject potential elders
recommendedbytheCouncil.28
• Memberswillreceivearesponsesheetthatliststhepotentialelder(s)andprovidesspacetoaffirmorrejecteachperson.Thesheetwillrequirethemember’snameandwillnotbevalidwithoutit.
27ThesestepsmaybemodifiedsomewhatwhenFBChiresastaff-elderfromoutsideitsmembership.
Insuchcases,thehiringprocessestablishedbytheCouncilshouldaccomplishthesamebasicstepsoutlinedhere.
28 The Council may make provision for absentee voting as it sees fit – i.e., particularly (but notexclusively) for shut-ins, those absent formedical reasons, or the like. When absentee voting applies, theCouncilmustnotifythecongregationasawhole.
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• Intheeventamemberbelievesheorshemustrejectapotentialelder,heorshewillbeaskedtogiveareasonfortherejection(inwrittenform).
• Foraneldertoservehemustbeaffirmedbyatleast75%ofthemembers
presentwhenthevoteistaken.
• With at least two-weeks notice the Council of Elders, after dueconsideration,mayresubmittothecongregationthenameofanypotentialelderwhodoesnotreceivetheaffirmationofatleast75%ofthememberspresentatavote.
• Ifaman isnotaffirmedasecond time,he isnoteligible forsubsequent
presentationbytheCouncilforatleastoneyear.
4. Installation – Once affirmed, a new elder will be formally “installed” in his officeduringaservice(orportionofaservice).ThisinstallationmaytakewhateverformtheCouncildeemsmostappropriate.Thegoalsofaformalinstallationareatleastthefollowing:1)GlorifyGodwiththanksforthepastoralleadershipthathehasraisedup;2)Publiclyrecognizeanewelder’sformalshepherdingrole;3)PrayfortheelderinquestionandforFBCasabody.
H.ElderMeetingsThefollowingpointspertaintomeetingsoftheCouncil:
1. TheCouncilofElderswillmeetatleastoncemonthlyinanofficialcapacity.Theymayalsomeetmorefrequentlyasneeded.ItwillbetheresponsibilityoftheChairmantosetthedateandtimeofofficialmeetings.TheCouncilwillinformthecongregationastothedateandtimeofofficialmeetingsviaanycommunicationmediumitdeemsappropriate.
2. OfficialmeetingsoftheCouncilwillconsistofthefollowing:
• Intentional time in God’sWord via an appropriate devotional or othermeditationonScripture.
• Extendedtimeinprayertogether,withaspecialfocusontheneedsofFBC
anditsmembers.• Asneeded,apublicportionofthemeetingopentoanymemberofFBC.29
ThistimewillbereservedforthoseamongthebodywhowishtointeractwiththeCouncilasawhole.30
29Theeldersmayalsoallowparticipationinthisportionofthemeetingtoanynon-member.
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• Agenda items,with a special focus on the needs of individuals/families
within FBC, and/or those items dealing with doctrinal and theologicalissuesfacingthechurch.
• AgendaitemsaddressingongoingministryactivitiesofFBCandthework
ofthechurchstaff.• Agendaitemsdealingwithchurchpolicyoradministrativeissues(Note:It
is important to guard against such items unduly stealing the Council’sattention away from areas more immediately tied to the directshepherdingofpeople).
3. Theelderswillgatherunofficiallyonaregularbasisfortimesofpersonalconnection,
accountability,andprayertogether. ThesemeetingswilloccuratthediscretionoftheCouncil.
4. Theeldersmayalsomeetonan“ad-hoc”oremergencybasis. Thesemeetingswilloccur at the request of the Chairman, or when two or more elders deem such ameetingnecessary.TheCouncilneednotnotifythecongregationinadvanceofad-hocmeetings.
5. Annually, theCouncilofElderswillholdaPastoralRetreat. Thiswillbea timeofspecialandfocusedprayer,study,anddiscussion.ItwillbetheresponsibilityoftheChairmanoradesigneeoftheCounciltocoordinatethisretreat.
IV.FeltonBibleChurchMinistryTeamsA.GeneralDiscussion:
FBC iscommitted tostructuring itself inawaythatmakesusreadilyavailable forKingdomwork;efficientandabletorespondtothegiftsandopportunitiestheSpiritbringstous.Webelieve,consistentwithGod’sWord,inthe“priesthoodofallbelievers”;thetruththattheSpiritequipseachandeveryfollowerofJesusforGospelministryinthisworld.Weintendtheteamsoutlinedhereaswisestructurespurposedtofacilitateeffectivebeliever-priestministry.
FBCwillbeservedbythreebasictypesofministryteam:1)OrganizationalMinistryTeams31;2)Long-TermMinistryTeams;3)Short-Term(AdHoc)MinistryTeams.
30Atitsdiscretion,theCouncilmaykeepotherportionsofitsofficialmeetingsclosedtonon-elders.31WiththeexceptionoftheTreasurer/FinanceTeam-Lead,theeldersmayconsideranymemberor
appropriate non-member of FBC for service on an OrganizationalMinistry Team. The Treasurer/FinanceTeam-LeadmustbeamemberofFeltonBibleChurch.
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B.OrganizationalMinistryTeams:
Organizational Ministry Teams are teams necessary to the organizational life andhealthofFBC.TheirministriesareanassumedpartofFBC’sbodylifeinperpetuity. ThefollowingpointspertaintoFBC’sOrganizationalMinistryTeams:
1. Foreachteam,theCouncilofElderswillrecommendateam-leadtothecongregationfor ratification. This will occur during one of the two mandated congregationalmeetingseachyear.Team-leadswillserveatermof3years,withtheoption(uponrecommendationbytheelders)forasecondconsecutiveterm.Afterasecondterm,Organizational Ministry Team-Leads must enjoy a sabbatical of at least one yearbeforetheyareeligibleagainforsuchservice.
• Under extraordinary circumstances, with the recommendation of theCouncilofElders,thecongregationmaywaivethesabbaticalrequirement.
2. Organizational Team-Leads may in turn seek out team members as they see fit,
consistentwiththisdocument.AnyoneservingonanOrganizationalMinistryTeam(menandwomen)mustmeetthecharacterrequirementsforadeaconasarticulatedin1Timothy3:8-13.32Theteam-leadwillkeeptheCouncilofEldersadvisedastoindividualsservingwiththem.
3. The Council of Elders may suspend an Organizational Ministry Team Leader forreasonsofsinorineffectivenessandsubsequentlyappointaninterimteam-lead.Ifrehabilitation/reinstatementoftheoriginalteam-leadisnotpossible,theCouncilwillrequesttheteam-lead’sresignation. Iftheteam-leadrefusestoresign,theCouncilwill then recommend to the congregation a permanent removal of the person inquestion.
ThefollowingorganizationalteamswillserveFBC:
1. FinanceTeam–TheFBCTreasurerwillserveastheteam-leadfortheFinanceTeam.Theteamwillconsist,ataminimum,oftheTreasurerandonenon-staffelder.33TheFinanceTeamwillundertakethefollowduties:
32ThisdoesnotimplythatFeltonBibleChurchnecessarilyviewssuchindividualsasfillingtheNew
Testamentofficeof“deacon”(seeActs6:1-6;1Timothy3:8-13).SuchadeterminationawaitsthedecisionofaninitialCouncilofEldersabouthowFBCshouldunderstand,recognize,andemploytheofficeofdeacon.ThepointhereissimplytoaffirmthatFBCrequiresthecharacterqualitiesofadeaconamongstthosewhowillserveinthiscapacity.
33 Except in extraordinary circumstances, an elder should not serve as the Treasurer. In nocircumstancewillastaffelderserveinthiscapacity.
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• OverseeandmanageFBC’s financial accounts andassets. This includescollecting and accurately recording all offerings and reviewing theproprietyandappropriatenessofchurchexpenditures.
• Coordinatetheannualbudgetingprocessandpresentaproposedbudget
totheCouncilofEldersforreview.Subsequenttoanynecessarychanges,theCouncilwillthenpresentthebudgettothecongregationforapproval.
• KeeptheCouncilofEldersandFBCministryteamsapprisedof financial
needsandthestatusofongoingbudgetexecution.• Asneeded,incoordinationwiththeCouncilofElders,reclassifydesignated
funds/gifts ifapreviousclassificationisno longerconsistentwithFBC’sneedsorvision.Allfunddesignationsareadvisoryratherthanmandatoryinnature.
• In coordination with the Council of Elders and, when appropriate, the
various ministry teams, transfer monies between accounts or fundsconsistentwiththeneedsofFBC.
• In coordination with the Council of Elders (particularly the non-staff
elders),manageandoverseestaffcompensation.• ProvidethemembershipofFBCayear-endreportonthechurch’sincome
expenditures.
• Filenecessarystateandfederaldocuments.
• DistributeannualcharitablegivingrecordstotheFBCcongregationintimeforthefilingoftaxreturns.
• Addressanyotherfinancialmattersasdescribedinthepolicymanualor
subsequentdocumentation.
2. FacilitiesStewardshipTeam–TheFacilitiesStewardshipTeambearsresponsibilityforFBC’sphysicalcampus–itsuse,upkeep,security,andrelatedissues(i.e.suchasinsurance). Ataminimum,theFacilitiesStewardshipTeamwillconsistofateam-leadandtheChurchOfficeManager.TheFacilitiesStewardshipTeamwillundertakethefollowingduties:
• EnsurethemaintenanceandupkeepofFBC’sfacilities,vehicles,andother
churchproperty.
• ManagetheuseofFBC’sphysicalspace, inkeepingwithelder-approvedfacilityusepolicies.
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• Work toward the physical security of FBC, especially during worship
servicesorothertimesoflargegatherings.
• ArrangefornecessaryinsurancecoveragepertinenttoFBC’sfacilitiesandvehicles.
• In consultation with the elders and the congregation (as appropriate),
pursuecapitalimprovementsofFBC’sfacilities.
3. HelpsMinistryTeam–TheHelpsMinistryTeamgivesattentiontovariouspersonalphysicalneedsoftheflockatFBC.Ataminimumtheteamwillconsistofateam-leadandoneadditionaldeacon-qualifiedindividual.TheHelpsMinistryTeamwillworktowardthefollowing:
• Administerthebenevolencefundaccordingtoelder-approvedpoliciesand
procedures.34
• CoordinateSundaymorningrefreshments(asappropriateandavailable)andtheFirstSundayMeal.
• CoordinateCommunion(Lord’sSupper)preparations.
• Whentheneedarises,coordinatemealtrainsforindividualsorfamiliesin
theFBCcongregation.35
• Overseetheministryofushersand/orgreetersduringworshipservicesorotherpertinentgatherings.
• Coordinateplansandarrangementsforweddingsormemorials,inkeeping
withelder-approvedguidelines.
• Maintain a current list of FBC people needing encouragement throughvisitation,particularlypastoralvisitation,duetoillness,injury,age,oranyotherdebilitatingcondition.
34Thismayoccurinconjunctionwith,orthethroughtheeffortsof,achurchstaffmember.
35ThismayoccurinconjunctionwiththeChurchOfficeManager.
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C.Long-TermMinistryTeams:
Long-Term Ministry Teams (as outlined below) are teams formed to accomplishongoingministriesofFBC,accordingtothegiftsandopportunitiestheSpiritbringstous.36ThefollowingpointsapplytoLong-TermMinistryTeams:37
1. ALong-TermMinistryTeammustbecharteredbytheCouncilofElders,pursuantto
thegiftsandopportunitiesopenedby Jesus forFBC. Uponcharter, theCouncilofElderswillappointateamleadandapproveadocumentthatdescribesthepurpose,duties,andauthoritiesoftheteam.
2. ThereisnotermlimitforLong-TermMinistryTeamleaders.Atthediscretionofthe
CouncilofElders,solongastheyremaingifted,effective,qualified(seebelow),andableintheirministryrole,teamleadersmaycontinuetoserve.TheCouncilofEldersmayremoveateam-leadatanytime.
3. Long-Term Ministry Team leaders (or other team members) should feel free todiscontinuetheirservicewhentheLordmakesitclearthattheyoughttodoso–i.e.forreasonsofhealth,ability,familyneeds,desire,etc.Inotherwords,thelackofatermlimitdoesnotmeananindefinitecommitmenttoserveinthesamecapacity.ItistheresponsibilityoftheCouncilofElderstomonitortheneedsoftheLong-TermMinistryTeampersonnelandtohelpthemavoidneedlessburn-out.
4. Team-leadsmayinturnseekoutteammembersastheyseefit,consistentwiththis
document.AnyoneservingonaLong-TermMinistryTeam(menandwomen)mustmeetthecharacterrequirementsforadeaconasarticulatedin1Timothy3:8-13.38Theteam-leadwillkeeptheCouncilofEldersadvisedastoindividualsservingwiththem.
5. TheCouncilofEldersmayassignoneormoreelderstoanyoftheLong-TermMinistry
Teamsasa“member-at-large.”
6. Thecongregationwillratifyboththeexistenceofeachteam,anditsteam-lead,duringoneofthetwocongregationalmeetingseachyear.
7. TheCouncilofElderswilldiscontinueaLong-TermMinistryTeamwhenitsexistence
nolongercoincideswiththegiftsandopportunitiesgiventousbyGod.
36A“team”existswhentwoormorepeoplejoininpursuitofaparticularministrygoal.
37As of 2019, probable Long-TermMinistryTeams at FBC include the following:WorldOutreach,Men’sMinistry,Women’sMinistry,Music,SeniorAdults(Prime-Timers),Children’sMinistry,YouthMinistry,AWANA,InformationTechnology,andSecurity.Wheninstalled,oneoftheearlytasksfacingFBC’sfirstCouncilofElderswillbetherecognitionandformalcharteringoftheseLong-TermMinistryTeams.
38Seefootnote#32.
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D.ShortTerm(AdHoc)MinistryTeams:
Short-Term(AdHoc)MinistryTeamsareformulatedforaspecific,defined,andlimitedpurpose,witha limited life-span. Asnecessary, theCouncil ofEldersor team-leadsmaychartersuchshort-termteams.TheCouncilofEldersmustbeinformedofanyShort-TermMinistryTeamwhichtheydonotdirectlycharter.E.MonthlyMeeting:
OnamonthlybasistheChairmanoftheCouncilofElderswillconveneanFBCMinistryMeeting.ThismeetingwillbringtogetheralloftherecognizedministriesatFBCinordertoaccomplishthefollowing:39
1. PrayoverandforthevariousministriesofFBC.
2. Shareupdateswithoneanother,andwiththeelders,aboutongoingministryefforts–needs,joys,challenges,struggles,etc.
3. Coordinateeffortsacrossthebodyandundertakeanynecessaryjointplanning.
4. ReceiveanupdatefromtheFinanceTeamastoprogressonbudgetexecution.5. Receiveinputfromtheelders.
ThismonthlymeetingwillbeopentoallmembersorregularattendersofFBC.The
Chairmanof theCouncilofEldersmaysetparametersonparticipationby thosewhoarepresentapartfromdirectinvolvementina“recognized”ministry.V.FeltonBibleChurchStaffMembersA.GeneralDiscussion:
FeltonBibleChurchdeemsitwiseandhelpfultoaccomplishaportionofourministryeffortsthroughthelaborofaregularchurchstaff.Churchstaffmembersaretypicallypaidemployeesofthecongregationasawhole.40TheyserveunderthedirectionandleadershipoftheCouncilofElders.Eachstaffpositionwillhaveawrittenjobdescriptionapprovedbythe Council of Elders and ratified by the congregation. The Council may modify thisdescriptionwhennecessaryinordertomeettheneedsofFBC.Anymodificationsmustberatifiedbythecongregationatthenextcongregationalmeeting.Additionally,theCouncilof
39 A “recognized” ministry is one affirmed by the elders as an undertaking of FBC as a church.
RecognizedministrieswillincludeallOrganizationalMinistryTeams,Long-TermMinistryTeams,Short-TermMinistryTeams,andanyindividualeffortsthattheeldershaveidentifiedasrepresentativeofFBCasawhole.
40Thisdoesnotprecludethepossibilityofanunpaidchurchstaffmember.
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Elders may also propose new staff positions for congregational consideration andratification.41B.ManagementandSupervision:
It is the responsibility of the Pastor of Ministry Leadership to exercise dailymanagementandoversightofthechurchstaff.ThePastorofMinistryLeadershipwillreferanysignificantissuesofdisciplineorworkperformancetotheentireCouncilofElders.
TheCouncilofElderswillmakeongoingevaluationofstaffmembers’effortsapartofitsofficialmonthlymeeting.C.AnnualEvaluation:
TheCouncilofElderswillcraftandpublishproceduresforprovidingeachchurchstaffmemberwith awritten annual evaluation. This evaluationwill becomepart of the staffmember’spermanentpersonnelrecordatFBC.Inthecaseofstaffelders,oneormorenon-staffelderswillaccomplishtheannualevaluation.Consistentwiththepublishedprocedures,theCouncilmayrequesttheinvolvementorinputofappropriateFBCmembersinthestaffevaluationprocess.VI.FeltonBibleChurchOfficersA.GeneralDiscussion:
The “officers” of FeltonBible Church serve a legal function based on the church’sstatus as a non-profit religious organization. The officers of FBC carry no pastoral orleadershipauthorityexcept for thatdescribedelsewhere in thisdocument,or in theFBCConstitutionandBylawsasappropriate.Thechurchofficersareasfollows:
1. Chairman (of the Legal Entity FBC)– The Chairman of the Council of Elderswillusually serve concurrently as the legal “chairman” of the non-profit religiousorganizationthatisFBC.Atnotimewillastaff-elderserveinthiscapacity.Thus,duringanyperiod inwhichastaff-elderservesas theChairmanof theCouncilofElders, oneofhisnon-staff counterpartswillbeappointed (by theelders)as thechairman of the legal entity that is FBC. Such an appointment will requireratificationbythecongregationduringameetingofthechurchmembership.
41TheCouncilofEldersmayapprovethehireofnon-staffemployeesforlimitedpurposes,suchasa
paidpart-timenurserycareworker.TheCouncilmustnotifythecongregationofsuchdecisions(viawhatevermeansitdeemsappropriate),butcongregationalapprovalisnototherwisenecessary.
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2. Treasurer–TheFBCTreasurerwillserveasthetreasurerofthenon-profitreligiousorganizationthatisFBC.
3. CorporateSecretary–TheCouncilofElderswillrecommendtothecongregation(forratificationandelection)amember(whoisnotanelder)withthecharacterqualitiesofadeacontoserveasthesecretaryofthenon-profitreligiousorganizationthatisFBC.Thesecretarywillfunctionasanofficerofthechurch,andwillaccomplishthefollowingduties:
• Keep,orcausetobekept,anaccuraterecordofproceedingsatthemonthly
FBCMinistryMeetingandatanyofficialcongregationalmeetings.
• MaintainanaccuraterecordofFBCmembers.
• Record,byyearandname,births,deaths,andbaptismspertinenttoFBC.Whenbaptismsoccur,thesecretarywillensurethatthebaptizedpersonreceives a certificate (or other appropriatememorializing document ortoken)fromthechurchnotingtheevent.
• Keep,orcausetobekept,acurrentcopyofthisdocument(whileinforce),
theFBCConstitution,andtheFBCBylawsatthechurch’sprincipalofficeintheStateofCalifornia.
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AppendixOne:FBCMinistryStructureDiagram
1. Solidarrowsindicatelinesofshepherdingauthority.
2. Dashedarrowsindicatelinesofleadershipoversight.
3. ThecongregationallifeofFeltonBibleChurchisthereality(themilieu)inwhichthisentirestructureexists.
CouncilofElders(Pastors)
Short-TermMinistry Teams
Long-TermMinistry Teams
OrganizationalMinistry Teams
PastorofMinistryLeadership
ChurchStaff
CongregationofFeltonBibleChurch
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AppendixTwo:PassagesRelatedto“Elder,”“Overseer,”“Pastor”
John21:15-17*Acts11:30Acts14:23Acts15Acts16:4Acts20:17-38(especiallyvs.17,28-31,35)Acts21:17-261Thessalonians5:12-13*1Timothy3:1-71Timothy5:17-201Timothy6:2b-10*2Timothy2:2;24-26*2Timothy4:1-5*Titus1:5-9Ephesians4:11Philippians1:1Hebrews13:7,17*,24James5:14-151Peter5:1-52John13John1Revelation4:4,10Revelation5:5-6,8,11,14Revelation7:11,13Revelation11:16Revelation14:3Revelation19:4*Thesepassagesdonot specificallyemploy the term“elder,” “overseer,”or “pastor,”butappearnoteworthyforthewayinwhichtheyrelatetotheministryoftheelder-overseeroffice.AlexanderStrauch’sBiblicalEldership:AnUrgentCalltoRestoreBiblicalChurchLeadership(especiallypages104,107-108)helpedinthecompilingofthislist.