Our Commitment to Biblical Leadership

CHARACTER QUALITIES FOR ALL LEADERS

In selecting and evaluating people for leadership, God looks first at character qualities before any consideration of spiritual gifts, natural abilities or special training (1 Samuel 16:7; Luke 22:24-27). Therefore, though no absolute standard is established, observable growth (Matthew 28:20; 2 Peter 3:18) in the following areas is a prerequisite in order to be considered for any position of leadership in our Church.

A leader shall:

1. Have a servant’s heart. (Luke 22:24-27)
2. Reflect the character of Christ. (Philippians 2:5-11; 1 Peter 2:21-25)
3. Have the attitude of mind to perform his tasks as unto the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31)
4. Demonstrate a sincere love for his brothers in Christ. (Ephesians 5:2; Hebrews 13:1; 1 John 4:7)
5. Be full of the Holy Spirit, wisdom and faith and be of a good reputation. (Acts 6:3)

PASTORS AND ELDERS

Believing that the New Testament clearly indicates the churches of the apostolic period appointed several elders for each church (Acts 20:17; 21:17,18; Philippians 1:1; James 5:14), that the pastor is only one of the elders appointed for the local congregation and that the elders were men of mature Christian character, who were appointed to shepherd and care for the flock of God (Acts 20:17-38; 1 Peter 5:1-4), the qualifications for Elder are the same as those for Pastor.

QUALIFICATIONS (1 Timothy 3:2-7; 5:17-25; Titus 1:5-9)

“An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity; and not a new convert, lest he be conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church; so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”

DUTIES (Ephesians 4BD 4:11-13; Titus 1:8,9) The Pastors and elders shall:

1. Strive to maintain the above qualifications first and foremost, for without these he cannot serve with authority and God’s blessing.
2. Set an example to the church in the practical aspects of the Christian life.
3. Preach and teach the word of God.
4. Train the body of Christ in the work of the ministry.
5. Oversee and give guidance to the work of the church.
6. Guard the spiritual welfare of the church and its members.