Our Leaders . . .
Community Church follows the pattern of plurality of leadership under the Headship of Christ, as described in the New Testament. (See I Cor. 12; I Tim. 3; I Tim. 5:17-20; James 5:13-14) The principle of unity (Eph. 4:1-5; Phil. 2:1-11) applies throughout the church, beginning with the elders and continuing through all congregational decisions. All decisions and actions taken by the elders proceed only when all the elders are in agreement that it is the Lord’s will. Similarly, all issues put to the congregation for a decision proceed only when the congregation is united in sensing that it is the Lord’s will. Anyone who has concerns is encouraged to speak and have those concerns addressed.
Elders
The elders are responsible for the spiritual direction and oversight of the church. Their responsibilities include:
- Prayer
- Discerning God’s leading for the church and directing its implementation.
- Oversight of all teaching and preaching done in the church.
- Coordination of the worship services.
- Leading and teaching home groups, Sunday school classes and other groups.
- Attending to the spiritual welfare of the members of the congregation through prayer and pastoral care.
- Discipling others.
- Practicing hospitality.
The pastor serves equally as one of the elders, and also carries the responsibility for preaching and pastoral counseling. The pastor is a paid position. The moderator serves equally as one of the elders, and is responsible for leading the elder’s and congregational meetings. Qualifications for elders are found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Only men are considered for this office (see 1 Tim. 2:9-15) It is a good thing to aspire to the position of elder. The process for appointing new elders is as follows:
- The elders discern who God is raising up to serve.
- They pray to seek the Lord’s will.
- If they agree unanimously to proceed, they:
- Ask that person if he is willing to serve as an elder.
- Examine the person to see if he meets scriptural qualifications.
- Put it before the church body to pray about it.
- If there is no dissent, then the person is appointed (ordained). There is no set term limit for elders. Elders meetings are usually held on the first Saturday of the month. A portion of each meeting is open to anyone who wishes to come and ask questions, express concerns or make suggestions. They also meet for prayer before every Sunday worship service.
Our current elders are:
- John Clements, Pastor
- Scott Davidson, Moderator
- Darry Lester
- John Adamske
Deacons
The deacons are responsible for the financial and physical needs of the church and its members. They oversee the church budget, submitting a revised budget to the elders and congregation annually for approval. One deacon is assigned to receive and deposit the weekly offerings and keep a record for tax purposes. This information is kept confidential – no one else has access to it. They are responsible for the care and maintenance of the building and property of the church. The deacons oversee the physical/material needs of members of the congregation by praying for them and offering some assistance on a case-by-case basis. They operate the Community Cupboard, a collection of non-perishable food and supplies designated for those with basic needs. The deacons also oversee the Helps Ministry. They organize the meals prepared and delivered by church members to those experiencing a need due to illness, childbirth, or an emergency, and assist with other types of needs. The qualifications for deacons are found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Both men and women may serve as deacons, according to Romans 16:1. The process of becoming a deacon is similar to that of elder. Those who are found to be doing the work of a deacon already may be recommended and commissioned in the same manner as for an elder.
Our current deacons are:
- Bill Bernard
- Mary Davidson
- Madalyn Harvey
- Hilary Harrison
- Bill Sexton
The deacons meet monthly during ministry week, the week following the first Sunday of the month.