Elder Nominations
Elder Nominations
March 1st – March 15th
As our church continues to move into a new season, our next step is to elect 2-3 new elders to help shape the future direction of Journey as well as provide stability, accountability and guidance for our church. We will begin taking nominations on Sunday, March 1st for 2 weeks. Candidates will be presented to the church to share their testimony and their willingness to serve which will be followed by a vote of the congregation to affirm these individuals. We are currently taking nominations for 2 vacant elder slots. If you would like to read more about Journey’s polity and governance, you will find it below as it pertains to this role. Nominations will be open beginning Sunday morning, March 1st. Please be in prayer about those you believe demonstrate the heart of the Gospel and our church and are actively serving our church family in some capacity.
Journey Church Governance
1. Guided by a Council of Elders
The Council of Elders is responsible for ensuring that we maintain biblical integrity in all things we do. The council is made up of members of the staff and congregation.
2. Led by Staff and Non-Staff Leaders
The staff and non-staff leaders are responsible for leading the day to day ministries and operations of the church. They are accountable to the Lead Pastor and the Council of Elders.
3. Affirmed by the Body
Members are responsible for affirming the choice of Elders and staff leaders as proposed by the Council of Elders. They have the authority to affirm or deny and may bring concerns to any member of the Leadership Council.
Elder Council
1. Overview of the Office of Elder
The council is comprised of 2-5 members, including the lead pastor. The council functions primarily as discerners and shepherds, and as such serve as the conscience and guardians of the church. Acts 20:28 states, “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which he purchased with his own blood.”
2. The council functions in 3 primary ways:
a. …Instruct in sound doctrine
b. …Oversee the activities and ministries of the church
c. …Pray for the faithfulness of the church
3. Functions of the Council of Elders
The Elder Council has final say concerning the overall direction of the church.
4. Scriptural Basis of the Office of Elder
The passages in 1 Timothy 3:1-11, Titus 1:5-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-7 form the basis for Council Member qualifications.
5. Number and term of office
There shall be up to 5 council members and they shall be elected for a term of service of three years or longer as voted upon by the church.
6. Qualifications
a) A member of the Council of Elders must meet the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
b) A member of the Council of Elders shall demonstrate an exemplary Christian testimony in private, family, and public life; a committed Christian elder and partner of the pastor; supporter and promoter of the church faith, practice, programs, and ministries.
c)Candidates must be in agreement with Journey Church’s belief statements and core values.
7. Election
a)When a vacancy on the Elder Council is imminent, candidates may be submitted by the current church membership.
b)Candidates will be informed of their consideration by the Elder Council and asked to complete an Elder Council Application.
c)Candidates will be interviewed and selected by the Elder Council
d)Those selected must be brought before and affirmed by the congregation in a majority vote.
8. Ordination
a) Selection, election, and ordination of council members is a privilege of the local church.
b) When ordination of council members is planned by the church, it shall authorize the pastor to assemble a council to examine the candidates concerning their qualifications to serve as council members.
c) The council directed to examine the elders shall be composed of the pastor, invited ordained pastors and existing and past elders.
d) When the council recommends the ordination of council members, the ordination service shall be scheduled and led by the pastor.
9. Duties
a) Oversee the ministries of the church.
b) Pray for specific needs brought to the elders
c) Hire/Fire staff including Lead Pastor with leniency given to the Lead pastor in hiring of other staff members.
d) Demonstrate leadership in and involvement with discipleship ministries
e) Council Members serve in a ministry of encouragement and counsel for the pastor concerning the progress and welfare of the church.
f) Assist the pastor in ministering to the members.
g) Seek to solve any fellowship problem of the church.
