ELDERS

In addition to the Policy Board Governance, the elders' responsibilities vary greatly and require discernment as the board strives to keep the church on its biblical course. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

-As Christ’s church, the board is ultimately responsible for representing the “owner”, or Christ’s mission for this specific church.
-Creating policies to clearly define church values and biblical operating procedures.
-Ensuring the church’s teachings and practices reflect accurate biblical theology.
-Ensuring avenues for pastoral care, conflict resolution, discipline, and restoration.
-Providing direction on financial or risk-management issues.
-Providing accountability to the lead pastor, to ensure the vision and values determined by the elders are being carried out.

Step 1 | Nomination by FCC attendee or staff in May

Step 2 | Questionnaire filled out by nominee in June 

Step 3 | Recommendations to the full board with interview by Nominating Team (2-elders, 2-staff, 2-volunteers)  in July and August

Step 4 | Present to the congregation for 30 days of vetting in September

Step 5 | Congregational affirmation in October

Step 6 | New Elder(s) attend their first meeting in November

Elders agree to serve for one year as an elder-in-training, with a voice and a view but no vote during the first year.  At the conclusion of the first year, the Board of Elders and elder-in-training will mutually decide whether they are a good fit to serve on the Board of Elders.  

The spiritual gifts of discernment, wisdom, and leadership are considered foundational gifts for those who serve as Elders; however, the presence of other gifts such as teaching, administration, encouragement, and mercy greatly enhance Elder functioning.

1-Discernment

The gift of discernment is the divine enablement to distinguish between truth and error. It is the ability to discern the spirits, differentiating between good and evil, right and wrong. Scripture references are:

1 Corinthians 12:10; Acts 5:1–4; and Matthew 16:21–23

People with this gift:

Distinguish truth from error, right from wrong, pure motives from impure motives.

Identify deception in others with accuracy and in an appropriate manner.

Determine whether a word attributed to God is authentic.

Recognize inconsistencies in a teaching, prophetic message, or interpretation.

Can sense the presence of evil.

2-Wisdom

The gift of wisdom is the divine enablement to apply spiritual truths effectively to meet needs in specific situations. Scripture references are:

1 Corinthians 12:8; James 3:13–18; 1 Corinthians 2:3–14; and Jeremiah 9:23–24

People with this gift:

Focus on the unseen consequences in determining what next steps to take.

Receive an understanding of what is necessary to meet the needs of the body.

Provide divinely guided or given solutions in the midst of conflict and confusion.

Hear the Spirit provide direction for God’s best in a given situation.

Apply spiritual truth in specific and practical ways.

3-Leadership

The gift of leadership is the divine enablement to envision the future of the church coupled with a humble heart to serve others. Scripture references are:

Genesis 12:1; Isaiah 43:18–19; Matthew 7:7; Matthew 20:25–28; Luke 22:27; John 10:3–4, 11; I Corinthians 2:9–13; and James 1:5

People with this gift:

Are servants by nature; eager to see the church prevail in the world.

Demonstrate spiritual foresight that anticipates the work of God.

Allow Scripture and prayer to inform their decision-making process.

Impart vision to others using clear communication.

Can assess significant past events and their potential for impact on the present and future.

Are able to think creatively and apply ideas and concepts in new ways.

Desire accountability in fulfilling their responsibilities and meeting the needs of those they serve

Elders’ meeting—once a month, plus quarterly retreats

Four to six hours (on average) per month for review of Elder board materials, policies, correspondence, meeting preparation, and team conference calls.

If serious issues arise that require immediate attention by the Elder board, additional hours may be required outside of regular Elders’ meetings.

Elders are eligible to serve two 4-year terms (8 years) before taking a year off.