Nomination of Elders & Deacons
Community Bible Church is seeking nominations for Godly men to serve as elders and deacons. We invite you to review 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1: 5-9 for a list of qualifications for both roles. An elder role description can be found here.
Information regarding qualifications/responsibilities for both elder and deacon can also be found in the church's doctrinal statement, Article IV sections 3 and 4 (see below). The elder role includes teaching the Word, prayer, and church governance. The deacon role includes service to the body, church property, and performing duties delegated by the elders.
We believe that the role of elder and deacon is not a position of power, but rather of service, its honor being found in being a suitable example of Christian maturity to the body of Christ. Thank you for assisting with this search.
-CBC Nominating Team
Information regarding qualifications/responsibilities for both elder and deacon can also be found in the church's doctrinal statement, Article IV sections 3 and 4 (see below). The elder role includes teaching the Word, prayer, and church governance. The deacon role includes service to the body, church property, and performing duties delegated by the elders.
We believe that the role of elder and deacon is not a position of power, but rather of service, its honor being found in being a suitable example of Christian maturity to the body of Christ. Thank you for assisting with this search.
-CBC Nominating Team
Excerpt from the CBC Doctrinal Statement
Article IV Sections 3-4
SECTION 3: The Elders
A. Qualifications: An elder must be a mature believer, proven over a reasonable period of time. He must be sound in doctrine, pure and blameless in conduct, the husband of one wife, ruling his house well, hospitable, qualified to teach, and with a good reputation in the community. His behavior shall avoid all appearances of evil so that his Christian witness may be effective both in his actions and speech, reflecting the Lord Jesus Christ. (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9)
B. Duties: It shall be the duty of the Elders to care for the spiritual condition of the church. The Elders shall guard the purity of doctrine and the life of the church and discipline the church in accordance with the Word of God. The Pastor(s) shall be reckoned Elders and therefore members of the Board of Elders. The Elders shall assist the Pastor(s) in the administration of the Lords Supper, act for the church in the reception and dismissal of members, and examine all seeking membership in the church It shall be the duty of the Elders to assist the Pastor(s) in counseling the needy, comforting the distressed, visiting the sick, and in supplying the pulpit of the church in the absence of the Pastor(s).
The Board of Elders shall normally be chaired by the Pastor, but if he so desires, the Board of Elders shall choose their own Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary for a term of one year. The Chairman shall chair the meetings and appoint committees. The Vice-Chairman shall perform as Chairman in his absence. A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the Board of Elders. The Board of Elders shall have the power to elect, appoint and delegate authority to officers and committees at their discretion.
C. Selection and Term: The Elders shall be chosen by the Board of Elders and approved by the congregation. There shall be a minimum of three (3). The term of office shall be for a period of three years. An Elder may be removed from the office for any reason considered valid by three-fourths (3/4) of the Board of Elders (excluding the Elder being considered) and approved by the congregation.
The Elders shall determine the number of Elders who shall serve for the ensuing year prior to the annual meeting. Should a vacancy occur the Elders will choose a replacement to complete the unexpired term, subject to the approval of the congregation.
SECTION 4. The Deacons
A. Qualifications: A Deacon must be a man of dignity, not double-tongued or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the faith with a clear conscience. He must be the husband of one wife, and a good manager of his children and his own household. (I Timothy 3:8-13)
B. Duties: The actions taken by the Board of Deacons shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Elders. This is not to be regarded as meaning that the office of Deacons is inferior to that of Elder. One office is just as important as the other. They merely operate in different spheres, and the subordination is necessary for successful operation in God’s plan of accountability.
They shall be entrusted with the physical needs and properties of the Church; they shall see to the upkeep of the church property, provide ushers, etc., and perform duties delegated by the Elders. They shall make recommendations to the Elders for action on any matters they deem advisable. They shall serve the Lord’s Supper in the absence of the Elders.
The Board of Deacons, in consultation with the Pastor(s), will act as employer for all Support Staff (such as janitor, secretary, etc.) positions of the church as the need arises.
The Board of Deacons may choose their own Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary. The Chairman shall chair the meetings and appoint committee heads as he deems necessary to accomplish the duties of the Board of Deacons. The Vice-Chairman shall perform as Chairman in his absence. A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the Board of Deacons.
C. Selection and Term: The Deacons shall be chosen by the Board of Elders and the Deacons (meeting jointly), and approved by the congregation. There shall be a minimum of two (2). The term of office shall be for a period of three years. A Deacon may be removed from office for any reason considered valid by three-fourths (3/4) of the Board of Elders and approved by the congregation.
The Deacons shall determine the number of Deacons who shall serve for the ensuing year prior to the annual meeting. Should a vacancy occur the Elders and Deacons meeting jointly will choose a replacement to complete the unexpired term.