Leadership of our congregation is provided by two groups, the Church Council and the Elders. Each of these groups consist of members of the congregation who we believe God has called to this ministry, and whom we have elected to serve. The New Testament speaks of the role and qualifications of leaders in the church. The task of being an Elder or Church Councillor is one of significance in the life of the church, because they are people whom we have charged with the task of leading us into a fuller participation of Christ’s ministry in the world. It is for this reason that Paul says to leaders to lead diligently (see Romans 12:8).
The Church Council is primarily responsible for waiting upon God to discern and act upon his call on our congregation. As the Church Council does this it facilitates the achievement of the congregation’s vision and mission. The Church Council does this through prayer and bible reading, through discussion with each other in times of meeting and through the individual responsibilities members have as team Leaders. Team Leaders therefore need to have both a long term vision for the direction of the church and short term management of the activities of the church.
The Elders are responsible for spiritual oversight. They meet monthly to reflect on the spiritual health of the congregation and our faithfulness to the congregation’s Purpose and Core Values. Each second month the elders devote their time together to praying for the life of the congregation. When fulfilling the role of an Elder, the person does not have responsibility for day to day tasks in our congregation. All of the current Elders do serve in the life of the congregation, but not as a result of their call to the Eldership. For over 15 years the Elders have not been responsible for pastoral visiting. This role is entrusted to the Pastoral care team to ensure that every member of our congregation is active in caring for each other and therefore receives care from others.
The leadership that is offered by our Elders and Church Council members is vital to our life together as a congregation. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:12 – 13 “Brothers and sisters, we ask you to respect those who are working with you, leading you, and instructing you. Think of them highly with love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.” Please always remember them in your prayers. Find the time to appreciate the work that they do, either by thanking them personally or writing a message. A further way to appreciate our Elders and Church Council members is to honour the leadership that they offer as part of their discipleship.
Together with Maureen Witheyman and Meredith Smith I will be in Noro, Solomon Islands from 24 June to 5 July.
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