Elders

It is important to understand that Eldership is not simply a process we enter annually, semi-annually, etc. It is a recognition, an affirmation.  Those invited to the table of Eldership are qualified men (see our statement of beliefs) who consistently exhibit the characteristics spelled out in Scripture.  These men are also noticed by many, not by few, as being champions of vision and mission.  They don’t waver in their commitment to this local body no matter how tough the terrain seems to get.

The invitation is extended from the current elders. We are consistently looking for these types of individuals.

As the Lord prompts us, we begin with a simple phone call or email to set up a relational conversation around eldership, the potential calling into this holy position, and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance as to the next steps with each potential leader God elevates and brings to our attention.

There is no commitment on either party in this invitation. It is an invitation into a process, not a position.

Present key passages for biblical eldership – Titus 1, 1 Timothy 3, I Peter 5

Each potential elder and spouse are asked to review these key scripture passages together, marinate, and pray for a minimum of 1 month, asking God to reveal and confirm.

Set up follow up for relational connection, as well as a debrief on the different revelations God brings.

Throughout the next several weeks, continue to pursue in relationship – lunch, coffee, outside of the discussion and with the intention of building connection and trust.

Meet to debrief Scripture passages, spousal feedback, and listen with the intent to understand…remain genuinely curious.

Discuss the role of an Elder at Marlow First. It is a table of shepherds not a board of directors.  This brings a lot of questions for those with an American business mentality of Eldership and leads to the right equipping conversations and clarifies expectations.

This conversation really stretches beyond Eldership and moves us into an alignment conversation of heart, mind, and theology.

Each potential Elder should be able to clearly articulate (in writing) his own doctrinal statements surrounding key doctrines: The Trinity, The Inerrancy of Scripture, Salvation, Baptism, Communion, etc.

This conversation is also an opportunity to inquire about any hang ups or hurts with Marlow First over the years attended. We recognize that with every potential candidate comes potential challenges with the local church.  Our goal in this conversation is not uniformity, but rather unity.  Jesus prayed in John 17 that we would be one – this being a clear identifier for the world to believe Jesus was sent from the Father, and it’s our ultimate desire for all those serving in this capacity.

This article is then presented as a follow up read, walking through some of the details around serving in this unique capacity. Again, this is for the sake of unity and understanding as to the purposes and function of biblical eldership.

We then follow up and debrief the article, discussing hang ups, questions raised, and all other content ensuring we’re walking completely unified and clear in what lies ahead.

We then engage the spouse of the elder with this portion of the process, asking both the candidate and the spouse to come in and meet with the current eldership. We want to hear your story, the story of faith, of marriage and family, of challenges and even struggles.

This is when the conversation gets to a more vulnerable place – we ask questions surrounding the marriage relationship, conflict management, children – their paths and walks with Christ.

The intention is not to expose, but it is extremely important that we know what lies beneath the rocks of your life. We are going to be sharing life at a real authentic level, and it’s an integral part of us knowing each other at an intimate level.

This is the ceremony and confirmation with the church at large

The ordination takes place on a Sunday morning during both services, and involves all elders, active and inactive as we pray over and lay hands on both the candidate and his spouse.

There is a list of questions asked and affirmed, and then a celebration as we welcome the new elder into this amazing appointment.

Each candidate is given hard copies or digital copies (your preference) of each of the following books. These are not a “read ASAP” by any means, but they give a clear understanding of what we are all about, and how we function together, the values we hold, and answers some of the theological questions that may get left out of the conversations throughout the process.  These books and articles are, but are not limited to the following:

• Spiritual Leadership by Oswald Sanders

• Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch

• High Impact Church Boards by T.J. Addington

• Dangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp

• https://bible.org/seriespage/1-urgent-call-shepherd-god-s-flock

• https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/elder-now/