Before nominating someone for the role of elder, please (1) carefully read the LNBC Elder Qualifications included below and (2) obtain permission from the nominee to put his name forward. If there is an affirmative on BOTH points above, then please use the link below to make your nomination.
Scripture affirms that elders are invested only with the authority that they are given by Christ. They are under-shepherds of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, (1 Pet. 5:2-4), and are responsible to execute His will and not their own in governing the church. In other words, elders are not given authority to implement their own desires, but rather to represent the desires of Christ.
The Elders are accountable for all aspects of the health of the church. Elder accountability at LNBC is a function of delegated authority under a congregational system of church governance. Elders do not rule over the congregation but instead submit to the authority of the congregation in carrying out the delegated responsibilities entrusted to them. Under this system of congregational governance, the primary functions of Elders are to lead, shepherd and oversee/govern the local church. These functions are fulfilled by 1) delegating responsibility to the Lead Pastor for matters of ministry strategy and staffing, and 2) direct responsibility for congregational care. Although not intended as an exhaustive list of accountabilities, the following is provided as a helpful guide to understanding these functions.
The Elders will lead the church by establishing the vision and mission for the church; implementing an effective congregational care structure; addressing challenges within the church related to doctrine, division, or discipline; engaging with struggling or unengaged members in the hopes of restoration; supporting and encouraging the staff; and empowering other leaders within the church.
The Elders will shepherd all aspects of church life by engaging in and ensuring the health of all ministries of LNBC including for example but not limited to guardianship, teaching, worship, prayer, evangelism, modeling, and relationship.
Our evaluation of individuals who aspire to serve as Elders at LNBC includes a comprehensive process of evaluation of the qualifications across several areas of focus and spiritual gifts.
Qualifications
Calling: The ability to sense God’s calling on one’s life for a particular season of service to the body of Christ: “I think God is in this.”
Character: derived directly from the biblical qualifications of an Elder as set forth in 1 Timothy 3:2–7 and Titus 1:6–9.
Competence: Defined as specific, Holy Spirit-endowed abilities, combined with skills acquired through training and life experience, including such things as excellent interpersonal and communication skills, conflict management skills, creative problem solving, the ability to “think in the gray”, and the ability to keep confidential information.
Cohesiveness: The intangible quality of being able to “fit” within the existing team and be a good “team player”. The ability to work effectively within and enrich the current circle of community and relational harmony within the council.
Courage: The ability, when needed, to enter into difficult exchanges and defend the faith, the church, and individuals in ways that preserve and maintain the community. The ability to speak the truth in love without destructive results.
The demonstration of the spiritual gifts of discernment, wisdom, leadership and teaching is considered foundational for those who serve as Elders; however, the presence of other gifts such as administration, encouragement, and mercy greatly enhance Elder functioning.
We recognize that God created both men and women in His image, that He offers the same Holy Spirit to both men and women at salvation, and that the same spiritual gifts are available to both men and women for service. While we believe eldership (including the role of lead pastor) is reserved for men, we affirm that women in all other roles are scripturally qualified, spiritually blessed, and directly called to use their spiritual gifts to build Christ’s Kingdom. According to our understanding of scripture, God has chosen to hold qualified males uniquely accountable for the condition of the church.