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Elders

According to the Bible elders are called or appointed by the Holy Spirit. When a local church ordains an elder they are simply recognizing and confirming the Spirit's call.

The Apostle Paul in Acts 14:23 commanded the church to appoint elders. It fulfills a need for order and a form of church government.

While the staff and various ministry leaders and deacons oversee the day-to-day operations of the church, the Elders have two types of responsibilities:
  1. Group oversight of the church, and
  2. Active, personal involvement in the work of the ministry.
Group oversight of the church includes matters such as praying for the congregation, participating in strategic prayer ministries, working with staff leadership to ensure that Resurrection's ministries are properly aligned, reviewing and approving strategies recommended by staff leadership, developing and/or approving policies of the church, and guarding doctrinal purity and church discipline. Active personal involvement in the ministry includes utilizing their individual spiritual gift(s), passions, experience, etc. to serve in various ministries.

Along with church pastors, elders have a tremendous responsibility to their congregations. To elders, Paul says, "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood." -Acts 20:28 (NIV).

Scripture describes an elder as someone who has:
  • Knowledge, experience, and wisdom that church members can draw from for guidance and spiritual support (Acts 15:2, 6; 16:4).
  • The ability and will to shepherd and care for the body of believers (Acts 20:28-31; Hebrews 13:17).
  • A willingness and ability to teach and instruct others in spiritual matters (I Timothy 3:2; Hebrews 13:7; I Timothy 5:17; Acts 20:30).
  • The ability and will to equip and teach members how to share their Christian faith (Ephesians 4:11-13).
  • A positive example and influence among the church body and community (I Peter 5:3; Hebrews 13:7).
The elders therefore are leaders, motivators of others and self, supporters of others to grow in Jesus and to lift Him up, so that many can be drawn to Him. By involvement in personal spiritual counseling, small group ministry, prayer ministry and social fellowship; every elder fulfills the role of nurturing the church.  

Our Elders are ardent for the Lord’s work and, by His grace, shall endeavor to be a blessing to church membership as we pray to be a blessing to the master.

Feel free to contact any of our Elders if they may be of service to you.

Cooper Mickle - email me
Tipp Nelson - email me
Steve Neuwoehner - email me
Henry Pendergrass - email me
Steve Westbrook - email me