How we are led
Christ is the head of his church, so we want our leadership structure to reflect what he has prescribed in his Word.
01
Scripture calls churches to be shepherded by a plurality of qualified elders, also called pastors or overseers. They teach the Word, guard sound doctrine, and shepherd the souls entrusted to them.
1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-4
02
Alongside elders, Scripture establishes the office of deacon: qualified servants who care for practical needs so that the ministry of the Word and prayer is not neglected. Deacons serve the church; they are not a separate governing body.
Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:8-13
03
While elders lead and deacons serve, final authority under Christ rests with the gathered congregation, especially in matters such as membership, discipline, doctrine, and the appointment of church leaders.
Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, 12-13; Acts 15:22; Acts 6:3-5