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FeltonBibleChurchAnElder-LedCongregationfortheGloryofKingJesus

I.IntroductionA.GeneralDiscussion:

This document describes a construct for initiating a robust ministry of elderleadershipamongsttheflockatFeltonBibleChurch.Itcomesasa“next-step”inaseriesofstepsthatbeganin2017:

1. P.J.DavisaddressedbiblicaleldershipduringaSundaySchoollessonaspartofthepastoralcandidateweekendinSeptember2017.

2. TheFBCMinistryTeambegantogenerallyconsiderbiblicaleldershipduringthelastmonthof2017.

3. Earlyin2018,theBiblicalEldershipStudyGroupbegantoworkthroughAlexanderStrauch’sBiblicalEldership:AnUrgentCalltoRestoreBiblicalChurchLeadership.

4. InOctober 2018, the FBCMinistry Team completed a one-day retreat focused onbiblicaleldership.

5. InJanuary-February2019,P.J.Davispreachedafive-partsermonseriestitledPastor-Elders: Servants in Love. This series included two all-congregation question andanswersessions,andalinkontheFBChomepagewithvariousresourcesrelatedtobiblicaleldership.

6. InMarch2019,theBiblicalEldershipConceptDevelopmentTeambeganworkingonthe“how”ofimplementingrobustbiblicaleldershipamongstJesusflockgatheredasFBC.Thisdocumentrepresentsoneoutcomeoftheirwork.

If approvedby the congregation, thisdocument (or anymodification thereof)will

comealongsidethepre-existingFBCConstitutionandBylaws.WhereitconflictswitheithertheConstitutionortheBylaws,thisdocumentwilltakeprecedence.Intime,aninitialCouncilof Elders will guide FBC through the process of updating its Constitution and Bylawsconsistentwiththisconstruct.

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II.RoleoftheCongregationA.GeneralDiscussion:

EvenasthisdocumentproposesimplementingrobustelderleadershipatFBC,itisessential to emphasize congregational life as, under Christ, the chief “repository ofresponsibility”forthischurch.Inotherwords,FBCbelievesthatJesusinveststhetotalityofa given congregation with profound responsibility in a local church.1 Examples of thisresponsibilityinScriptureinclude(butarenotlimitedto)thefollowing:

1. Jesusentruststhefinalstepinchurchdisciplinetothelocalbodyasawhole.2PaulreflectsthisprinciplewhenheinstructsthechurchinCorinthregardinganoffendingmemberintheirmidst.3

2. Paul,inteachingonspiritualgifts,emphasizesthechurchcorporateasthevehicleofJesus’ministryintheworld(see1Corinthians12:1-31).

3. TherisenChristaddresseswholecongregationsintheopeningchaptersofRevelation.

TheseandotherscripturalexamplesformourconvictionthatJesusmeanstoexercise

hispowerandministrythroughthechurchcorporateinthisworld,andparticularlythroughlocal expressions of his body.4 FBC expresses its Christ-givenministry responsibility invariousways,including:

1. ThecongregationaffirmsthepreachingofGod’sWordinitsreceptionofthatWorddelivered.

2. The congregation affirms those who serve it as elders-pastors-overseers (seeSectionIIIbelow)and“ordains”themtotheirwork.

3. ThecongregationapprovesFBC’sannualbudget.

4. Thecongregationisthelastcourtofchurchdiscipline.

1Hereitisimportanttonotethat“congregation”referstothoseindividualswho,beingtruefollowers

ofJesus,havegatheredtogetherasalocalexpressionofhisbodyincommittedrelationshipwithoneanother(usually expressed through membership). Practically speaking, for the purposes of this paragraph“congregation”equals“membersofthechurch.”

2Matthew18:15-20.31Corinthians5:1-13.

4ItisinthissensethatsomemayspeakofFeltonBibleChurchas“congregationallyruled,”thoughthat

termisnotbiblicalperseanditstonestrikesthewrongchord.OnlyJesus“rules”hischurch,andtohischurchheassignsawesomeresponsibility(seeabove).Elders-pastors-overseersthenleadeachexpressionofthelocalchurchincarryingoutthoseresponsibilities.

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5. The congregation is the final hiring authority of FBC church staff (see Section Vbelow).

6. The congregation welcomes individuals into membership and, when necessary,dismissespersonsfrommembership.

7. TheConstitutionandBylawsofFBCbelongtothecollectivemembership.III.Elders-Pastors-OverseersatFeltonBibleChurchA.GeneralDiscussion:

AlongsideourconvictionregardingthevitalityandresponsibilityofthecongregationstandsourequallystrongconvictionthatJesus’churchis,andalwayswillbe,led.Weareapeoplewhofollowoneleader,namelyJesus,whoexerciseshispastoralleadershipthroughsubordinate leaders. These leaders the New Testament calls “elders,” or “pastors,” or“overseers,”andtheirpresenceinalocalbodyisoneofJesus’giftstothatchurch.

Scriptureusestheterms“elder,”“pastor,”and“overseer”interchangeably–witha

particularemphasison“elder”and“overseer”–todescribeoneoftwobiblical“offices”inacongregation.5Eldersservealocalchurchthroughtheministryofshepherding-leadership.6Theyareacongregation’s“pastors,”7chargedtowatch-overandshepherdtheflockofJesus’peopleentrustedtotheircare.8Withrespecttotheministryofelders,FBCiscommittedtothefollowing:9

5“Office” here refers to one of two specificministry roles in the local church, namely “elder” (or

overseer,pastor)and“deacon.”Thisisnottobeconfusedwiththespecificroleofanofficerofthenon-profitreligiousorganizationthatisFeltonBibleChurch.

6Hereafterthisdocumentemploystheterm“elder”inreferencetoapastor-elder-overseer.

7Someofthesepastorsmayserveas“staffpastors”(or“staffelders”),whileothersmaynotfunction

inapaid-staffrole(seePartVbelow).

8Acts20:28;1Peter5:1-5.Hereisonehelpfulwayofdefining“elders”fromGod’sWord:“Eldersarequalifiedmenwho,ascaringshepherds,fillanofficeofleadershipandoversightinthelocalchurch;onedefinedespeciallybytheworkofprayerandteachingGod’sWord.”(TakenfromasermontitledPastor-Elders:ServantsinLove–BiblicalEldership101,FeltonBibleChurch,January13,2019).

9Whatfollowsisnotafull-orbedtheologyofbiblicaleldership.Rather,itassumesanunderstandingof this ministry role as articulated in Scripture. In order to explore biblical eldership in greater detail,interestedpersonsshouldavailthemselvesofthefollowingresources:1)AstudyofGod’sWord–especiallythosepassageslistedinAppendix2;2)ThesermonseriesonbiblicaleldershippreachedatFBCduringJanuary-February2019;3)AlexanderStrauch,BiblicalEldership:AnUrgentCalltoRestoreBiblicalChurchLeadership;4)PhilA.NewtonandMattSchmucker,Elders intheLifeof theChurch:RediscoveringtheBiblicalModel forChurchLeadership.

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1. ThelordshipofJesusChristoverhischurch. Jesusistheheadofhisbody–itsKing,GreatShepherd,andChiefOverseer.10 Jesusexerciseshisministryof shepherdingand oversight through elders in each local congregation. Elders ought never topresumeuponthekinglyroleofChristJesusoverhispeople.

2. The leadership of the Holy Spirit. Before his crucifixion, Jesus promised that his

discipleswouldreceivefromGodthegiftoftheHolySpirit.TheHolySpirit–whoisGod,oneofthethreepersonsoftheGodhead–would,Jesussaid,“guideyouintoallthetruth.”11ItisevidentfromthewrittenaccountofJesus’churchinitsearliestdays(seeActsandtheEpistles)thatJesusmeansforhisunder-shepherds(elders)tolistento,andfollow,theleadingoftheHolySpirit.

3. Thenominationandaffirmationofelderswhomeetthequalificationsforserviceinthisoffice/ministry,asoutlinedin1Timothy3andTitus1.Eldersmustbemenqualifiedfortheirrole.12TheymustalsobemembersofFeltonBibleChurch.

4. Elders who lead and shepherd this body as a team of equals. While there will be

distinctionsofrolesandresponsibilitiesamongtheelders, theyare fundamentallyequalaspastorsofthischurch.

5. Elderswhoshepherdthebodywithanearnestheartforlovingservice.Theministryofan elder is not one of tyrannical domination. Rather, it is a ministry defined byenergeticconcernforJesus’sheepthatmanifestsitselfinadesiretoservetheflockinlove.13

6. ElderswhomakedecisionsbasedontheprincipleofSpirit-ledconsensus.“Consensus”doesnotimplyunanimityamongsttheelders.Itisalsonotamere50%+1majorityrule. Consensusrefers to thegeneral like-mindednessofpartiesresponsible foradecision, and to a sense of prevailing peace or contentednesswith respect to theSpirit’sleadinginaparticularissue.Consensusdecisionsallowforsomemeasureofdisagreement(especiallywithrespect tothedetailsofapolicy,orthe“how”ofanagreed upon “what”), but necessitates that all decision-makers can, in goodconscience,supportadecisionmade,eveniftheirpersonalpreferenceliesinanotherdirection.

7. Achurchbodythatwillinglysubmitstoitselders.ThereisnodoubtinScripturethatJesusmeansforeach localchurchtosubmitto itsGod-ordained,congregationally-

101Peter2:25;Col.1:18.

11John16:13.12FBCbelievesthatJesushasentrustedtheministryofelderstomeninthebodyofChrist. Foran

extendedconsiderationofthistruth,pleasereviewthesermontitledPastor-Elders:ServantsinLove–GenderandBeautifulComplementarity(preachedatFeltonBibleChurchonJanuary27,2019).

131Peter5:1-5.

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affirmedshepherds(elders).Alocalchurchcontinuesinits“responsiblevitality”(seeSectionII)asitsubmitstogodlyelderswhointurnsubmittoChrist.Intheend,Jesusistheheadoverallthingsinhisbody.14

B.RolesandResponsibilities

TheeldersofFBCundertaketheshepherdingleadershipofthiscongregation.TheywillbearresponsibilitybeforeGodforeveryaspectofFBC’sbody-life,withspecialemphasisoncaringforthepeopleofFBCintheirwalkafterChrist.15ThereisnoaspectofanyministryendeavorundertakenbyFBCthatliesoutsidethepastoralresponsibilityoftheelders.Thisdoes notmean that the elderswill themselves accomplish theministries of FBC. Rather, itbelongstothepeopleofFBC–asSpirit-indweltbeliever-priests–toaccomplishallofthevariousministriesthatGodgiftsusfor,callsusto,andprovidesusopportunitytopursue.Inparticular,itbelongstotheelderstodothefollowingforFBC:16

1. EnsurethebodyisnourishedfromGod’sWordthroughbiblicallyfaithfulpreachingandteachingthatisexpositoryinnature.

2. RegularlyprayforthepeopleofFBCandthevariousministriesofthechurch.

3. Watch over the church’s doctrine and theology, ensuring faithfulness to the truth

revealedinScripture.

4. GuardtheholinessofFBC’slifeandtestimony,especiallybyleadingthebodywithrespecttoanynecessarychurchdiscipline.

5. LeadFBCbyexampleinworship,regularlypointingFBCtothegloryofGodintimesofcorporategathering.

6. ProvideoverallleadershipanddirectiontoalltheministriesofFBC(seeSectionIV).Itwill be the special responsibility of the elders to think and pray “strategically,”consideringFBCasalocalchurch“onmission”fortheKingdomofGod.

7. Exemplify the lifeof redeemedsinnerswhoare steadilygrowing in thegraceandknowledgeoftheLordJesusChrist.

8. RepresentFBCtotheworldatlarge,andparticularlytootherlocalexpressionsofthechurch,ortolargergatheringsofJesus’people.

14Col.1:18;Hebrews13:17.15Hebrews13:7,17.

16Thisshouldnotbeconstruedasanall-inclusivelistofthevariousdutiesandresponsibilitiesthat

maybelongtotheelders.

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9. Identify the need for church staff; develop church staff job descriptions; presentcandidatestafftothecongregationforratificationandformalhiring.

C.Qualifications

In1Timothy3andTitus1, theHolySpirit, throughPaul,articulatesaclearsetofqualificationsforthosecalledtoserveaseldersinthelocalchurch.AllofFBC’seldersmustmeet these qualifications, as determined by the Spirit-led, wise application of the elderselectionprocess(seeSectionIII-Gbelow).Additionally,attheirdiscretion,forthesakeoflike-mindednessinministry,theeldersofFBCmayrequirethatprospectivefutureeldersadheretotheologicalandministerialconvictionscommonlyheldbytheCouncil;convictionsthatextendbeyondtheEvangelicalFreeChurchofAmerica’sStatementofFaith.TheCouncilmustarticulatesuchconvictions inwrittenformandmakethedocumentavailabletothecongregationasawhole.D.ChargesAgainstanElder,Disqualification,andDischargeforNon-DisqualifyingReasons

The FBC Council of Elders will investigate any credible charge against one of itsmembersthat,iftrue,woulddisqualifythemanfromministry.TheinvestigatingteamwillincludeoneortwoothermembersoftheCounciland,ifneeded,anappropriatenon-eldermemberofthebody.Ultimately,theCouncilwillnotrecognizeachargeagainstanelderas“legitimateandverified”unlessitissubstantiatedbyatleasttwoormorewitnesses.17Ifthechargeissubstantiated,theCouncilofElderswillproceedasoutlinedinthenextparagraph.

Ifanelderno longermeets thequalifications for thisministryrolehemusteitherremovehimselforberemovedfromtheoffice.Thisremovalmayhappeninoneoftwoways:

1. Theelder,inconversationwithhisfellowelders,arrivesatthedeterminationthathemuststepdown.Hedoessoviaaletterofresignation,coordinatedwiththeCouncilof Elders, and provided to the congregation as a whole. At the discretion of theCouncil, thespecificreasons forresignationmay,ormaynot,bearticulatedto thewholebody.

2. Intheeventthatanelderisrecalcitranttotheadmonitionthatheneedstostepdown,

ignoring biblically sound reasons for discontinuing his service in office, then themembership of FBC may remove him from the ministry of an elder. Upon therecommendationof theremainingelders, thecongregationofFBCwilldosoviaamajorityvoteofthosememberspresent.Inadditiontotheabove,theremaybetimeswhenanelder’sserviceinministryisno

longer advisable for reasonsother thandisqualificationper1Timothy3orTitus1. Forinstance,agivenelder, forreasonsotherthanobvioussin,mayfail toworkwellwithhis

17See1Timothy5:19 (Note:A “witness”maybehumanor “evidentiary”– i.e. someother formof

legitimate,non-humantestimonythatpertainstotheissueathand).

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brothersontheCouncil,orhiseffortsmayproveineffectiveinthebodyoveranextendedperiodof time.18Under suchcircumstances itwill likelybecomenecessary for theothereldersontheCounciltoaddresstheissue,followingthesameproceduresasoutlinedabove.

Finally,aneldermayalsovoluntarilystepbackfromactiveserviceforanynumberof

reasons unrelated to either disqualification or difficulties of the sort noted above. Forinstance,mattersofenergy,desire,medicalissues,employment,orfamilymaypointanelderawayfromactiveserviceontheCouncil(seeSectionIII.E-3,SpecialNote2below).E.StructureoftheCouncilThefollowingpointspertaintothestructureoftheCouncilofElders:

1. TheCouncilwillconsistofaminimumofthreemen.Untilthreequalifiedeldersareserving, the Council cannot rightly operate under the construct outlined in thisdocument. There is nomaximumnumber of elders. Rather, the total number ofelders at any given timewill depend on: 1) The size of the congregation and itscorrespondingneedforelders;2)Thenumberofqualifiedmenavailabletoserve;3)Thedictatesofwisdom–i.e.,intermsofeffectiveleadership,appropriateefficiency,flexibilityoforganization,etc.

2. TheCouncilwillconsistofbothstaffandnon-staffelders.StaffeldersarethoseelderspaidbyFBCasamatterofregularemployment(whetherfullorpart-time),orunpaidelders who otherwise need to be considered a part of the church staff (i.e., forinsurance purposes, oversight, etc.). As a matter of general practice, wheneverpossibletheproportionofstafftonon-staffeldersshouldbeeitherequalorweightedinfavorofthenon-staffelders.

3. Alloftheeldersserveanindefiniteterm,dependentonthecongregation’srecurringvalidationoftheirministry.Everythreeyears,theCouncilwillaskthecongregationforaformalreaffirmationofelderscurrentlyserving.ThiswillnormallytakeplaceduringtheJanuarycongregationalmeeting,thoughitmayoccuranytimeinthefirstquarteroftheyear(beginninginJanuary).Thisreaffirmationprocesswillinvolvethefollowing:

• Attheappointedmeeting,allmemberspresentwillreceiveaformthatlists

theelderscurrentlyserving,withspacetoaffirmorrejecttheircontinuedservice.Memberswillbeaskedtorespondtoeachnameintheaffirmativeorthenegative.Intheeventamemberbelievestheymustrejectanelder’scontinuedservice,heorshewillbeaskedtogiveareasonfortherejection(inwrittenform).Thememberwillthenaffixtheirnameandsignaturetotheform.TheChurchSecretary(seeSectionVI.A-3below)willcollectthe

18Thissortofcircumstancemayproveespeciallyapplicableonoccasiontostaffelders,particularly

thosehiredfromoutsidethebody.

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completed forms, review their contents, and provide the results to theCouncilofElders.19

• Foranyelderwhosecontinuedservicedoesnotreceiveaffirmationbyat

least75%ofthememberspresent,theremainingelderswilladdressthewrittenobjectionstotheman’sministryinaccordancewithSectionIII-Dabove. The same will be true for any elder against whom a credibledisqualifyingchargeismadeduringtheaffirmationprocess,whetherthemanisaffirmedby75%ofthemembershipornot.

• SpecialNote1:Becauseeldersserveanindefiniteterm,itisincumbenton

the Council to carefully monitor its members in terms of their energy,desire,ability,andmotivationforservice.TheCouncilmustguardagainstits members becoming “burned out.” Furthermore, the Council mustcontinuallyseektorefreshitself(asappropriate)withqualifiedmenfromthebody (seeSection III-Fbelow). TheCouncilmayrecommend to thecongregationappropriatesabbaticalperiodsforanyofitsmembers.20

• SpecialNote2:Ifaneldereverleavesactiveservicefornon-disqualifyingreasons, theCouncil shouldrecognize themanasan “inactiveelder,” solongashecontinuesina“qualified”status.Suchmencanprovidevaluableservicetothecongregation(andtheCouncil)inan“unofficial”capacity.

4. In general, the Council of Elders will apportion roles, responsibilities, and any

necessarytitledesignationsamongstitselfasitdeemsnecessary. Thesewillcomeaccordingtothegiftingsofeachindividualelderandtheneedsofthebodyasawhole.Whendescribinganindividualelder’sroleitmaybeappropriatetoutilizetheterm“Pastor”or“Pastorof(RoleDescription).”

5. NotwithstandingSectionIII-E-4above,theCouncilofElderswillincludethefollowingthreespecificpositions:

• ChairmanoftheCouncilofElders–ByapprobationoftheentireCouncilthis

elderwillserveastheCouncil’schairman.Inthisrolehewillestablishthe

19TheSecretarywill countas invalidany formcollectedwithout themember’snameaffixed. The

Secretarywillholdtheformsinconfidence(confidential)untilsuchatimeasitisappropriatetodisposeofthembyshredding(orsomeotherdestructivemethod).TheSecretarywillshareanyformsthatregisteranobjectionagainstanelderwiththeChairmanoftheCouncilofElders.Heinturnmaysharethedocument(s)asnecessarywithhisfellowelders,exceptingtheelder(s)againstwhomanobjectionisraised.Atnopointwillanelderbeshownaformonwhichamemberhasarticulatedtheirreasonsforobjectingtohisservice(Note:ThisdoesnotprecludetheChairmanorotherelderswithdiscussingthecontentsoftheform,includingtheidentityofthememberwhomadeanobjection,withtheelderinquestion,shouldtheydeemitappropriateandnecessaryinordertoresolvetheissue).IftheChairmanistheelderagainstwhomamemberraisesanobjection,thentheSecretarywillprovidetheformtoanotherappropriatememberoftheCouncil.

20SabbaticalperiodswillbewrittenintothehiringagreementforallofFBC’sstaffelders.

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agenda for,and lead,meetingsof theCouncil,21serveas theheadof themonthlyFBCMinistryMeeting(seeSectionIV.E),andserveasoneofthethreechurchofficersforFBC(seeSectionVI.A-1).22

• Pastor of Ministry Leadership 23 – The Pastor (or Elder) of Ministry

Leadershipservesthebodyintwoparticularways.First,heisprimarilyresponsibleforthepreachingandteachingministriesofFBC.Second,heoverseesandleadsthechurchstaffonbehalfoftheCouncil,andhegivesgeneraldailyoversightforthevariousministriesofFBC.24Itisincumbenton the Pastor of Ministry Leadership to ensure that he functions as arepresentative of the Council. 25 The Council of Elders will maintain a“PastorofMinistryLeadershipJobDescription.”

• SecretaryoftheCouncilofElders–ThesecretaryisamemberoftheCouncil

andmaintainsanaccurateandadequaterecordoftheCouncil’smeetingsandactions.26

F.TrainingofPotentialElders

ItistheresponsibilityoftheCouncilofElderstoidentifyanddisciplepotentialeldercandidates. To that end, the Council will establish a formal training process for theedificationofmenwhomightpotentiallybecalledintothisministry.G.ProcessforSelectingElders It istheresponsibilityoftheCouncilofElderstodiscernwhentheSpiritraisesuppotentialeldersatFBCandmakescleartheneedforthemtoserve.Whenthishappens,the

21 While one of the staff elders may actually formulate and produce the agenda, it will be the

responsibilityoftheChairmantoofficiallyintroduceandsettheagendaduringCouncilmeetings.

22TheChairmanwillnotserveasoneofthechurchofficersifheisalsoastaff-elder(seeSectionVI.A.1).

23 The Pastor of Ministry Leadership may serve as the Chairman of the Council when necessary.

Typically,itispreferablefortwoseparateelderstofilleachoftheseroles.

24Inhisrole,thePastorofMinistryLeadershipmaysuperviseoneormoreofhisfellowelderswhoarealsostaffmembers.Thisdoesnotinvalidatetheiressentialequalityaspastor-eldersofthebody.Consistentwiththevisionofthisdocument,theCouncilofEldersmaychangethisjobtitleastheydeemnecessary.

25Whenit isnecessaryorexpedientto identifyoneoftheeldersasthe“SeniorPastor”ofFBC,the

PastorofMinistryLeadershipwillfillthisrole.ThiscaveatdoesnotestablishhispreeminenceovertheothermembersoftheCouncilofElders.TheCouncilmayadoptatitledifferentthan“PastorofMinistryLeadership”wheneveritdeemsitnecessaryforthegoodofFBC.

26Thisisnotthesamepositionorroleasthesecretaryofthelegalnon-profitreligiousorganizationthatisFeltonBibleChurch(seeSectionVI).

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Councilwillleadthecongregationthroughaprocessofelderselectionthatwillinvolveatleastthefollowingsteps:27

1. Initial Evaluation– The Councilwill invite potential elders into a period of initialevaluation.ThisperiodwillinvolveaninterviewwithtwoormoremembersoftheCouncil,focusingonareasoftheologicalunderstanding,biblicalconvictions,viewofthechurch,andpersonallife(asper1Timothy3andTitus1).TheCouncilmaymakeuseofwhatevertoolsitdeemsappropriateinordertoaccomplishthisinterview(i.e.,pre-interviewquestionnaire,etc.).

2. PublicConsideration–Afterinitialevaluation,thepotentialelder(s)willenterintoa

periodofpublicconsideration.TheCouncilwillannouncetothecongregationthatamanisbeingconsideredforserviceasapastor-elderofFBC.Thisperiodofpublicconsiderationwillallowforthefollowing:

• Opportunity for anyone to raise a formal objection against a prospective

elder.AnysuchobjectionmustbeprovidedinwritingtotheChairmanoftheCouncilofElders,withthenameoftheobjectorattached.TheCouncilwill thendealwiththeobjectionasitdeemsappropriate. If theCouncilaffirms the objection and finds it substantive (i.e., pertinent to aman’ssuitedness forserviceasanelder), theCouncilwillwithdrawtheman’sname from consideration. At the Council’s discretion, they may do sowithoutanyformalannouncementsimplybychoosingnottoadvancethepotentialelder’snameontostep#3.

• Opportunityforapublicquestionandanswertime. TheCouncilofElderswillhostapublicquestionandanswer timewithallprospectiveelders.Thiswillbeanopportunity for thecongregation toaskquestionsof thepotentialelders.

3. Formal Vote – The FBCmembershipwill vote to affirm or reject potential elders

recommendedbytheCouncil.28

• Memberswillreceivearesponsesheetthatliststhepotentialelder(s)andprovidesspacetoaffirmorrejecteachperson.Thesheetwillrequirethemember’snameandwillnotbevalidwithoutit.

27ThesestepsmaybemodifiedsomewhatwhenFBChiresastaff-elderfromoutsideitsmembership.

Insuchcases,thehiringprocessestablishedbytheCouncilshouldaccomplishthesamebasicstepsoutlinedhere.

28 The Council may make provision for absentee voting as it sees fit – i.e., particularly (but notexclusively) for shut-ins, those absent formedical reasons, or the like. When absentee voting applies, theCouncilmustnotifythecongregationasawhole.

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• Intheeventamemberbelievesheorshemustrejectapotentialelder,heorshewillbeaskedtogiveareasonfortherejection(inwrittenform).

• Foraneldertoservehemustbeaffirmedbyatleast75%ofthemembers

presentwhenthevoteistaken.

• With at least two-weeks notice the Council of Elders, after dueconsideration,mayresubmittothecongregationthenameofanypotentialelderwhodoesnotreceivetheaffirmationofatleast75%ofthememberspresentatavote.

• Ifaman isnotaffirmedasecond time,he isnoteligible forsubsequent

presentationbytheCouncilforatleastoneyear.

4. Installation – Once affirmed, a new elder will be formally “installed” in his officeduringaservice(orportionofaservice).ThisinstallationmaytakewhateverformtheCouncildeemsmostappropriate.Thegoalsofaformalinstallationareatleastthefollowing:1)GlorifyGodwiththanksforthepastoralleadershipthathehasraisedup;2)Publiclyrecognizeanewelder’sformalshepherdingrole;3)PrayfortheelderinquestionandforFBCasabody.

H.ElderMeetingsThefollowingpointspertaintomeetingsoftheCouncil:

1. TheCouncilofElderswillmeetatleastoncemonthlyinanofficialcapacity.Theymayalsomeetmorefrequentlyasneeded.ItwillbetheresponsibilityoftheChairmantosetthedateandtimeofofficialmeetings.TheCouncilwillinformthecongregationastothedateandtimeofofficialmeetingsviaanycommunicationmediumitdeemsappropriate.

2. OfficialmeetingsoftheCouncilwillconsistofthefollowing:

• Intentional time in God’sWord via an appropriate devotional or othermeditationonScripture.

• Extendedtimeinprayertogether,withaspecialfocusontheneedsofFBC

anditsmembers.• Asneeded,apublicportionofthemeetingopentoanymemberofFBC.29

ThistimewillbereservedforthoseamongthebodywhowishtointeractwiththeCouncilasawhole.30

29Theeldersmayalsoallowparticipationinthisportionofthemeetingtoanynon-member.

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• Agenda items,with a special focus on the needs of individuals/families

within FBC, and/or those items dealing with doctrinal and theologicalissuesfacingthechurch.

• AgendaitemsaddressingongoingministryactivitiesofFBCandthework

ofthechurchstaff.• Agendaitemsdealingwithchurchpolicyoradministrativeissues(Note:It

is important to guard against such items unduly stealing the Council’sattention away from areas more immediately tied to the directshepherdingofpeople).

3. Theelderswillgatherunofficiallyonaregularbasisfortimesofpersonalconnection,

accountability,andprayertogether. ThesemeetingswilloccuratthediscretionoftheCouncil.

4. Theeldersmayalsomeetonan“ad-hoc”oremergencybasis. Thesemeetingswilloccur at the request of the Chairman, or when two or more elders deem such ameetingnecessary.TheCouncilneednotnotifythecongregationinadvanceofad-hocmeetings.

5. Annually, theCouncilofElderswillholdaPastoralRetreat. Thiswillbea timeofspecialandfocusedprayer,study,anddiscussion.ItwillbetheresponsibilityoftheChairmanoradesigneeoftheCounciltocoordinatethisretreat.

IV.FeltonBibleChurchMinistryTeamsA.GeneralDiscussion:

FBC iscommitted tostructuring itself inawaythatmakesusreadilyavailable forKingdomwork;efficientandabletorespondtothegiftsandopportunitiestheSpiritbringstous.Webelieve,consistentwithGod’sWord,inthe“priesthoodofallbelievers”;thetruththattheSpiritequipseachandeveryfollowerofJesusforGospelministryinthisworld.Weintendtheteamsoutlinedhereaswisestructurespurposedtofacilitateeffectivebeliever-priestministry.

FBCwillbeservedbythreebasictypesofministryteam:1)OrganizationalMinistryTeams31;2)Long-TermMinistryTeams;3)Short-Term(AdHoc)MinistryTeams.

30Atitsdiscretion,theCouncilmaykeepotherportionsofitsofficialmeetingsclosedtonon-elders.31WiththeexceptionoftheTreasurer/FinanceTeam-Lead,theeldersmayconsideranymemberor

appropriate non-member of FBC for service on an OrganizationalMinistry Team. The Treasurer/FinanceTeam-LeadmustbeamemberofFeltonBibleChurch.

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B.OrganizationalMinistryTeams:

Organizational Ministry Teams are teams necessary to the organizational life andhealthofFBC.TheirministriesareanassumedpartofFBC’sbodylifeinperpetuity. ThefollowingpointspertaintoFBC’sOrganizationalMinistryTeams:

1. Foreachteam,theCouncilofElderswillrecommendateam-leadtothecongregationfor ratification. This will occur during one of the two mandated congregationalmeetingseachyear.Team-leadswillserveatermof3years,withtheoption(uponrecommendationbytheelders)forasecondconsecutiveterm.Afterasecondterm,Organizational Ministry Team-Leads must enjoy a sabbatical of at least one yearbeforetheyareeligibleagainforsuchservice.

• Under extraordinary circumstances, with the recommendation of theCouncilofElders,thecongregationmaywaivethesabbaticalrequirement.

2. Organizational Team-Leads may in turn seek out team members as they see fit,

consistentwiththisdocument.AnyoneservingonanOrganizationalMinistryTeam(menandwomen)mustmeetthecharacterrequirementsforadeaconasarticulatedin1Timothy3:8-13.32Theteam-leadwillkeeptheCouncilofEldersadvisedastoindividualsservingwiththem.

3. The Council of Elders may suspend an Organizational Ministry Team Leader forreasonsofsinorineffectivenessandsubsequentlyappointaninterimteam-lead.Ifrehabilitation/reinstatementoftheoriginalteam-leadisnotpossible,theCouncilwillrequesttheteam-lead’sresignation. Iftheteam-leadrefusestoresign,theCouncilwill then recommend to the congregation a permanent removal of the person inquestion.

ThefollowingorganizationalteamswillserveFBC:

1. FinanceTeam–TheFBCTreasurerwillserveastheteam-leadfortheFinanceTeam.Theteamwillconsist,ataminimum,oftheTreasurerandonenon-staffelder.33TheFinanceTeamwillundertakethefollowduties:

32ThisdoesnotimplythatFeltonBibleChurchnecessarilyviewssuchindividualsasfillingtheNew

Testamentofficeof“deacon”(seeActs6:1-6;1Timothy3:8-13).SuchadeterminationawaitsthedecisionofaninitialCouncilofEldersabouthowFBCshouldunderstand,recognize,andemploytheofficeofdeacon.ThepointhereissimplytoaffirmthatFBCrequiresthecharacterqualitiesofadeaconamongstthosewhowillserveinthiscapacity.

33 Except in extraordinary circumstances, an elder should not serve as the Treasurer. In nocircumstancewillastaffelderserveinthiscapacity.

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• OverseeandmanageFBC’s financial accounts andassets. This includescollecting and accurately recording all offerings and reviewing theproprietyandappropriatenessofchurchexpenditures.

• Coordinatetheannualbudgetingprocessandpresentaproposedbudget

totheCouncilofEldersforreview.Subsequenttoanynecessarychanges,theCouncilwillthenpresentthebudgettothecongregationforapproval.

• KeeptheCouncilofEldersandFBCministryteamsapprisedof financial

needsandthestatusofongoingbudgetexecution.• Asneeded,incoordinationwiththeCouncilofElders,reclassifydesignated

funds/gifts ifapreviousclassificationisno longerconsistentwithFBC’sneedsorvision.Allfunddesignationsareadvisoryratherthanmandatoryinnature.

• In coordination with the Council of Elders and, when appropriate, the

various ministry teams, transfer monies between accounts or fundsconsistentwiththeneedsofFBC.

• In coordination with the Council of Elders (particularly the non-staff

elders),manageandoverseestaffcompensation.• ProvidethemembershipofFBCayear-endreportonthechurch’sincome

expenditures.

• Filenecessarystateandfederaldocuments.

• DistributeannualcharitablegivingrecordstotheFBCcongregationintimeforthefilingoftaxreturns.

• Addressanyotherfinancialmattersasdescribedinthepolicymanualor

subsequentdocumentation.

2. FacilitiesStewardshipTeam–TheFacilitiesStewardshipTeambearsresponsibilityforFBC’sphysicalcampus–itsuse,upkeep,security,andrelatedissues(i.e.suchasinsurance). Ataminimum,theFacilitiesStewardshipTeamwillconsistofateam-leadandtheChurchOfficeManager.TheFacilitiesStewardshipTeamwillundertakethefollowingduties:

• EnsurethemaintenanceandupkeepofFBC’sfacilities,vehicles,andother

churchproperty.

• ManagetheuseofFBC’sphysicalspace, inkeepingwithelder-approvedfacilityusepolicies.

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• Work toward the physical security of FBC, especially during worship

servicesorothertimesoflargegatherings.

• ArrangefornecessaryinsurancecoveragepertinenttoFBC’sfacilitiesandvehicles.

• In consultation with the elders and the congregation (as appropriate),

pursuecapitalimprovementsofFBC’sfacilities.

3. HelpsMinistryTeam–TheHelpsMinistryTeamgivesattentiontovariouspersonalphysicalneedsoftheflockatFBC.Ataminimumtheteamwillconsistofateam-leadandoneadditionaldeacon-qualifiedindividual.TheHelpsMinistryTeamwillworktowardthefollowing:

• Administerthebenevolencefundaccordingtoelder-approvedpoliciesand

procedures.34

• CoordinateSundaymorningrefreshments(asappropriateandavailable)andtheFirstSundayMeal.

• CoordinateCommunion(Lord’sSupper)preparations.

• Whentheneedarises,coordinatemealtrainsforindividualsorfamiliesin

theFBCcongregation.35

• Overseetheministryofushersand/orgreetersduringworshipservicesorotherpertinentgatherings.

• Coordinateplansandarrangementsforweddingsormemorials,inkeeping

withelder-approvedguidelines.

• Maintain a current list of FBC people needing encouragement throughvisitation,particularlypastoralvisitation,duetoillness,injury,age,oranyotherdebilitatingcondition.

34Thismayoccurinconjunctionwith,orthethroughtheeffortsof,achurchstaffmember.

35ThismayoccurinconjunctionwiththeChurchOfficeManager.

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C.Long-TermMinistryTeams:

Long-Term Ministry Teams (as outlined below) are teams formed to accomplishongoingministriesofFBC,accordingtothegiftsandopportunitiestheSpiritbringstous.36ThefollowingpointsapplytoLong-TermMinistryTeams:37

1. ALong-TermMinistryTeammustbecharteredbytheCouncilofElders,pursuantto

thegiftsandopportunitiesopenedby Jesus forFBC. Uponcharter, theCouncilofElderswillappointateamleadandapproveadocumentthatdescribesthepurpose,duties,andauthoritiesoftheteam.

2. ThereisnotermlimitforLong-TermMinistryTeamleaders.Atthediscretionofthe

CouncilofElders,solongastheyremaingifted,effective,qualified(seebelow),andableintheirministryrole,teamleadersmaycontinuetoserve.TheCouncilofEldersmayremoveateam-leadatanytime.

3. Long-Term Ministry Team leaders (or other team members) should feel free todiscontinuetheirservicewhentheLordmakesitclearthattheyoughttodoso–i.e.forreasonsofhealth,ability,familyneeds,desire,etc.Inotherwords,thelackofatermlimitdoesnotmeananindefinitecommitmenttoserveinthesamecapacity.ItistheresponsibilityoftheCouncilofElderstomonitortheneedsoftheLong-TermMinistryTeampersonnelandtohelpthemavoidneedlessburn-out.

4. Team-leadsmayinturnseekoutteammembersastheyseefit,consistentwiththis

document.AnyoneservingonaLong-TermMinistryTeam(menandwomen)mustmeetthecharacterrequirementsforadeaconasarticulatedin1Timothy3:8-13.38Theteam-leadwillkeeptheCouncilofEldersadvisedastoindividualsservingwiththem.

5. TheCouncilofEldersmayassignoneormoreelderstoanyoftheLong-TermMinistry

Teamsasa“member-at-large.”

6. Thecongregationwillratifyboththeexistenceofeachteam,anditsteam-lead,duringoneofthetwocongregationalmeetingseachyear.

7. TheCouncilofElderswilldiscontinueaLong-TermMinistryTeamwhenitsexistence

nolongercoincideswiththegiftsandopportunitiesgiventousbyGod.

36A“team”existswhentwoormorepeoplejoininpursuitofaparticularministrygoal.

37As of 2019, probable Long-TermMinistryTeams at FBC include the following:WorldOutreach,Men’sMinistry,Women’sMinistry,Music,SeniorAdults(Prime-Timers),Children’sMinistry,YouthMinistry,AWANA,InformationTechnology,andSecurity.Wheninstalled,oneoftheearlytasksfacingFBC’sfirstCouncilofElderswillbetherecognitionandformalcharteringoftheseLong-TermMinistryTeams.

38Seefootnote#32.

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D.ShortTerm(AdHoc)MinistryTeams:

Short-Term(AdHoc)MinistryTeamsareformulatedforaspecific,defined,andlimitedpurpose,witha limited life-span. Asnecessary, theCouncil ofEldersor team-leadsmaychartersuchshort-termteams.TheCouncilofEldersmustbeinformedofanyShort-TermMinistryTeamwhichtheydonotdirectlycharter.E.MonthlyMeeting:

OnamonthlybasistheChairmanoftheCouncilofElderswillconveneanFBCMinistryMeeting.ThismeetingwillbringtogetheralloftherecognizedministriesatFBCinordertoaccomplishthefollowing:39

1. PrayoverandforthevariousministriesofFBC.

2. Shareupdateswithoneanother,andwiththeelders,aboutongoingministryefforts–needs,joys,challenges,struggles,etc.

3. Coordinateeffortsacrossthebodyandundertakeanynecessaryjointplanning.

4. ReceiveanupdatefromtheFinanceTeamastoprogressonbudgetexecution.5. Receiveinputfromtheelders.

ThismonthlymeetingwillbeopentoallmembersorregularattendersofFBC.The

Chairmanof theCouncilofEldersmaysetparametersonparticipationby thosewhoarepresentapartfromdirectinvolvementina“recognized”ministry.V.FeltonBibleChurchStaffMembersA.GeneralDiscussion:

FeltonBibleChurchdeemsitwiseandhelpfultoaccomplishaportionofourministryeffortsthroughthelaborofaregularchurchstaff.Churchstaffmembersaretypicallypaidemployeesofthecongregationasawhole.40TheyserveunderthedirectionandleadershipoftheCouncilofElders.Eachstaffpositionwillhaveawrittenjobdescriptionapprovedbythe Council of Elders and ratified by the congregation. The Council may modify thisdescriptionwhennecessaryinordertomeettheneedsofFBC.Anymodificationsmustberatifiedbythecongregationatthenextcongregationalmeeting.Additionally,theCouncilof

39 A “recognized” ministry is one affirmed by the elders as an undertaking of FBC as a church.

RecognizedministrieswillincludeallOrganizationalMinistryTeams,Long-TermMinistryTeams,Short-TermMinistryTeams,andanyindividualeffortsthattheeldershaveidentifiedasrepresentativeofFBCasawhole.

40Thisdoesnotprecludethepossibilityofanunpaidchurchstaffmember.

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Elders may also propose new staff positions for congregational consideration andratification.41B.ManagementandSupervision:

It is the responsibility of the Pastor of Ministry Leadership to exercise dailymanagementandoversightofthechurchstaff.ThePastorofMinistryLeadershipwillreferanysignificantissuesofdisciplineorworkperformancetotheentireCouncilofElders.

TheCouncilofElderswillmakeongoingevaluationofstaffmembers’effortsapartofitsofficialmonthlymeeting.C.AnnualEvaluation:

TheCouncilofElderswillcraftandpublishproceduresforprovidingeachchurchstaffmemberwith awritten annual evaluation. This evaluationwill becomepart of the staffmember’spermanentpersonnelrecordatFBC.Inthecaseofstaffelders,oneormorenon-staffelderswillaccomplishtheannualevaluation.Consistentwiththepublishedprocedures,theCouncilmayrequesttheinvolvementorinputofappropriateFBCmembersinthestaffevaluationprocess.VI.FeltonBibleChurchOfficersA.GeneralDiscussion:

The “officers” of FeltonBible Church serve a legal function based on the church’sstatus as a non-profit religious organization. The officers of FBC carry no pastoral orleadershipauthorityexcept for thatdescribedelsewhere in thisdocument,or in theFBCConstitutionandBylawsasappropriate.Thechurchofficersareasfollows:

1. Chairman (of the Legal Entity FBC)– The Chairman of the Council of Elderswillusually serve concurrently as the legal “chairman” of the non-profit religiousorganizationthatisFBC.Atnotimewillastaff-elderserveinthiscapacity.Thus,duringanyperiod inwhichastaff-elderservesas theChairmanof theCouncilofElders, oneofhisnon-staff counterpartswillbeappointed (by theelders)as thechairman of the legal entity that is FBC. Such an appointment will requireratificationbythecongregationduringameetingofthechurchmembership.

41TheCouncilofEldersmayapprovethehireofnon-staffemployeesforlimitedpurposes,suchasa

paidpart-timenurserycareworker.TheCouncilmustnotifythecongregationofsuchdecisions(viawhatevermeansitdeemsappropriate),butcongregationalapprovalisnototherwisenecessary.

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2. Treasurer–TheFBCTreasurerwillserveasthetreasurerofthenon-profitreligiousorganizationthatisFBC.

3. CorporateSecretary–TheCouncilofElderswillrecommendtothecongregation(forratificationandelection)amember(whoisnotanelder)withthecharacterqualitiesofadeacontoserveasthesecretaryofthenon-profitreligiousorganizationthatisFBC.Thesecretarywillfunctionasanofficerofthechurch,andwillaccomplishthefollowingduties:

• Keep,orcausetobekept,anaccuraterecordofproceedingsatthemonthly

FBCMinistryMeetingandatanyofficialcongregationalmeetings.

• MaintainanaccuraterecordofFBCmembers.

• Record,byyearandname,births,deaths,andbaptismspertinenttoFBC.Whenbaptismsoccur,thesecretarywillensurethatthebaptizedpersonreceives a certificate (or other appropriatememorializing document ortoken)fromthechurchnotingtheevent.

• Keep,orcausetobekept,acurrentcopyofthisdocument(whileinforce),

theFBCConstitution,andtheFBCBylawsatthechurch’sprincipalofficeintheStateofCalifornia.

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AppendixOne:FBCMinistryStructureDiagram

1. Solidarrowsindicatelinesofshepherdingauthority.

2. Dashedarrowsindicatelinesofleadershipoversight.

3. ThecongregationallifeofFeltonBibleChurchisthereality(themilieu)inwhichthisentirestructureexists.

CouncilofElders(Pastors)

Short-TermMinistry Teams

Long-TermMinistry Teams

OrganizationalMinistry Teams

PastorofMinistryLeadership

ChurchStaff

CongregationofFeltonBibleChurch

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AppendixTwo:PassagesRelatedto“Elder,”“Overseer,”“Pastor”

John21:15-17*Acts11:30Acts14:23Acts15Acts16:4Acts20:17-38(especiallyvs.17,28-31,35)Acts21:17-261Thessalonians5:12-13*1Timothy3:1-71Timothy5:17-201Timothy6:2b-10*2Timothy2:2;24-26*2Timothy4:1-5*Titus1:5-9Ephesians4:11Philippians1:1Hebrews13:7,17*,24James5:14-151Peter5:1-52John13John1Revelation4:4,10Revelation5:5-6,8,11,14Revelation7:11,13Revelation11:16Revelation14:3Revelation19:4*Thesepassagesdonot specificallyemploy the term“elder,” “overseer,”or “pastor,”butappearnoteworthyforthewayinwhichtheyrelatetotheministryoftheelder-overseeroffice.AlexanderStrauch’sBiblicalEldership:AnUrgentCalltoRestoreBiblicalChurchLeadership(especiallypages104,107-108)helpedinthecompilingofthislist.