The role of Elder at Passion Community Church is an important role that cannot and should not be taken lightly.  The elder is a leader in the church.  It is a divinely appointed office that is held by individuals who are able to teach sound doctrine, refute error, be of good reputation, having believing children, who manage their households well, etc.  The elder should not be in office if he is unable to fulfill the requirements of the office and he should not be chosen because he is a popular figure in the local church.  The church as well as the prospective candidate needs to take the office of elder very seriously and it needs to put the elder to the test according to the guidelines of scripture.  If he is not qualified, he should not be an elder.

In accordance with Scriptures some of the duties of an elder are below.  This is not meant to be a complete list but merely guidance from scripture of what the position includes.

• 1)     They are to care for the church in humility. (1 Peter 5:1-4).
• 2)     They are to care to the spiritual life of the flock. (Hebrews 13:17).
• 3)     They are to spend their time in prayer and teaching the word. (Acts 6:2-4). 
• 4)     They are to settle disputes in the church.  (Acts 15:2,6,22-29;16:4).
• 5)     They are called to pray for the sick.  (James 5:14).

• Must be above reproach (Elders - Titus 1:6; Bishop - 1 Tim. 3:2)
  
• Is there anything in their walk that keeps them from this description?
  
• Husband of one wife (Elders - Titus 1:6; Bishop - 1 Tim. 3:2).
  
• Household must be in order with children who believe (Titus 1:6 ;1 Tim. 3:4).
  
• Not a new convert (1 Tim. 3:6).
  
• Self controlled and temperate (Titus 1:7; 1 Tim. 3:2).
  
• Honorable, hospitable, seeking good (Titus 1:7).
  
• Have a good reputation (1 Tim. 3:7).
  
• Not addicted to wine (1 Tim. 3:3).
  
• Not greedy (1 Tim. 3:3).
  
• Able to exhort (teach) sound doctrine (Titus 1:9; 1 Tim. 3:2).
  
• Able to refute false teaching (Titus 1:9).
  
• They must be ready to earn their own living if necessary (Acts 20:17,33-35).

To fully designate the appropriate leadership of the elder. Each candidate should be understood completely by the rest of the leadership team to assure that he is actually called to the position of elder and can be appropriately used in that position.  This can be defined or accomplished by the leadership team talking and understanding the gifts that God has granted each elder.  In addition each elder should have a full recognition of his own gifts.  This designation should be completed by the Pastor and candidate prior to submission to the Church to vote upon. The leadership team can be responsible for this action in addition to the Pastor.  Prayer and confirmation should be sought at every step of this process but no candidate will be confirmed by the congregation until appropriate prayer and approval from God is deemed received by the established leadership team and Pastor.  

Once the above steps have been completed the candidate for elder will be voted upon by the congregation.  This process occurs after a one month time period for the congregation to be able to ask questions and seek the qualifications of the candidate for the position of Elder.  

If a majority of votes confirm the selection of elder then at a later date the elder will be confirmed by the laying on of hands during a church service by the Pastor and other elders.  This will signify the final step in confirming the candidate into eldership at Passion Community Church.  

Jason Moore

Chas Pierce

Paul Long