Community Church of Greensburg/Batesville (CCGB) Board of Elders Elder Application Packet 1 Page
Elder Application Packet Table of Contents Description Page # Letter of Greeting 3 of 13 CCGB Statement of Faith 4 of 13 Vision & Mission 5 of 13 CCGB Government 6 of 13 Baptism & Communion 7 of 13 Biblical Qualifications for Spiritual Leaders 8 of 13 A Separated Life 9, 10 of 13 Characteristics of an Effective Team 11 of 13 Information Sheet 12, 13 of 13 2 Page
Community Church of Greensburg/Batesville Dear Elder Candidate, Board of Elders Thank you for your willingness to be considered for service on the Board of Elders at Community Church of Greensburg/Batesville (CCGB). We encourage you to prayerfully consider this opportunity and review the enclosed contents of the Elder Application Packet and CC Policy Manual before responding either way. We would also encourage you to study the Biblical qualifications for Elders described in I Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, and other scriptures which reference leading, governing, and serving. As you search God s will in this situation, please include input from your wife and children (as appropriate). We recognize that a lot of prayer, self-examination and soul searching will go into your final decision. While the gravity of the situation demands it, the servant s response to God s call is still simply Here am I, use me Regardless of your final decision, we want to thank you again for taking the time and effort to consider serving CCGB in this capacity. We know that this process of searching helps to reveal and clarify our individual gifts and suited areas of service. May God s answer be evident to us all. Thanks and God bless your decision! Prayerful yours, The Board of Elders Community Church of Greensburg/Batesville 3 Page
CCGB Statement of Faith We believe: 1. The Bible as the inspired, infallible Word of God; the final authority in all matters of faith and conduct. 2. One God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 3. Jesus Christ, His deity, virgin birth, sinless life, vicarious death, burial and bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father and His personal future return in power and glory. 4. The sinfulness of man and salvation only by grace through faith in the shed blood of Christ. 5. The present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life. 6. The resurrection of the dead, the believer to life everlasting and the unbeliever to the resurrection of judgment. 7. The church as the body of Christ, for which He will return, as composed of all who have accepted the redemption provided in Him. Churches have historically been divided by focusing on minor areas of doctrine. It is our desire to make a strong evangelical statement of faith that allows for differences in minor doctrines. This gives freedom to build unity on the above doctrines. 4 Page
Vision & Mission Vision: Creating a Community where ALL people can connect to God s Story Mission: To be a church committed to making disciples who make disciple by growing a network of reproducing churches, campuses, and communities committed to reaching the 89% of people in our region that are unchurched and likely live outside of a relationship with Christ 5 Page
CCGB Government CCGB has a representative form of government as compared to the more traditional congregational style. A Board of Elders acts as overseers and representatives of the congregation and is accountable to the people and to Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church. By comparison, the congregational system involves election of officers by the people, with congregational meetings where the entire membership votes on issues and policy. This is based more on the structure of the U.S. government than on Scripture. We believe the Bible patterns a representative form of church government. The Board of Elders at CC is self-perpetuating, selecting their own replacements to three year terms of office, based on qualifications in 1Timothy 3 and Titus 1. The Board of Elders is responsible to clarify the vision and mission of CCGB through prayerful decisions regarding policy and philosophy of ministry. Congregational meetings are held to discuss and receive input on major decisions such as hiring of pastors, or property or building purchases. Elders are to be available for consultation, suggestions, or problem solving. 6 Page
Baptism & Communion Baptism: We participate in the believer s baptism (subsequent to conversion) as an outward sign of an inner work of grace. It is a witness to the world, of Jesus Christ and His Body, the Church. We do not practice infant baptism, but encourage Christian parents to dedicate their children to the Lord and themselves to their training during appointed dedication services. Communion: CCGB celebrates an open communion; all believers who are living in an obedient relationship to Jesus Christ are invited to participate (1 Corinthians 11:23-32). Communion generally is served each Sunday and at designated holiday services. 7 Page
Biblical Qualification for Elders 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9 and 2 Corinthians 6:17, 7:1 As Elders, we are our brothers keepers and want to avoid even the appearance of sin for the sake of guarding the flock that God has entrusted to us. Biblically we look at the ideal. Few, if any, measure up completely. Imperfections should not totally disqualify one for service. Any areas of weakness should be considered areas for growth and development. PERSONAL QUALITIES 1. Love Love is the greatest of all seems that we need some words around this one. 2. Above reproach against whom no moral criticism can be made. 3. Temperate possessing a stable perspective on life. 4. Respectable having a well-adjusted life according to His Word. 5. Not given to wine not addicted to anything that is controlling one s life. 6. Not self-willed not always having to have one s own way, capable of supporting the will of the majority when out voted (interdependent). 7. Not quick-tempered in control of one s temperament holding no resentments. 8. Gentle mild-mannered reflecting meekness, forbearance and kindness. 9. Free from the love of money seeking first the kingdom of heaven and His righteousness. 10. Love that which is good desiring to associate oneself with truth, honor and integrity. 11. Devout able to make objective decisions and be honest in relationships with people. 12. Not a new convert one who is in the process of continual growth in disciplined Christian living. 13. Be separate seeks holiness and cleanse yourself from all defilements of the flesh and spirit. INTERPERSONAL QUALITIES 1. Prudent having a correct view of oneself in relationship to other Christians. 2. Hospitable using one s home as a means to minister to other members of the body of Christ as well as to non-christians. 3. Able to teach (does not refer to the gift of teaching) able to communicate the Word of God to others in a non-argumentative manner. 4. Not pugnacious never strikes out physically at others because of angry feelings. 5. Uncontentious does not take the opposite point of view to stir up arguments and destroy the unity of the group. 6. A good reputation with those outside the church having the respect of unbelievers even if they disagree with your point of view. 7. Just able to make objective decisions and be honest in relationships with people. FAMILY QUALITIES 1. Husband of one wife a loyal husband, preserving marriage in all its purity (if unmarried: handling one s sexual urges properly may want to reword this ). 2. One who manages his own household well having the love and respect of one s wife and children seeing them respond to God and His claims upon their lives. 8 Page
A Separated Life Serving as an elder or another leader in the church is a serious matter. If considered as Biblical principles, those outlined in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 raise a high standard. The very first suggests the quality of person holding such an office, above reproach (against whom no moral criticism can be made). Who should be considered for leadership within the church? In an effort to define the type of person who should be considered for leadership, certain lifestyle choices, behavioral habits, or sins could be listed. This method of selection though might be considered inadequate, because at what point would the list end? In John 8:7, Jesus advanced an important principle with the statement If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone. Possibly as equally inadequate, would be to ask a person to give up certain practices in their life in order to become a part of the leadership in the church. Therefore come out from them and be separated, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. II Corinthians 6:17 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. I Corinthians 6:19-20 For those being considered for leadership, some basic questions should be asked of oneself: a) What is my motivation for entering into the leadership of the church? So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31 b) Am I pursuing leadership because of items I wish to change to my own liking or, is it because the Lord is drawing me into leadership for purposes He wishes to accomplish through me? c) What direction has the development of my character taken? It has been written; Christian character is the force of a man s moral constitution, his pattern of behavior which is a result of his right choices, as influenced and developed by the Holy Spirit. Conduct is character in action. Our character is the way we are morally; our reputation is the way we are perceived. Out of our thoughts are born deeds. Out of our deeds we develop habits. Out of our habits grow our character. On our character we build our destiny. Practical experience and good examples are indispensable helps in forming a noble character. Money, examples, talents and temperament may be inherited, but not character. It is built. 9 Page
A final consideration. Leadership within the church is not something to be entered into lightly. However, overanalysis of one s life may lead to a sense of never being good enough. The fact is, none of us are good enough within ourselves to do the Lord s work. A balance must be struck between what may be envisioned as the perfect leader and the person who approaches leadership with the attitude Here I am Lord, use me. We must guard that nothing in our lives ever distract from our usefulness and effectiveness for the kingdom. Wherefore, come out from among them and be ye separate God still calls people who are willing to be different to serve Him and to build His church. 10 Page
Characteristics of an Effective Team 1. Clear Purpose The vision, mission, goal, or task of the team has been defined and is now accepted by everyone. There is an action plan. 2. Informality The climate tends to be informal, comfortable, and relaxed. There are no obvious tensions, or signs of boredom. 3. Participation There is much discussion and everyone is encouraged to participate. 4. Listening The members use effective listening techniques such as questioning, paraphrasing, and summarizing to get out ideas. 5. Civilized Disagreement There may be disagreement, but the team is comfortable with this and shows no signs of avoiding, smoothing over, or suppressing conflict. 6. Consensus Decisions For important decisions, the goal is substantial but not necessarily unanimous agreement through open discussion of everyone s ideas, avoidance of formal voting, or easy compromises. 7. Open Communication Team members are free to express their views on the tasks as well as on the group s operation. There are few hidden agendas. Communication takes place outside of meetings. 8. Clear Roles and Work Assignments There are clear expectations about the roles played by each team member. When action is taken, clear assignments are made, accepted, and carried out. Work is fairly distributed among team members. 9. Shared Leadership While the team has a formal leader, leadership functions shift from time to time depending upon the circumstances, the needs of the group, and the skills of the members. The formal leader models the appropriate behavior and helps establish positive norms. 10. External Relations The teams spends time developing key outside relationships, mobilizing resources, and building credibility with important players in other parts of the organization. 11. Style Diversity The team has a broad spectrum of team-player types including members who emphasize attention to task, goal setting, focus on process, and questions about how the team is functioning. 12. Self-Assessment Periodically, the team stops to examine how well it is functioning and what may be interfering with its effectiveness. 11 Page
Community Church of Greensburg/Batesville Board of Elders --Information Sheet Page 1 of 2 (For men being considered for ministry on the Board of Elders) Name: Home Phone: Date of Birth: Reborn (year): CCGB Member since: Indicate which of the following ministries or activities have you served or participated in at CCGB. (Circle those areas where you have served in a leadership capacity.) Elder Sunday School Missions Men s Ministry Discipleship Training (level completed: ) Biblical Problem Solving Small Groups Student Ministry Guest Services Nursery Others (list) What other positions of Christian, business, or civic leadership have you held in the past or presently hold? Describe your present work-related responsibilities: Do you perceive yourself to have the gift of ruling or governing as described in Romans 12:8? What other evidence of that gift in your life can you cite? Do you accept the Biblical qualifications for Spiritual leaders as found in 1Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9? Do you know and support the doctrinal positions, ministry philosophy, and activities at CCGB? Are you committed to support CCGB through faithful prayer, attendance, and giving? Will you commit to a three (3) year term of working together with other Elders and the pastoral staff to actively serve CCGB through the monthly board meetings and regular informal meetings? 12 Page
--Information Sheet Page 2 of 2 Do you believe you can effectively balance the responsibilities to your family, your work, as well as this leadership position in the church? Does your family agree with and support this belief? Do you accept and will you commit to live a separated lifestyle as outlined in the CCGB document on that topic? Please use the following space for any other information or comments you believe pertain to your consideration to the Board of Elders: Signed: Dated: 13 Page