PROSPECTIVE ELDER PROFILE Overview Elders are called to serve and provide spiritual protection for the Church body and are accountable to the Church membership. The responsibility of Elders includes providing overall leadership to the Church in prayer, the ministry of the Word, and pastoral care. They are to set the example for all Church members by their obedience to the mission of Christ and His Church (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 6:3-4; 20:28-31; 1 Cor. 4:14-16; 1 Tim. 3:2, 5:17; Heb. 13:7, 17; 1 Pet. 5:1-4). Elders are selected from the adult male membership of the Church as led by the Holy Spirit and affirmed by the congregation. An Elder must be a member of The Church at Brook Hills and must have given evidence of spiritual maturity and service for an extended period of time. The qualifications for Elders are contained in Acts 14:23; 15; 20; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; 5:17-22; Titus 1:5-9; and 1 Pet. 5:1-11. Elders serve a term of three years, after which they eligible to be considered for a successive three-year term before taking a required one-year sabbatical. Selection Process The selection of Elders is carried out by an Elder Selection Team comprised of both elders and members of the church. The Elder Selection Team receives nominations for new Elders from the Church membership. A nomination must be received in order for anyone to be considered by the Elder Selection Team. Upon review of the nominations, the Elder Selection Team sends select men a Prospective Elder Profile. Upon review of these profiles, the Elder Selection Team then interviews certain men from among those who have submitted profiles. Then, as led by the Holy Spirit, the Elder Selection Team presents new Elders to the Church. The members of the Church are then able to raise any objections to the proposed Elders for a period of two weeks. Following this process, the Church affirms the new Elders and their term of service begins thereafter. Profile Thank you for taking time to complete the Prospective Elder Profile. Elders play an extremely important role in our Church, one that is not to be taken lightly. As such, we ask that you prayerfully complete the profile, evaluating each question honestly based on your knowledge of the biblical standards of Elders in The Church at Brook Hills. Please take time to read 1 Timothy 3:1-11 and Titus 1:5-9 which describe these biblical standards. Based on these Scriptures, we ask that you find a quiet place and prayerfully complete the form, answering each question honestly before the Lord. You can download a PDF version of the profile by going to brookhills.org/elderprofile. Once the file has been downloaded you can complete the form and save it using your name as part of the file name. You can then send the form to elderselection@brookhills.org. You may also print off the completed form and either mail it to the church office or drop it off at the welcome desk in a sealed envelope (Attn: Elder Selection Team). Please let us know if you have any trouble downloading the Profile and we will mail a hard copy to you. Please note that the Prospective Elder Profile must be signed & returned by March 24, 2016. 1
BROOK HILLS - PROSPECTIVE ELDER PROFILE Please write legibly and answer all questions as completely as possible. If necessary, attach additional pages. Please be straightforward and honest with your answers. This profile will be held in strict confidence by the Elder Selection Team. Name In light of 1 Timothy 3:1, do you desire to be involved in the ministry of an Elder? (YES/NO) If you are married, is your wife supportive of your potential role as an Elder? (YES/NO) PERSONAL INFORMATION Address E-Mail Home Phone Cell Phone Date of Birth Age at Salvation Age Baptized Church where baptized Have you served previously as a deacon? (YES/NO) Year Have you served previously as an elder? (YES/NO) Year Where? Where? OCCUPATION INFORMATION What is your occupation? Where are you employed? How long have you been there? Briefly describe your work duties: Does your job allow you time away for Elder responsibilities and meetings? Explain. With what fraternal or social organizations are you involved, if any? Do you participate in any social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Linked In? Do you have a blog or do you regularly contribute to other blogs? 2
FAMILY INFORMATION Marital Status (SINGLE/MARRIED/WIDOWED) Date of Marriage Have you or your wife been previously divorced? (YES/NO) If yes, please attach an additional sheet explaining the circumstances surrounding this divorce. Wife s Name Age at Salvation Age Baptized Children s Names: Age Saved? Age Saved (YES/NO) (YES/NO) (YES/NO) (YES/NO) (YES/NO) CHURCH EXPERIENCE Previous church memberships and areas of service: Church Areas of Service Church Areas of Service Past and current areas of service in The Church at Brook Hills (including which worship gathering and/or small group you attend): Past Current 3
CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE Please give a brief statement of your salvation experience. If you are married, please have your wife give a brief statement of her salvation experience. 4
Briefly describe your current walk with the Lord as He is conforming you into the image of Christ. Include a description of your devotional life (time in prayer and in the Word) and an explanation of what He is currently teaching you. How are you currently making disciples of all nations (locally and/or globally)? Include in your answer how you are currently leading in your small group. If you are not leading a small group, please explain why. Identify your spiritual gifts and explain how you are using these gifts in the church. 5
How are you currently teaching the Word to people in and/or outside our faith family? How do you prepare for and approach the times you have opportunity to teach? How do you understand the roles and responsibilities of the following people? The Senior Pastor of The Church at Brook Hills The Elders of The Church at Brook Hills Your role in your family 6
DOCTRINAL QUESTIONS (please complete this section without the aid of outside resources) What is your personal understanding of the position and work of the following? God the Father Jesus Christ The Holy Spirit Satan Explain what you personally believe the Bible teaches about the following: Salvation Mankind The Scriptures 7
The Church The Virgin Birth The Crucifixion The Resurrection Baptism The Lord s Supper Substitution Justification 8
Sanctification Glorification Your Mission BIBLICAL STANDARDS FOR ELDERS Please read 1 Timothy 3:1-11, Titus 1:5-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-7 and answer the following questions. Why do you desire to be an Elder? Are there any standards in the above Scripture passages that you feel you may not meet? If so, which ones? Is there anything in your life that causes you concern in holding the office of Elder? Is there anything about your lifestyle that would potentially bring reproach on yourself, your family, The Church at Brook Hills, or the name of Christ? List some specific ways you lead your family: 9
If you are married, how would you describe the condition of your marriage? How are you intentionally protecting your sexual purity? Have you intentionally viewed pornography at any time during the last 3 years? If yes, please explain. What is your personal belief and practice regarding the viewing of pornography? What is your personal belief and practice regarding the use of alcoholic beverages? Would you be willing to abstain from alcohol during your service as an elder? Explain your convictions concerning giving (and specifically tithing) in the church. Then describe your current pattern and practice of giving to the church. Do you believe your use of financial resources brings honor to God? Please explain (i.e., how do you handle wealth, do you have over extended credit card debt, etc.) 10
(Optional) In the space below, please include any additional comments or clarifications you may have about your potential service as an Elder of The Church at Brook Hills. If you certify that you have answered all questions honestly before the Lord, and desire to be considered for the office of Elder of The Church at Brook Hills, please sign or type your name in the space below. Prospective Elder s Signature Date If you, as the applicant s wife, believe that your husband is scripturally qualified to be an Elder of The Church at Brook Hills and fully support him potentially serving in this role, please sign or type your name in the space below. Prospective Elder s Wife s Signature Date 11