ELDER PREPARTION AND APPOINTMENT PLAN Olive Drive Church

ELDER PREPARTION AND APPOINTMENT PLAN Olive Drive Church While the Bible is largely silent on the issue of the process of appointing elders in local churches, it has much to say about the magnitude and responsibility of the office of Elder. 1 Because the responsibility to lead and shepherd the church is such an important issue in the church, it would seem that the process for preparing and ultimately appointing elders in the church should be taken very seriously. With that in mind, the following article is an overview of the plan for preparing prospective elders at Olive Drive Church and appointing them into the office of Elder. If you have any questions about Biblical Eldership or this plan, please see our website at www.olivedrivechurch.com/about/elders.htm for several resources that can help answer your questions including a document called What is Biblical Eldership? which outlines ODC s official definition of Biblical Eldership. You can also check out a document called Biblical Eldership Frequently Asked Questions which gives several answers to the most commonly asked questions we ve received on the topic of Biblical Eldership. Finally, if you have any additional questions please contact us at elders@olivedrivechurch.com or 661-393-8210. TABLE OF CONTENTS Overview 2 Calendar. 3 Phase 1: Identify.. 4 Instructions for Prospective Elders. 5 Elder Recommendation Form 6 Elder Application... 10 Phase 2: Prepare. 15 Phase 3: Present. 18 Phase 4: Appoint 19 1 Though there are other passages, Acts 14:23 tends to be the verse that is most associated with the process of appointing elders in local churches. The following plan seeks to incorporate the principles found in Acts 14:23 into the process. For example, a season of prayer and fasting took place before elders were appointed in the passage, so we incorporate that into Phase 3. There was also a period of examination that is inherent in the context of Acts 14 since the men in the verse had spent a considerable amount of time being prepared by Paul and Barnabas. So a considerable amount of time will be spent preparing the prospective elders. For more information about Acts 14:23, listen to the Great Room sermon by Bill Magsig entitled What is the Plan for Establishing Biblical Elders at ODC found at www.olivedrivechurch.com/about/elders.htm. Olive Drive Church, 2010 Page 1 of 19

OVERVIEW The following is an overview of the process for preparing and appointing prospective elders into the office of Elder at Olive Drive Church. Please note that the time frames listed in this article are estimates and each phase below may take less time or more time depending on the group of prospective elders that are identified in Phase 1. 2 PHASE 1: IDENTIFY To identify any prospective elders by calling for men who feel led by the Spirit to come forward, and then to affirm that potential calling through the Elder Application and Elder Recommendation Forms. 6 Weeks Sun. April 11 Sun. May 23 PHASE 2: PREPARE 1. To prepare prospective elders to take on the office of Elder through a concentrated and intensive plan to develop the following in each prospective elder: KNOWLEDGE: Biblical, theological, and doctrinal development CHARACTER: Character and ability evaluation and development LEADERSHIP: Ministry leadership evaluation and development COMMUNITY: Community formation between prospective elder families 2. To prepare changes to ODC s constitution and bylaws that are necessary for the adoption of the office of Biblical Elder as defined in the document What is a Biblical Elder? 30 Weeks Total Thurs. June 3 Thurs. January 6, 2011 PHASE 3: PRESENT 1. To present Prospective Elders who have gone through the Prepare phase to the Church for a time of evaluation and a time of prayer and fasting. 2. To present proposed constitutional changes to the Church for a time of evaluation and a time of fasting and prayer. 4 Weeks (30 Days) Sun. January 9, 2011 Sun. Feb. 6 PHASE 4: APPOINT 1. To appoint prospective into the office of Elder through a congregational vote. 2. To adopt the proposed constitutional changes through a congregational vote. Week of Sunday February 13 February 20, 2011 TOTAL TIME: Approx. 42 Weeks (9 months) 2 In addition, the time frames that directly relate to the changes that will need to be made to the constitution and bylaws will vary depending on how quickly proposed changes are presented to the current board. Any proposed constitutional changes may be presented to the church well before the prospective elders have completed phase 2 above. In other words, hypothetically we may vote to ratify the constitution this fall, while not voting to appoint the prospective elders until next winter. One way or another, any necessary constitutional changes will be made before prospective elders are appointed into the office of Elder. Olive Drive Church, 2010 Page 2 of 19

CALENDAR 2010 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S JANUARY 1 2 FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 31 28 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 MAY 1 JUNE JULY AUGUST 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 1 2 NOVEMBER DECEMBER 1 2 3 4 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 2011 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S JANUARY 1 FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 30 31 27 28 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 MAY JUNE JULY 1 2 AUGUST 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 31 28 29 30 31 SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 1 NOVEMBER DECEMBER 1 2 3 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 30 31 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 KEY: PHASE 1: IDENTIFY PHASE 2: PREPARE PHASE 3: PRESENT PHASE 4: APPOINT Olive Drive Church, 2010 Page 3 of 19

PHASE 1: IDENTIFY GOAL: To identify any prospective elders by calling for men who feel led by the Spirit to come forward, and then to affirm that potential calling through the Elder Application and Elder Recommendation Forms. PLAN: 1. Call for men to come forward/begin to pursue prospective men. Beginning on April 11, we will ask any man who believes God is calling him to be an elder to contact us. We will give instructions from the stage on April 11, as well as have printed instructions on the welcome tables (see handout below) 2. Receive Prospective Elder Applications (see following pages). The elder application is designed to be thorough and to give us an idea of where a prospective elder is in terms of their current and past ministry experience, their current and past community involvement, their current and past discipleship experience, and their current biblical/theological knowledge. 3. Affirm Prospective Elders through Elder Recommendations (see following pages) The recommendation form is designed to give people connected to prospective elders a quick and easy way to affirm that the prospective elder should be given serious consideration by the current board to be placed in the preparation phase, or to share their reasons why they do not feel the prospective elder is ready to be an elder. It is also designed to pinpoint specific areas of concern that need to be addressed in any prospective elder s moral, social and/or spiritual life. 4. Identify Prospective Elders to take to Phase 2 through approval of the current board. Final approval of prospective elders will be done at the board meeting on Thurs. May 20 The current board along with the senior pastor will have the final say in who gets moved into phase 2 TIMELINE: Total Time: 6 Weeks Begin: Sunday, 4/11/10 End: Sunday, 5/23/10 Olive Drive Church, 2010 Page 4 of 19

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROSPECTIVE ELDERS Olive Drive Church The following are step by step instructions for any man who is a member in good standing in Olive Drive Church who wishes to be considered for the office of Elder: STEP 1: CONTACT US Please send an email expressing your desire to be considered for the office of Elder to elders@olivedrivechurch.com. STEP 2: RECEIVE AND COMPLETE THE PROSPECTIVE ELDER APPLICATION PACKET We will send you the Prospective Elder Application Packet which will need to be completed within two weeks of receiving it. The packet will include further instructions along with the following documents: 1. Elder Application form This is a comprehensive application form to be filled out by the prospective elder. It is designed to be thorough and to give us an idea of where a prospective elder is in terms of his current and past ministry experience, his current and past community involvement, his current and past discipleship experience, and his current biblical/theological knowledge. 2. Several Elder Recommendation Forms Elder Recommendation Forms need to be filled out by the 10-12 people that are in close knit community with the prospective elder. These people can include adult family members, Life Group members, people the prospective elder is discipling, people the prospective elder is leading in different service areas in the church, etc. They can only come from other believers and preferably other members of Olive Drive Church. The recommendation form is designed to give people connected to a prospective elder a quick and easy way to affirm their belief that the prospective elder should be given serious consideration by the current board, or to state that they do not think the prospective elder is ready to be considered for the office of Elder. The recommendation form is also designed to pinpoint specific areas of concern that need to be addressed in any prospective elder s moral, social, and spiritual life. STEP 3: TURN IN THE APPLICATION AND RECOMMENDATION FORMS The Elder Application should be completed by the prospective elder and his wife (if married) and returned to the church offices, completed online via the online form, or emailed to elders@olivedrivechurch.com. Recommendation forms are to be filled out by the individual without the prospective elder present, and should be returned by the individual to the church offices, completed online via the online form, or emailed back to elders@olivedrivechurch.com. STEP 4: WAIT TO BE CONTACTED The current board will consider the prospective elder application and contact the prospective elder to: 1.) affirm that he will begin the preparation phase of the Elder Preparation and Appointment Plan. 2.) tell him he is not ready to be an elder, the reasons why they believe he is not ready, and the different options for him if he chooses to want to continue to be considered in the future for eldership. 3.) ask for any additional information they need to help them determine the prospective elder s readiness to enter the preparation phase of the Elder Preparation and Appointment Plan. Olive Drive Church, 2010 Page 5 of 19

ELDER RECOMMENDATION FORM Olive Drive Church Name of Elder Nominee: Your Name: Are you a member of ODC? Yes No Thank you for taking the time to complete this elder recommendation. This is an important position for our church, one that is not to be taken lightly. As such, we ask that you prayerfully complete this recommendation and evaluate each question honestly based on your knowledge of the nominee s qualifications for the office of elder for ODC. Please take time to read 1Timothy 3:1-7,Titus 1:5-9, and 1Peter 5:1-7, which describe the qualifications for elders. Please answer all questions. If you do not know if the nominee is qualified in an area, mark the Don t Know box. This is an acceptable answer and will not be held against the nominee. Please return completed forms to the church offices or email to elders@olivedrivechurch.com. Qualifications: 1. How long have you know the prospective elder? 2. How do you know the prospective elder? 3. Is the nominee saved and not a recent convert? Yes No Don t Know 4. Do you believe he would uphold the ODC vision and beliefs completely? Yes No Don t Know 5. Do you consider him to be spiritually mature, able to make wise, biblically sound decisions? Yes No Don t Know 6. Is he above reproach, affording nothing in his moral conduct that can be attacked? Yes No Don t Know 7. Do you know him to be a one woman man who is sexually pure? Yes No Don t Know 8. Does he manage his family well, assuming his responsibility as spiritual leader? Yes No Don t Know NA Olive Drive Church, 2010 Page 6 of 19

9. Do his children respect and obey him, not being open to the charge of being wild and disobedient? Yes No Don t Know NA 10. Are his children believers? Yes No Don t Know NA 11. Is his wife worthy of respect, not a malicious talker, reasonable and trustworthy? Yes No Don t Know NA 12. Do you know him to be sincere, reasonable, self-controlled, and disciplined? Yes No Don t Know 13. In dealing with others, is he respectful, not overbearing, not quicktempered, not quarrelsome, not violent, maintaining a good reputation inside and outside the church? Yes No Don t Know 14. Is he hospitable and a lover of what is good according to Scripture? Yes No Don t Know 15. Is he generous with his money, not focused on the acquisition of wealth, and does he obtain all his money in an honest and straightforward manner? 16. Is he a man known for sound scriptural doctrine, able to encourage those who don t understand, and to refute those who oppose it? Yes No Don t Know Yes No Don t Know 17. Do you believe he is a man who holds firmly to biblical truth with a clear conscience, no matter the cost to him personally? Yes No Don t Know 18. Is he able to teach? Yes No Don t Know 19. Do you recommend that he be considered for elder without any reservations? Yes No 20. Do you believe he has been sufficiently tested in his Christian walk and has demonstrated that he is fully qualified to serve as an elder according to Scripture? Yes No 21. Why do you think this man should be an elder? Signature Date Phone Number Email Olive Drive Church, 2010 Page 7 of 19

SCRIPTURAL BASIS FOR ELDER QUALIFICATIONS The passages in 1Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, and 1Peter 5:1-7 form the basis for elder qualifications: 1 Timothy 3:1-7 1 Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil s trap. Titus 1:5-9 5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. 6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God s work, he must be blameless not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. 1 Peter 5:1-7 1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Olive Drive Church, 2010 Page 8 of 19

THE VISION OF OLIVE DRIVE CHURCH The following is the vision statement of Olive Drive Church: OUR DREAM Imagine a group of people who are glorifying God by loving others out of an overflow of hearts that are growing within community in their enjoyment of God. ENJOY God GROW within Community LOVE Others OUR PURPOSE We believe our dream is only possible as people become fully devoted followers of Christ. Therefore our purpose is simple: Olive Drive Church exists to help people become fully devoted followers of Christ. OUR PROCESS We help people become fully devoted followers of Christ by helping them: Commit to Christ as Lord of their life Connect to a Life Group where they can enter into an intentional and relational process of becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ who is participating in Christ s mission of making disciples Our Get Connected process is designed to help people connect to a Life Group where they can begin to grow in their devotion to Christ so that they are enjoying, growing, and loving more. Olive Drive Church, 2010 Page 9 of 19

ELDER APPLICATION Olive Drive Church Please answer the following questions completely using separate paper when space is needed. Please be sure to indicate which question you are answering on any separate paper. First Name: Last Name: PERSONAL INFORMATION Address: City: State: Zip Code: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Email: Date of Birth: Age at Salvation: Age Baptized: Employer: Work Phone: Position: Are you ordained or licensed as a deacon, elder, or pastor? Yes No Ordination Year: Ordination Location: Have you filled out a S.H.A.P.E. packet? Yes No What were your top spiritual gifts? FAMILY INFORMATION Marital Status: Single Married Widowed Divorced Marriage Date: Wife s Name: Wife s age at salvation: Age baptized: Children s Names: Ages: Saved? Age Saved: Olive Drive Church, 2010 Page 10 of 19

CHURCH SERVICE INFORMATION Are you currently in a Life Group? Who is the leader? Please discuss your experience serving at ODC: Past: Current: Please discuss your experience serving at other churches: Church: Areas of Service: Church: Areas of Service: CHURCH LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE In which of your church service roles did you serve in a leadership capacity? Which was your most challenging role and why? What did you learn? BUSINESS LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE Please discuss the past and present business leadership roles you have had: Which was your most challenging role and why? Describe the top two leadership principles you have discovered and how you have used them during your career: Olive Drive Church, 2010 Page 11 of 19

Business Leadership experience, cont. Have you ever served, or do you currently serve, on a Board of Directors? Describe these experiences: DOCTRINAL QUESTIONS What is your understanding of the following? God the Father: Jesus Christ: The Holy Spirit: Satan: Explain what you believe the Bible teaches about the following: The Gospel: The Scriptures: Salvation: Sin: The Church: The Virgin Birth: Baptism: Justification: Sanctification: Giving: Communion: End Times: Discipleship: Olive Drive Church, 2010 Page 12 of 19

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES What is your view of the following roles and responsibilities? An elder of ODC? A staff member of ODC? The office of Senior Pastor? Your role in your family? ELDER QUALIFICATIONS Please read 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-7 and answer the following questions regarding your qualifications for elder. Why do you desire to be an elder? Is there anything in particular you would like to accomplish while an elder? Are there any qualifications in these passages that you do not understand? If so, which ones? Are there any qualifications 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, ODC, or the name of Christ? List some specific ways you lead your family: How would you describe the condition of your marriage? Describe your current walk with the Lord, what He is teaching you in your life today, and the evidence you see of His work throughout your life: ADDITONAL ELDER QUALIFICATIONS Have you read the ODC Constitution and Bylaws, and do you agree to fully support it? Have you read the ODC Vision, Purpose, and Plan, and do you fully support it? What is your relationship with alcohol and tobacco? What is your view on gambling and debt? Olive Drive Church, 2010 Page 13 of 19

Do you have any additional comments or questions regarding your qualifications or the ODC elder requirements? ELDER CANDIDATE TESTIMONY Please give a brief statement of your salvation experience: WIFE S TESTIMONY Please read 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-7 and answer the following questions regarding your qualifications for elder. Are there any qualifications that you feel your husband may not meet? If so, which ones? What are some specific ways your husband leads your family? How would you describe the condition of your marriage? Why do you want your husband to be an elder? What role do you believe an elder s wife should play in the office of elder? Please give a brief statement of your salvation experience: TO THE ELDER CANDIDATE AND HIS WIFE Candidate: If you certify that you have answered all the questions honestly before the Lord and desire to be considered for the office of elder of Olive Drive Church, please sign below. Elder Candidate s Signature: Date: Candidate s Wife: If you certify that you have answered all the questions honestly before the Lord and support your husband s consideration for the office of elder of Olive Drive Church, please sign below. Wife s Signature: Date: ATTACHMENT: Please attach a current photograph and resume. Olive Drive Church, 2010 Page 14 of 19

PHASE 2: PREPARE GOAL: 1. To prepare prospective elders to take on the office of Elder through a concentrated and intensive plan to develop the following in each prospective elder: KNOWLEDGE: Biblical, theological, and doctrinal development CHARACTER: Character and ability evaluation and development LEADERSHIP: Ministry leadership evaluation and development COMMUNITY: Community formation between prospective elder families 2. To prepare changes to ODC s constitution and bylaws that are necessary for the adoption of the office of Biblical Elder as defined in the document What is a Biblical Elder? PLAN: 1. PREPARING PROSPECTIVE ELDERS The following chart represents a four component plan to prepare the prospective elders to take on the office of Elder: Knowledge Character PREPARE Leadership Community The four components of the PREPARE phase Think of each component of the plan like you would a leg to a chair. If any one leg is not in place, then the whole chair falls. The same is true in developing elders. Rather than thinking linearly (i.e. we re going to first learn some theology, then we ll look at character, then we ll look at leadership development, then community, etc.), we need to understand that each of these components will need to be in place from day one. Olive Drive Church, 2010 Page 15 of 19

KNOWLEDGE: Biblical, Theological, and Doctrinal Knowledge Development Basic Activities: Weekly study meetings to discuss what prospective elders are learning Periodic oral and/or written exams to test a prospective elder s comprehension of the material Basic Curriculum: An intense and comprehensive plan to educate and develop prospective elders biblical, theological, and doctrinal knowledge is critical to their preparation. The following represents an example of some required resources the prospective elders will be asked to go through on their own and then to discuss together in weekly study meetings. Books Biblical Eldership/BE Workbook Alexander Strauch The Master Plan of Evangelism Robert Coleman The Reason For God (excerpts) Tim Keller Doctrine Mark Driscoll Systematic Theology Wayne Grudem Summary of Christian Doctrine Louis Berkhof Articles: Centrality of the Gospel Tim Keller Redeemer Vision Papers Official TM/American Baptist Doctrinal Statement and Documents Audio: Tim Keller The Gospel Sermons Changed People Sermon Christ, Our Life Matt Chandler Missional Living Family Traits 2.0 The Cross Series (5 sermons) Howard Hendricks Discipleship Series A syllabus will be presented outlining specific timelines and reading requirements. Prospective elders will be expected to meet weekly to discuss their studies. CHARACTER: Character and Ability Evaluation and Development Character Evaluation Forms in Biblical Eldership Workbook SHAPE Packets In depth Personality Tests (not sure which one to use yet??) Each prospective elder preaches at least once at some point throughout the year LEADERSHIP: Ministry and Leadership Evaluation and Development Monthly Ministry Leadership reports submitted Ongoing evaluation of leadership abilities Specific leadership development issues are covered throughout Strauch s book Olive Drive Church, 2010 Page 16 of 19

COMMUNITY: Community Formation between Prospective Elder Families Monthly fellowship nights with prospective elders and their families Couple s retreat in the summer Other unique shared experiences together (conference in the fall?) Other considerations: The current board needs to approve someone to lead the Prepare phase (i.e. pastor of discipleship) Monthly updates on the process need to be reported to the current board to keep them up to speed Once the plan is complete (not sure how to specifically measure this it will be a fluid process), prospective elders are approved by the current board to be presented to the congregation in phase 3. 2. PREPARING CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES: Things to consider: The process needs to begin now. The current board needs to commission a constitution review committee to prepare and present proposed changes to the board within an allotted time frame to be established by the current board (Mike Popovich, Bill Magsig, Josh Kirstine, Don Bledsoe, others??). The committee meets periodically and the process is made transparent to the whole church through committee reports (made public on website/blog??) Proposed Constitutional Changes are approved by the current board to be presented before the church in phase 3. TIMELINE: 30 Weeks Total (approx. 7 months)* Thurs. June 3 Thurs. January 6, 2011 *This timeline should remain flexible. It could take longer, it could be done sooner. It will depend on the group of prospective elders and where they are in their biblical and theological understanding, their character development, and their leadership development. Olive Drive Church, 2010 Page 17 of 19

PHASE 3: PRESENT GOAL: 1. To present Prospective Elders who have gone through the Prepare phase to the Church for a time of evaluation and a time of prayer and fasting. 2. To present proposed constitutional changes to the Church for a time of evaluation and a time of fasting and prayer. PLAN: 1. Present Prospective Elders to the Congregation on Sunday, January 5, 2011 2. Invite congregation to submit any issues or concerns they have with the prospective elders in writing to the current board over the next 30 days. 3. Present proposed constitutional changes to the congregation on Sunday, January 5, 2011. 4. Invite congregation to bring any concerns with the proposed changes to the current board and senior pastor, or attend Q&A sessions over the course of the month. 5. Begin 30 days of prayer with fasting throughout the month of January. 6. Resolve any conflict brought before the prospective elders during that time. TIMELINE: 30 Days (5 Sundays) Sunday, January 5, 2011 Sunday, February 6, 2011 Olive Drive Church, 2010 Page 18 of 19

PHASE 4: APPOINT GOAL: 1. To appoint prospective into the office of Elder through a congregational vote. 2. To adopt the proposed constitutional changes through a congregational vote. PLAN: Similar to the recent Elder Resolution Ballot, have the congregation vote throughout the week on approving the appointment of the prospective elders as well as the adoption of the proposed constitutional changes. TIMELINE: 1 Week Sunday, February 13, 2011 Sunday, February 20, 2011 The goal would be to have the vote taken throughout the week of Sunday, February 13, 2011, and for the Elders to be officially commissioned on Sunday, February 20, 2011. PLEASE NOTE: This plan can be ratified at any time by the current board of elders (which includes the senior pastor). Any changes adopted by the current board will be updated in this article and made available to the congregation. Version 1.0 April, 2010 Olive Drive Church, 2010 Page 19 of 19