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Constitution and By-Laws of

Cornerstone Fellowship, Incorporated

Adopted this 24^th day of May 1999

as amended 4/1/01

as amended 2/24/03

as amended 7/09/08

CONSTITUTION

Article 1. Name

                The name of this Fellowship shall be Cornerstone Fellowship, Incorporated of the City of Dacula, State of Georgia.

Article 2. Prerogatives

                Sec. 1.  This Fellowship shall have the right to govern itself according to the standards of the New Testament scriptures, "endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace...till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the Stature of the fullness of Christ."  Eph. 4:3, 13.

                Sec. 2.  In Connection therewith, or incidental thereto, it shall have the right to purchase or acquire by gift, bequest or otherwise, either directly or as trustee, and to own, hold in trust, use, sell, convey, mortgage, lease or otherwise dispose of any real estate or chattels as may be necessary for the furtherance of its purposes; all in accordance with the constitution and by-laws or as the same may be hereafter modified or amended.

Article 3. Affiliation

                While maintaining its inherent rights to sovereignty in the conduct of its own affairs, this Assembly shall voluntarily enter into full co-operative fellowship with Assemblies of like precious faith associated with the Georgia District Council, and the General Council of the Assemblies of God, with headquarters at Springfield, Missouri; and shall share in the privileges and assume the responsibilities enjoined by that affiliation.

Article 4. Ordinances

                Sec. 1.  The ordinances of Baptism by immersion in water (Matt. 28:19) shall be administered to all those who have repented of their sins and who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ to the saving of their souls, and who give clear evidence of their salvation.  Rom. 6:3; Col. 2:12.

                Sec. 2.  The ordinance of the Lord's Supper shall be observed regularly as enjoined in the scriptures.  Luke 22:19, 20; I Cor. 11:23-25.

Article 5. Membership

                Membership in this Fellowship shall be eligible to all those who give evidence of this faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and who voluntarily subscribe to its tenets of faith and agree to be governed by its constitution and by-laws as herein set forth.  They shall be classified as follows.

                Sec. 1.  Active Membership.  All those who meet the Scriptural standards for membership, whose names appeared on the original membership roll of the Fellowship at the time the Fellowship was first organized, together with those names which shall be added from time to time, shall constitute the legal membership of the Fellowship, provided they are eighteen (18) years of age or over, that they regularly attend the means of grace and support its ministries with their tithes and offerings as the Lord prospers them, and take part in the services, that they are living consistent Christian lives, and are in agreement with our distinctive testimony.

                Sec. 2. Inactive Membership.  Enrolled members who shall without good cause absent themselves from the services of the Fellowship for a period of three (3) consecutive months or more, and who cease to contribute of their means to its support, who may be out of harmony with its teachings or its ministries, or who may have fallen under condemnation through sinful or worldly practices, or who shall be under charges for mis-conduct, shall be considered as inactive members and shall lose their voting privileges until they are restored to the fellowship, their standing to be settled by the definite action of the Assembly through its elected officers.

Article 6.  Officers

                Sec. 1.  There shall be a Board of Directors, here in after referred to as the “Elder Board.”  The Elder Board shall be divided in to two areas of emphasis based on gifting, calling and competency.  The first area of emphasis shall be Administrative Elders who shall be responsible for the management, central business, and all the corporate powers of the Church.  The second area of emphasis shall be Ministry Elders who shall serve in a leadership capacity on matters pertaining to the Fellowship in its ministries, spiritual life, ministry of ordinances, and the administration of the discipline and membership of the Fellowship.

Sec. 2.  The Elder Board shall consist of not less than four (4) members consisting of the Pastor (as chairman).  The Elder Board shall be appointed by the pastor and the current Elder Board after an application and qualification process.

                Sec. 3.  All matters of church government shall be carried on by the Elder Board in matters affecting the entire body.

                Sec. 4.  There shall be a Secretary and Treasurer of this Fellowship, who shall be one of the Administrative Elders.  Unless the Secretary and Treasurer is a member of the Elders, his office is not to be considered as one of those who serve on the Elder Board.  In such a case, the Administrative Elders shall be authorized to appoint its own Secretary for the sake of recording the minutes of the Administrative Elders meetings.

                Sec. 5.  There shall be a minimum of two trustees of this Fellowship who shall oversee the upkeep of the existing building, new construction and grounds as directed by the Administrative Elders.  They shall consult with the Administrative Elders in all matters pertaining to the Church during special Administrative Elders meetings.

Article 7. Meetings

                Sec. 1.  Meetings for public worship shall be held on each Lord's Day and during the week as may be provided for under the direction of the Pastor and the Elder Board.

                Sec. 2.  There shall be an annual business meeting of the Elder Board and Trustees at which time the election of Secretary and Treasurer shall take place.  This meeting shall be held in February; the time and place shall be announced by the Pastor or Elder Board for two (2) consecutive Sundays prior to date of the meeting.  However, if the schedule date conflicts with other events deemed important by the Elder Board, they are empowered to change the date to better accommodate the situation.

                Sec. 3.  Special business meetings of the Elder Board may be called when necessary, after proper notice has been given by the Pastor or by the Secretary of the Fellowship, provided the meeting has been agreed upon by a majority of the Elder Board.  Special meeting may also be called by petition having been signed by two Trustees of the Fellowship, the petition to be placed in the hands of the Pastor or the Secretary and announcement made on the two (2) Sundays prior to the date of the meeting.  Regardless of the type of meeting called for, PROPER NOTICE shall always be that announcement of the meeting be made on the two (2) Sundays prior to the date of meeting.  The only exception would be in the case of emergency by a catastrophic event affecting the functioning of the Church as a Body.

                Sec. 4.  The Elder Board and Trustees with the Pastor shall meet as needed for the transaction of routine business for the Fellowship.  The Board of Trustees shall meet for the discharge of their duties as necessity may demand, upon the request of the Pastor or the Administrative Elders.  Generally the Ministry Elders and Administrative Elders shall meet separately to conduct business in their appointed areas of emphasis.  The entire Elder Board shall meet corporately at least four times per year to include the annual business meeting and the Elder/Pastor Retreat or as often as needed.

 Article 8. Departments and Committees

                Under the direction of the Pastor and Elder Board the Fellowship shall hereby provide for the establishment of ministries, departments and committees as the need arises.  All such departments shall be subordinate to the Pastor and Elder Board and shall contribute to the harmony and development of the whole.  The Pastor shall be an ex officio member of all committees or departments.

                Sec. 1.  The Pastor with approval of the Administrative Elders will appoint a Financial Committee of three individuals (1 Elder Member or Trustee) who will oversee the Financial Books of the Fellowship.  The Treasurer will provide a monthly report of the Financial Statements to each Committee Member the Sunday before the upcoming Administrative Elders Meeting.  The Administrative Elder Member or Trustee will present the Financial Report.  This Committee will serve a 1 year term and will be appointed at the Annual Business Meeting.

Article 9. Finances

                All funds for the maintenance of the Fellowship shall be provided by the voluntary contribution or tithes and offerings of the members and friends of the organization.  Offerings shall be accepted by the Assembly at such times and in such ways as agreed upon by the Pastor and Administrative Elders, and shall be administered by the treasurer under their direction.  Mal. 3:10; Luke 6:38; I Cor. 16:1, 2; II Cor. 9:6-8.

Article 10. Property

                All property of the Fellowship shall be deeded to the Fellowship and held in its name.  No property of the Fellowship shall be sold, leased or mortgaged or otherwise disposed of without the same shall have first been recommended by a vote of at least two thirds of the Elder Board. The Pastor and the Secretary of the Fellowship shall certify in such conveyance, lease or mortgage, that the same has been duly authorized and recommended by The Administrative Elders and Trustees.  Such certificate shall be held to be conclusive evidence thereof.

Article 11. Amendments

                This Constitution may be amended or changed by a two thirds vote of the Elder Board of the Fellowship who are in attendance at any regular or special meeting called for that purpose, provided that all Elder Board have been given at least a two week notice of potential amendments to the constitution.

BY-LAWS

Article 1. Duties of Officers

                Sec. 1.  The Pastor shall be considered as the spiritual overseer of the Fellowship and shall direct

all of its activities.  He shall be the president of the corporation and shall act as chairman of all the business meetings of the Fellowship and of the Official Elder Board.  He shall be an ex officio member of all committees or departments.  He shall provide for all the services of the Fellowship and shall arrange for special meetings, conventions, or revival campaigns.  No person shall be invited to speak or preach in the Fellowship without his approval.

                Sec. 2.  The Official Elder Board is chosen by the Pastor and Elder Board to serve the Church and therefore shall act in a governing & ministry capacity with the pastor in all matters pertaining to the Business of the Fellowship.

At least one half of the appointed Elders must be present at any meeting to constitute a quorum, provided all the members have been notified to be present.  In the event the Fellowship is temporarily without a pastor, or the pastor is unable to be present, the Official Elder Board shall be empowered to provide for its own chairman from its membership in order to transact business for the Fellowship.

                Sec. 3.  If the Fellowship were to cease to be incorporated, the Board of Trustees shall work with the Georgia District of the Assemblies of God to insure all property and assets are used in furtherance of the Kingdom of God.

                Sec. 4.  The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the official meetings of the Administrative Elders and of all the annual and special business meetings of the Fellowship.  The secretary shall keep or oversee a record of the membership of the Fellowship and perform any other clerical work necessary to the proper discharge of his duties.  He shall be the custodian of all legal documents and the corporate seal.  All books, records and legal documents of the Fellowship will be kept in the Church Office with exception for temporary occasions when bookwork would need to be done at home or another office.

               Sec. 5.  The Treasurer shall be entrusted with all of the finances of the Fellowship which are committed to him.  All offerings of the Fellowship shall be counted and receipted in ways as directed and approved by the Administrative Elders.  All funds shall be deposited in the name of the Fellowship into a Federally Insured Bank chosen by the Administrative Elders.  All disbursements from the Bank shall be by check.  All signers on the account shall be authorized by Administrative Elders and/or Treasurer.  Any disbursements over the amount of $5,000, (five thousand dollars) shall require two signatures.  The Treasurer shall keep itemized accounts of all receipts and disbursements and make a summarized financial report to the Fellowship at its regular Annual Business Meeting.  His accounts shall be audited under the direction of the Pastor and the Finance Committee with a Report submitted to the Administrative Elders.

                Sec. 6.  Any additional Pastoral Staff person, other than the senior Pastor, if not licensed with the General Council of the Assemblies of God shall be ordained by the Pastor and Elder Board of Cornerstone Fellowship

Article 2. Elections and Vacancies

                Sec. 1.  The Pastor shall be elected for an indefinite period of time.  He shall be duly Licensed or Ordained by the Assemblies of God and be a member in good standing in the District in which he resides.  He shall be nominated by the Elder Board.  Election shall be at the annual business meeting or at a special meeting called for that purpose.  A two thirds majority vote of all votes cast shall be required to constitute an election

                Sec. 2.  The Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected annually.  They shall be chosen from the membership of the Fellowship and nominated by the Administrative Elders.  They shall be elected by a majority vote at the annual business meeting.  Their terms of office shall be from the time of election.

                Sec. 3.  Elders Board

                A. Qualifications

1.       The Elder Board shall be chosen from the membership of the Fellowship.  They will be nominated by the Pastor and current Elder Board and voted for and approved by Elder Board after an application and qualification process.  The term of each Elder shall be one (1) year from the time of the Annual Business Meeting with no term limits.

2.       He shall have been an active tithing member of the Fellowship for at least six months
and be at least 21 years of age.

3.       He shall have been saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, evidenced by and open to all the gifts of the Spirit as God empowers. (I Cor. 12:4, Rom. 12 & Eph. 4)                                                          

4.       He shall be a man of mature and proven Christian experience, manifesting the characteristics of one who is capable of spiritual leadership and be in complete

harmony with the doctrines and practices of the Assemblies of God.

5.       He shall be above reproach, temperate, self controlled, respectable, hospitable, able

to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.  He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)  He must not be a recent convert, or be conceited.  He must have a good reputation with outsiders.  (I Timothy 3:2-7)

6.       No two (2) members of the same immediate family shall serve concurrent terms on the Elder Board.  (Specifically- Father & son, Father-in-law & son-in-law.)

7.       No employee of the Church (other than the Pastor) shall serve on the Elder Board.

B.      Elections 

1.       The Elder Board

a.       The Elder Board shall be chosen from the membership of the Fellowship.  They will be nominated by the Pastor and current Elder Board and voted for and approved by Elder Board after an application and qualification process.  The term of each Elder shall be one (1) year from the time of the Annual Business Meeting with no term limits.

2.       The Board of Trustees

 b.   Board of Trustees shall be nominated by the Pastor and elected by the

       Elder Board.  The term of each Trustee shall be one (1) year

       from the time of the Annual Business Meeting with no term limits.

               Sec. 4.  Vacancies

                A. The Pastor

1.       The tenure of office in the Pastorate shall be terminated by resignation, removal, death, or disqualification for reasons not limited to as outline in Sec4 B2 and Sec 5.  Power is vested in the Elder Board to ask for the resignation of the Pastor at any of its regular business meetings by 2/3 vote.  If such resignation is refused, the pastorate shall not be considered vacant until the action of the Elder Board has been confirmed by a majority vote of the congregation at a meeting called for that purpose; such meeting is to be presided over by the Officiary of the Georgia District of the Assemblies of God. When a vacancy in the pastorate shall occur, a supply shall be arranged for the Elder Board until a pastor shall be chosen as prescribed in Section 1 above.  In the case of a pastors removal from office, a report of such action shall be made known the District Officiary.  Such action is not to be considered as otherwise affecting the standing of the pastor with the General Council fellowship.

a.    In the event of a catastrophic vacancy of the Pastor in the equivalent of 60

       days the Elder Board shall appoint an interim pastor to serve temporally.

b.       Staff - Hiring and termination of staff shall be made upon the recommendation of the reporting manager or pastor and approval of the Elder Board.

                C. Other Officers

1.       Any Office may be declared vacant by an act of a majority of the membership of the Elder Board at any regular or special business meeting.

                                2.    Ground for such action shall be:

                                                a. Unscriptural Conduct.

                                                b. Doctrinal departure from the tenets of faith.

                                                c. Incompetency in office.

                                                d. For any good and sufficient cause.

                                                e. Failing to attend means of grace and to support the Church with tithes and offerings.

2.       All Elected Officers.  In the event of vacancies in any of the other offices besides the Pastor, the Pastor shall appoint replacements to serve until the next annual business meeting, at which time someone shall be elected to serve or fill the unexpired term.

                Sec. 5.  Qualifications for Officers.

                A.  All officers shall be members in good standing with this Fellowship.

                B.  Spiritual Qualifications.

                                1. Consistent Christian Life.

"Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.  But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lust thereof"  Romans 13:13, 14.

"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son cleanseth us from all sin"  I John 1:6, 7.

                B.  Spiritual Qualifications cont’d.

2. Refraining from Worldliness.

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love     the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world"  I John 2:15, 16.

                                3. Spirit Filled.

"Where fore brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business” Acts 6:3.

"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit" 

Ephesians 5:18.

                                4. Faithfulness to the Church.

"And let us consider on another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, and the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching"  Hebrews 10:24,25.

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of     the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord"  I Cor. 15:58.

                                5.  Supporting the Church Financially.

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour    you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it"  Malachi 3:10.

"For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy and faith; These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone” Matthew 23:23.

Article 3.  Membership

                Sec. 1.  The standard of membership of the Fellowship shall be:

A. Evidence of a genuine experience in regeneration of (the new birth).  John 1:12, 13; 3:3-8.

B. Evidence of a consistent Christian life.  Rom 6:4; 8:1-4; 13:13, 14; Eph. 4:17-32;

5: 1,2,15; I John 1:6,7.      

C. To fully subscribe to the tenets of faith as set forth in the Constitutional rules of order adopted by the Fellowship.

D. Willingness to contribute regularly to the support of the Fellowship with the goal of tithing

E. Willingness to serve and uphold unity and the mission of the church

Sec. 2.  Reception of Members.

A. Persons desiring to become members of the Fellowship shall make the fact known to the Pastor, who shall examine the applicant according to the standard for membership.

B. The Pastor shall present the names of those who apply for membership, with his recommendation to the Ministerial Elders, who shall have met the membership requirements and have been passed on favorable, shall be received into the Fellowship publicly at any of the regular services and their names inscribed on the roster.

                Sec. 3. Discipline.

A. Any member of the Fellowship who shall willfully absent himself from the regular services for a period of three (3) consecutive months, or who shall be under charges, shall be temporarily suspended from membership pending investigation and final decision in his case.

B. Unscriptural conduct, divisive behavior and doctrinal departure from the tenets of faith held by the Fellowship shall be considered sufficient grounds upon which any person may be disqualified as a member.  Matt. 18:15-18; Rom. 16:17, 18; I Cor. 5:11; Gal. 1:8, 9; Titus 3:1-15.

                Sec. 4.  Members in good standing, who may wish to sever their relationship with the Fellowship,

              or who may desire to be transferred to some other congregation, may apply to the Secretary for a   

              letter, which shall be granted on the approval of the Pastor and the Ministerial Elders, said letter

              to be signed by the Pastor and the Secretary of the Fellowship.

                Sec. 5.  The Pastor and the Ministerial Elders shall be authorized to revise the membership roll of

               the Assembly annually, and to remove from the list of active members all names of those who may

               have become deceased during the year, together with the names of those who may have withdrawn

              from the fellowship, or who may have fallen into sin and whose lives may have become

              inconsistent with the standards and teachings of the Fellowship, or those who sow discord and

              confusion among members.  If a name is removed for cause, the one whose name is removed shall

              be notified of the action of the Pastor and the Elder Board through the

              Secretary.  If appeal is made for reconsideration and for re-instatement, it must come before the

              Pastor and the Elder Board.  If it is not granted the dismissed member may

              appeal to the congregation.  The action of the Fellowship by a majority vote, shall be considered

              final.  Matt. 18:15-17; Rom. 16:17, 18; I Cor.:1-5; II Thess. 3:6-15.

Article 4. Ministries of the Church

                The Pastor at the Annual Business Meeting will present a list of all current Church Ministries and

               their leaders.

Sec. 1.  All New Ministries shall be presented to the Pastor and Ministry Elders who may for approval.

Article 5. Town Halls

The Pastor and Elder Board will present a State of the Church Address to the body at least two times per year or as needed to communicate to the membership.

Article 6. Property Rights

Sec. 1.  All property, real or chattel, shall be taken, held, sold, transferred, or conveyed in the corporate name of the Fellowship.

                Sec. 2.  No real or chattel property of the Fellowship shall be bought, sold, leased, mortgaged or

               otherwise alienated without the same shall have been authorized by at least a two thirds majority

               vote of the Elder Board.

                                A. Repairs of property shall be voted upon by the Administrative Elders.

B. Equipment and supplies shall be purchased by the Pastor and the Administrative Elders.

                Sec. 3.  The Pastor and the Secretary of the Fellowship shall certify in such conveyance, lease or

               mortgage, the same has been duly authorized by the vote of the Administrative Elders and

              Trustees.  Such certificates shall be held to be conclusive evidence thereof.

                Sec. 4.  In the event that the Fellowship herein mentioned ceases to function as an Assembly of

God Church body then the said property, real or chattel, shall revert under the direction of the Trustees to the Georgia District Council to insure the land and facility remain a church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

. 

Article 7. Order of Business

                The regular order of business for the annual meeting of the Fellowship shall as follows:

                                1. Devotional

                                2. Reading of previous minutes by Secretary

                                3. Report of Treasurer

                                4. Report of Committees

                                5. Unfinished business

                                6. Elections of Officers

                                7. New Business

                                8. Adjournment

Article 8. Amendments

                The By-Laws may be amended at any regular or special business meeting of the Fellowship by two

               thirds majority vote of the Elder Board present, provided the proposed amendment has

               been announced publicly on the two (2) Sundays prior to the date of the meeting.  Announcement

               to be made by the Pastor or the Recording Secretary.

Article 9. Matters Not Covered

                All matters not covered by the Constitution and By-Laws or resolutions which have been passed by

               this Fellowship shall be governed by resolutions appearing in the Minutes of the District and the

               General Council of the Assemblies of God, Inc.

Article 10. Method of Voting

                Regardless of any other provision of the Constitution and By-Laws, the Elder Board by

              motion, second and majority vote by a show of hands can require that any vote be made by Secret

              Ballot.

Our Eldership 

Cornerstone’s  government operates off of the Biblical Elder Model.  Below is the Scriptural bases for this.

Acts 14:23

When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Acts 16:4

Now while they were passing through the cities, they were delivering the decrees which had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem, for them to observe.

1 Timothy 5:17

The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

Eldership – Christ’s Delegated Authority

            Ephesians 4:11-12 says that the Lord gave as gifts to the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for the purpose of building and leading the Church into maturity.  In the New Testament these appointed gifts are known collectively as elders.  The eldership represents Christ’s delegated authority for governance and order in His Church.  The apostle Peter, writing to church elders, referred to himself as a “fellow elder.”

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: 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; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:1-3).

This passage also reveals something about the ministry and function of elders.  Peter calls them “shepherds of God’s flock” and “overseers” who should serve willingly and eagerly as “examples to the flock.” Thus we see that elders have a two-fold responsibility in the church: to rule and to teach.

It will help our understanding of the ruling function of elders to consider three Greek words found in the New Testament that relate to elders and can be translated as “to rule.”

The first of these is the word proistemi, which means “to stand before, i.e. (in rank) to preside, or (by impl.) to practice:-maintain, be over, rule.” This word means to rule in the sense of being set over or placed at the head of, as in the husband and father being the head of the family. Referring to an overseer, Paul wrote “He must manage [proistemi] his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect” (1 Tim. 3:4). Later in the same letter Paul uses the same word in reference to the work of the elders.  “The elders who direct [proistemi] the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Tim. 5:17).

The basic sense of proistemi has to do with order.  It is a priority of position. The Scriptures, when referring to the Godhead, always uses the order of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  While all three are co-eternal and co-existent; omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent; and fully equal in essence; the Son and the Spirit have chosen to submit themselves to the Father for the purpose of blessing the earth.  Likewise, the order of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher is a priority of position.  The apostle is not greater than the prophet or pastor; he is simply first in order.  The pastor is neither greater nor lesser than any of the others.  Each is equally important in function, but there is a priority of order.

Second is the work hegeomai, which means “to lead, i.e. command (with official authority); fig. to deem, i.e. consider; -account, (be) chief, count, esteem, governor, judge, have the rule over, suppose, think.” This word is used in the understanding of a general leading an army.  A victorious army must have an effective leader, and the leader is always the general.  A good example of the word used with regard to elders is found in the Book of Hebrews: “Obey your leaders {hegeomai] and submit to their authority.  They keep watch over you as men who must give an account.  Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you” (Heb. 13:17).

The third word for “rule” is poimaino, which means “to tend as a shepherd (or fig. supervisor):-feed (cattle), rule.” A Shepherd is one who tends to the flock.  First Peter 5:2, one of the verses we looked at above, contains a good example of this work.  “Be shepherds [poimaino] of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers….”

Elders, then, rule as fathers, protecting and providing for the children who are submitted to them.  They rule as generals, leading the army of the Lord into battle.  Finally, they rule as shepherds, caring for the flock of God.

In addition to ruling, elders also have a responsibility to teach.  This involves exhortation, which is making urgent appeals, as well as challenging and encouraging the Church; counsel, which is giving advice, guidance, or direction according to God’s Word; admonition, which is advice, encouragement, and warning given in a gentle, earnest manner; and revelation, which is uncovering and bringing forth the truth and the will of God as guidance and direction for the Church.

Elders operate under delegated authority from the Lord.  Christ alone has authority over His Church. When elders are operating properly they represent the authority of Christ, based on the will and the Word of God.

The Purpose of Eldership Ministry

            One of the main purposes for eldership ministry is to provide plurality of leadership.  The reason for this is very simple: No one person can do everything; nor should he be expected to.  If too few people are trying to do too much of the work, the result will be discouragement, confusion, ineffectiveness, and burnout.  Perhaps the clearest teaching of this concept in all Scripture is found in the eighteenth chapter of Exodus.  Moses is in the practice of sitting from dawn until dark to hear and judge the needs, problems, and questions of the people, who line up all day long in order to present their cases.  Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, observes this and suggests to Moses a better way.

You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.  Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you.  You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to Him.  Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform.  But select capable men from all the people-men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain-and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.  Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide for themselves.  That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you.  If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied (Exodus 18:18-23).

            Jethro’s counsel is as timely for today’s stressed-out, over-worked pastors and other church leaders as it was for Moses.  Jethro said that unless the leadership and responsibility were spread out, both Moses, God’s servant, and the people would wear out.  He said that the work was too heavy for one person to handle alone.  In addition, the people as a whole would not be properly cared for.  If, however, the responsibility was divided and the authority delegated, the servant of God (and everyone else) would be able to stand the strain.  So Moses appointed overseers with varying levels of authority to assist him in ministering to the people, thus establishing one of the most fundamental principles for effective ministry and management.

            A properly functioning eldership provides not only plurality of leadership but complete unity of purpose and action.  Both plurality and unity are essential.  “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust” (Acts 14:23).  Notice in this verse that Paul and Barnabas appointed elders (plural) in each church (singular).  This is plurality of leadership.  Nowhere in the New Testament is there any reference to one single individual, whether a pastor or whomever, presiding alone over a local church.  Elders were to work together in unity to provide effective leadership for the church.

            Consider the Trinity as an example.  The Godhead of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit governs in plurality but acts in absolute unity.  Likewise, each ruling elder must be mutually submitted to the will and purpose of the whole group.  However, this does not mean that there is no leader-remember the rule of order and priority of position we discussed earlier.  What it does mean is that all the elders work together under the headship of Christ.

            Eldership ministry of this type provides significant benefits to the Church.  It promotes mutual relationships while encouraging mutual submission.  It provides the discipline, correction, and counsel necessary to help make sure that every leader stays on the proper course.  In other words, it provides a system of checks and balances.  Finally, eldership ministry develops spiritual maturity as each leader learns to submit his or her will at times to the will of the entire group.

Qualifications of Eldership

            Another look at Exodus chapter 18 reveals seven qualifications for the men whom Moses chose as elders among the people of Israel.

1.       The choice did not depend on natural talent.  Moses surely sought God’s direction in the selection process.  This is at least implied in verse 23 when Jethro says, “If you do this and God so commands…” God looks at the heart, not the physical appearance.

2.      Qualified elders were men who feared God; men who loved and worshiped God, who acknowledged Him as King and who took His Word and His law seriously.  These men were to be spiritual leaders so they needed to be spiritual me.

3.      Elders were to be trustworthy men; men who could be counted on consistently to carry out their responsibilities with honesty, fairness, and justice.

4.      Elders were to hate dishonest gain.  An elder must serve from proper motives- a desire to minister to the needs of people-and be immune to bribes and other temptations to corrupt behavior.

5.      Elders were to be men of spiritual insight.  They needed to be sensitive and open to spiritual truth so they could act wisely and render sound judgments.

6.      Elders were to be men who were willing and able to bear responsibility.  Leaders always bear greater responsibility than do the people they lead.  For this reason, leaders also have a higher degree of accountability.  Elders needed to be spiritually mature, emotionally stable, and morally sound.

7.      Elders were to rule over as many as they were qualified for, be that thousands, hundreds, fifties, or tens.  This was probably determined by such factors as age, maturity, experience, and spiritual sensitivity.

If you have ever wondered, “What do I have to be to be an elder?” these qualities give you a good idea.  In First Timothy 3:1-7, the apostle Paul identifies 15 qualifications for church elders.  Paul’s list gives further clarification regarding what is expected of elders.

1.       Blameless.  This doesn’t mean perfect; no one could meet that standard.  Blameless means simply that there are no accusations against you; no questions about your character.

2.      The husband of one wife. Put simply, and elder must not be a polygamist.

3.      Vigilant.  This means self-control in your personal life and behavior.

4.      Sober. A sober person knows when to be serious and when not to be.  This quality does not refer to a somber, unsmiling countenance, but to the possession of proper thinking; to taking life seriously, being balanced in all its parts.

5.      Good behavior.  This means being respectable, living an orderly life, and quietly fulfilling your duty.

6.      Given to hospitality. A hospitable person is kind to strangers and a friend to people he meets.

7.      Apt to teach.  As we saw earlier, an elder must have the ability to teach others; to tutor or serve directly as a mentor.

8.     Not given to wine. Drunkenness is out of the question for an elder.  He exercises self-control in all things.

9.       Not angry.  This means not being prone to jealous or vindictive wrath or to bouts of violent rage.  An elder is a peaceful person, one who is control emotionally.

10.   Not greedy for money.  An elder “hates dishonest gain” and is a good steward of his possessions.

11.   Patient.  This means being fair and gentle in every situation, treating every person with dignity and respect.

12.   Not a brawler.  An elder is not argumentative, contentious, or quarrelsome.  Instead, he seeks to make peace wherever possible and pursues it diligently.

13.   Not covetous.  An elder has his priorities straight; spiritual things come first.  He is not caught up in the love of money or the pursuit of wealth for its own sake.

14.   Not a novice.  Elders must not be new Christians who lack maturity or grounding.  They must have the chance to grow and demonstrate spiritual maturity and stability.

15.    Having a good name in the community.  This means being honorable; having a reputation for honesty and integrity in every area of life.

These qualifications serve also as safeguards for the health and reputation of the church.  It is dangerous, both for the church and for the individual involved, to promote any person too soon.  Every believer needs time to grow deep and mature in the faith.  Putting a new or young believer into a place of high responsibility too soon could have tragic consequences.  No one should become an elder or other church leader until he or she has been thoroughly tested in every area of life.  We should never hurry this process.  As Paul cautioned Timothy, “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others.  Keep yourself pure” (1 Tim 5:22).  After all, it is much easier to have a ceremony of the laying on of hands than to have a ceremony of the laying off of hands!

Recognizing Elders

            The biblical process of recognizing and appointing elders may be a little difficult for many of us as Americans to adjust to, accustomed as we are to the democratic process of voting for everything.  Once we truly realize that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the Church, we also understand that His Church is not a democracy.  He is not going to be voted out of office, nor is He going to resign.  He is King of kings and Lord of lords, and He alone has the right to raise up leaders in His Church.

            There are three stages in the process of recognizing and appointing elders.  First, an elder is called by the Holy Spirit and set apart by Him.  Promotion comes from the Lord, not from men.  “No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt a man.  But it is God who judges:  He brings one down, He exalts another” (Ps. 75:6-7).  God Himself begins to raise up an elder according to His will.  In addition, an elder’s gifting begins to make room for him.  “A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great” (Prov 18:16).  Not only does God promote individuals to eldership, but He also goes before them, making room for their ministry.

            The second stage is when an elder-to-be is recognized and approved by other elders.  First of all, the elders recognize the gifting of God on the person’s life.  They also see evidence of the person’s willingness to serve as the elder-to-be displays the heart of a servant.  The elders make note of the person’s faithfulness to Christ and His Church and recognize in this one a personal attitude of godliness, holiness, and righteousness.

            I am convinced that there are many more elders in the Church at large than are currently serving.  One of the reasons for this is that many of these gifted and called-out people are not willing to serve.  The only way anyone can become an elder is to be willing to be a servant.  In God’s Kingdom, no one can be first until he learns to be last.  God won’t put you at the top until you’re happy serving at the bottom.  This calls for faithfulness, patience, and a positive attitude.  These are the qualities God looks for.

            The final stage is when the new elder is recognized and accepted by the congregation.  Notice that there is no mention here of the congregation voting on the elder.  The new elder has already been called and set apart by God and recognized and approved by other elders.  The congregation’s part is to recognize and accept the elder whom God ahs raised up in their midst.  They should display a willingness to submit to the new elder’s authority and to hold him or her in high esteem.  The congregation should show honor to a new elder, especially one who preaches the Word.

            It doesn’t matter how gifted you are, or how thoroughly you have been approved by other elders, if the congregation is not willing to accept and follow you as an elder, you cannot lead them.  If you are trying to lead them and they are not following you, then you are just out for a walk.  Eldership is not about position as much as it is about relationship.  People won’t follow you just because you’re an elder.  They will follow you because you have a relationship with them, and because you’re willing to allow the gift of God to manifest through your life to them, thus making a difference in their lives.

Kingdom Government

            The government of God-eldership-is Kingdom government.  In these last days God is restoring the governing structure of the five-fold ministry in order to build and establish His Church for the days ahead.  This restoration involves the ordering, gathering, and establishing of the people of God, in which each office of the five-fold ministry plays a vital role.

1.       Ordering the People.  This aspect of Kingdom government is the function and goal of the apostolic and prophetic ministries.  They establish and proclaim standards of divine order and divine authority in the Church.  Therefore, it is a time of preparation, proving, and placement.  If the Church is to enter fully into God’s purposes and accomplish His will in the earth, then we must be clear about who we are, where we are going, and how we are going to get there.  The apostolic and prophetic offices help us to answer these questions and to develop a clear sense of identity.

2.       Gathering the People. This is where the pastoral and teaching ministries come into play.  They reveal the truths of divine abundance for building and strengthening the Church and of divine ministry for preparing believers for lives of service in Christ’s name.  It is a time of service, discipleship, and developing maturity.  Pastors and teachers help the Church carry out the Great Commission:

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:19-20).

Are you beginning to see how this works?  If you are in a church where

the elders are functioning in plurality and unity, with each one properly established and in place, and where God has begun to minister through those gifts, there will be a consistent ministry of preparation, proving, and placement; of plenty, prosperity, and increase; of service, discipleship, and maturity.  There will be a continual process of Kingdom building.  When this happens, Christ Himself is building His Church and the gates of hell will not be able to stand against it.

            This kind of Kingdom building is not based on personality or the approval of men, but is Christ building His Church.  It is not based on a program or the style of worship music, but is Christ building His Church.  If we try to build the Church, then the principalities and powers of the air can war against us and win.  When Christ builds His Church, however, the powers of darkness have no authority or strength to stand against it.

            Remember, it is not our Church.  We are merely the building blocks, the “living stones…being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood…” (1 Pet. 2:5), with all members set in their proper place and functioning in the proper way.  We are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God…” (1 Pet. 2:9b), whom together are believing with a heart of faith, reaching out to people with a heart of love, and declaring and confessing the Word of God.

            God said, “not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zech. 4:6b).  Kingdom government is the work of the Spirit of God.  A healthy, growing, powerful, and effective Church is the work of the Spirit of God.  It isn’t us at all, but Him, building us up, establishing us in Him, and planting us exactly where He wants us to be.

            Not everyone is called by God to be an apostle, is raised up into the prophetic office, or is brought into the evangelistic office, the pastoral ministry, or the teaching ministry.  However, each of is called to follow Christ and to serve faithfully wherever He plants us and in whatever ministry He raises us into.

            Understanding Kingdom government clears up many things for us and removes a heavy burden.  We realize that it isn’t about who’s the “top dog” anymore, or about who’s first or who’s the greatest.  Kingdom government is about understanding and becoming the person God wants each of us to be.