Pure Springs Church Elders Board – Adopted 03/24/2023

Note:

As with all things Pure Springs, we acknowledge we are a work in progress. We are doing our best to follow God’s Word and instruction and discern His Will. As we grow and gain knowledge, some policies will evolve. This document is intended as a starting point for this critical ministry. Pastors are de facto members of the Elder’s board.

Purpose:

Elders are servants responsible for the general and specific spiritual welfare of the congregation and the individual members.

Qualifications:

1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 outline the biblical qualifications for Elders.

 “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer[a] must be above reproach, the husband of one wife,[b] sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil” (1 Timothy 3:1-7 ESV).

 “This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife,[a] and his children are believers[b] and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer,[c] as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound[d] doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:5-9 ESV).

We also believe that the Board of Elders consists of a plurality of men elected by the congregation to serve a term of one to three years.

Elders must be members of Pure Springs Church in good standing.

PSC is not seeking perfection in those called to serve as Elder, but a willingness to strive for the following expectations, not limited to:

  • Spiritual maturity and growth, being an example of faithfulness for others.
  • Being fully involved in the church and its ministries and actively attending.
  • A commitment and desire to serve others with the time required.
  • Elders will be accountable to each other and the congregation.
  • Commitment to serve for a designated term.

Key Tasks:

Elders in Pure Springs Church are responsible for all matters about the spiritual welfare of the church, including but not limited to the following:

  • Watch out for the church in humility.
  • Regular prayer for the Pastors, church workers, and congregation.
  • Utilize their gifts to teach when called by God to do so.
  • Model prayer and care for the people and ministries of PSC.
  • Define, assess, and guard the spiritual health of PSC.
  • Actively communicate and promote the mission and vision of PSC.
  • Meet regularly with the pastoral team to understand, encourage and support the ministry of PSC.
  • Cooperate with the finance ministry to establish budgets.
  • Establish and enforce church policy.
  • Ensure the board governs as a whole, following God’s will.
  • Assist in the development of new leadership.
  • Establish and maintain the structure and requirements of church membership.
  • Encourage the identification and use of members’ spiritual gifts.
  • Settle disputes with the church.

Time Commitment:

The goal of PSC is to create an ongoing Elders board of staggered terms, with a minimum of three elders (plus the pastors) at all times. Elders are expected to commit to a minimum of one to three-year terms.

Elders are expected to meet and communicate regularly as required. Individual weekly commitment will be based on availability and giftedness.

Benefits of this position:

Serving in the role of Elder will likely be a challenge to grow in many ways, but you will be

blessed in abundance for your service to the Lord.

  • Deeper relationships with those you serve and the congregation as a whole
  • Growth in your faith as you minister to others and trust in God to guide you
  • Expansion of the kingdom in big and small ways as you see the fruit of your labor
  • Comfort in knowing that you are part of God’s plan for building the church
  • Affirmation of your gifts as you step out in faith and trust God
  • Joy in seeing God at work through this ministry