As we consider the recommendation of elders to lead our church spiritually, we want to do it in three ways:

Biblically:  What does the Bible say about the characteristics and qualities of shepherds and spiritual leadership?

In Community:  Part of this process will be asking you to consult with your fellow believers at The Branch.

Prayerfully:  We will ask the Holy Spirit to inform our hearts in prayer and fasting.

As you consider the men to recommend, perhaps the most important thing to remember is that this is not a process to nominate a potential leader.  This is a process to recognize men who already lead, whose spiritual maturity and leadership skills have already been demonstrated in lives they currently shepherd.

What are the characteristics or qualities of an elder?

Shepherd

• He already has a number of people in the church who know, respect, and follow him in the Lord
• His leadership style reflects Jesus’ model
• He has a positive attitude about The Branch, our values and our mission
• He builds unity in everything he does

Mentor

• He demonstrates Christian maturity (is not a new Christian)
• Others in the church look to him for spiritual direction and instruction
• He demonstrates a balanced life (family, church, career)
• His wife is his spiritual partner in ministry

Equipper

• He trains and teaches others how to serve
• He is a man of Bible study and prayer
• He is a builder of people - an encourager

What Shepherds Do:

• Keep watch over the church
• Care for and feed the flock
• Give guidance
• Preach & teach
• Exhort & admonish
• Act as an example
• Serve the church
• Prepare God’s people for service
• Pray over and annoint the sick

What Shepherds Don’t Do:

• Boss people around
• Think for everyone else
• Call the shots and make all the decisions
• Legislate in matters of opinion
• Grease the squeaky wheels

The characteristics and qualities of the type of man God desires to spiritually lead his church are outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.  As you prayerfully consider men that fit the previous characteristics listed, reflect also on these qualities and questions.

Good Reputation: Do others hold them in high regard?
Morally pure: Does their life reflect moral and sexual purity, honoring their wife in everything?
Balanced Life: How anchored/stable are they?
Wise: In uncertain situations, how sound is their judgement?
Good role model: Do their lives attract others to Christ?
Generous and caring: What kind of “hospital” are they?
Communicate well: Are their conversations non-threatening and not defensive?
Moderation: Do they have any addictive behaviors?  Do they over-indulge?
Humble: Are they teachable?  Do they always have to be in control?
Patient and Forgiving: Are they vengeful or bitter?  Do they release offenses quickly?
Not abusive: Are they kind and respectful, even when provoked or angry?
Fair-minded: How considerate are they of others?
Peace-loving: How contentious are they? Do they strive for win/win scenarios?
Non-materialistic: Do their spending habits honor God?
Good spouse/parent: What do you see of God in how they parent their children?
Pursues godly activities: Which do you see as the bigger magnet for them-- the Spirit or the flesh?
Non-prejudiced & fair: Are they equitable and impartial, and refuse to play favorites?
Holy, devoted to God: Do you see more of Christ in them today than a year ago?
Disciplined: Are their habits holy or human?  What’s their “spiritual fitness?”

Please consider also:

• These are qualities, not qualifications.
• Not every elder will possess all these qualities to the same degree.
• Who would you seek out in a time of crisis for spiritual comfort and guidance?

An elder need not be:

• Outstanding in the business world
• A good public speaker
• A charismatic personality
• Wealthy

Elder Selection Schedule:

January 24: Begin the process of considering who you should nominate. Spend time in the Bible, in Community, and In Prayer.

Starting February 6 : Begin turning in Recommendation Forms

February 14: Recommendation forms are due.

March 13/14: Announce the names of those to be ordained.

March 20/21: Ordination Service

Download the 2010 Elder Recommendation Form Here.

To complete your form electronically, login and click on “Registration” in the tools menu. Choose the Elder Recommendation form and complete.