Elders Specific Job Description
Qualifications for Elders:
· A mature Christian – well down the journey in their walk with God (that does not mean age-dependant)
· Stands up to the character test in 1 Timothy
· Is a member of Brindabella Baptist Church and has been an active participant for at least 12 months.
· Has a spiritual gifting of leadership
· Seeks the heart of God in all that they do
· Available to serve in that role for at least two years
· Is a “Team Player”
In electing a prospective elder the congregation should:
· Be satisfied that the above has been fulfilled
· Be satisfied that the gifting and character of the prospective elder complements the existing eldership and the senior pastor
· Ensure their vote is not based on popularity, but on God’s will
The Brindabella Baptist Church Eldership fulfils a crucial spiritual leadership role in the life of the church community and is responsible for:
· The spiritual wellbeing of the Church;
· Contributing to the long term vision and strategic direction of Brindabella Baptist Church by assisting the Senior Pastor in vision casting, direction setting, and strategic objective development using their individual spiritual gifting and talents;
· Acting as a confidential adviser and “sounding board” for the Senior Pastor;
· Retreating with the senior pastor to consider God’s voice and direction;
· Providing a spiritual governance group to enable:
- A forum for forward strategic planning to be progressed, and
- Points of contact where the congregation can find spiritual assistance in addition to the Senior Pastor;
· Praying regularly - both individually and corporately - for the church, Senior Pastor, other elders, ministry leaders and the congregation in general;
· Monitoring the general wellbeing of the church by “keeping their finger on the pulse” and becoming the eyes and ears of the church, bringing issues to the attention of the Senior Pastor and/or ministry leaders. This means dedicating time to listening to the heart of congregational members and ministry leaders;
· Providing a forum for final approval for items of business to be brought before a church meeting, including providing advice and input on issues raised in that forum;
· In the absence of the Senior Pastor, effectively communicating important issues to the church body;
· Providing the forum to consider church discipline outcomes where necessary;
· Meeting regularly with the other elders and the Senior Pastor as the church eldership; and
· Holding the Senior Pastor to account for his leadership role, but also respecting, upholding and supporting the authority of the Senior Pastor as the senior leader in the church.