What Will Elders Do?

Richview is currently in the process of selecting Elders. On October 28, we will be holding a business meeting to elect our first Board of Elders.

There are two church offices in the Bible: Elder and Deacon. It is best to keep these roles separate. Elders provide supervision and spiritual guidance for the congregation. Deacons serve by administering the finances, buildings, and ministries of the church.

The 3-Ds of Eldership

The duties of elders will fall into three broad categories:

• Doctrine - to pay attention to the doctrine of the church, to "encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it" (Titus 1:9; see also Acts 20:28-31)
• Direction - decision making, planning, administrating, delegating, and governing the details of church life
• Discipline - to "keep watch over you as those who must give an account" (Hebrews 13:17; see also Titus 2:15)

This means that the elders will meet around important issues: defining and clarifying the church's beliefs and principles of ministry; developing a distinctive mission and vision; evaluating major ministries; improving pastoral care; and planning for the future. The Word of God and prayer (Acts 6:4) will be priorities.

Coming next week:

What are the qualifications for elders?