Greeley Vineyard Church Elder Job Description
Being an elder at Greeley Vineyard Church carries with it a high level of commitment. An elder may have various responsibilities during the course of his/her term. However, the main four responsibilities of an Elder are to pray, teach, lead, and model.
2. Teach
An Elder must be “able to teach” (1 Tim. 3:2; see 5:17) and must hold “to the faithful message as taught, so that they will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and refute those who contradict it” (Tit. 1:9). The Elders’ teaching can happen in various contexts: in a Family Ministry class, leading a small group, through evangelism, and in other ways. The Elders are responsible to ensure that sound theology is taught from the pulpit, through corporate worship, and in the various ministries of the church. Elders will also train others to perpetuate the church’s teaching and values.
3. Lead
Elders are called “overseers” and “shepherds,” titles that highlight their role as leaders (1 Tim 3:1, 1 Pet 5:1-2). Elders should lead the people of the church toward maturity in Christ (Eph. 4:12-13). This leadership should be courageous and proactive and will include working with pastors in issues of conflict and reconciliation.
4. Model
Elders lead by example and are told to shepherd the church, “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:3). An Elder’s most basic job is to say, “imitate me as I also imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). Modeling means guarding one’s godliness: “Pay close attention to your life and your teaching” (1 Tim. 4:16). It also requires Elders to be “among the people,” allowing others to see them up close. Finally, Elders are to be models of Christ both in the church and in the community.
An elder/board-led model provides shared ownership in discernment, as well as successes and failures. As a result, the direction and vision of the church does not rest on one set of shoulders, but is carried by a multitude of qualified, Spirit-filled men and women. The Lead Pastor(s) are then accountable to the elders to direct the energies and resources of the church as discerned by the elders.
As Greeley Vineyard Church moves from a Pastor-led model to an Elder/Board-led model the following would be expected from a member of Greeley Vineyard Church who would be appointed an elder.
Considerations for Elder Nominations:
- Pray
2. Teach
An Elder must be “able to teach” (1 Tim. 3:2; see 5:17) and must hold “to the faithful message as taught, so that they will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and refute those who contradict it” (Tit. 1:9). The Elders’ teaching can happen in various contexts: in a Family Ministry class, leading a small group, through evangelism, and in other ways. The Elders are responsible to ensure that sound theology is taught from the pulpit, through corporate worship, and in the various ministries of the church. Elders will also train others to perpetuate the church’s teaching and values.
3. Lead
Elders are called “overseers” and “shepherds,” titles that highlight their role as leaders (1 Tim 3:1, 1 Pet 5:1-2). Elders should lead the people of the church toward maturity in Christ (Eph. 4:12-13). This leadership should be courageous and proactive and will include working with pastors in issues of conflict and reconciliation.
4. Model
Elders lead by example and are told to shepherd the church, “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:3). An Elder’s most basic job is to say, “imitate me as I also imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). Modeling means guarding one’s godliness: “Pay close attention to your life and your teaching” (1 Tim. 4:16). It also requires Elders to be “among the people,” allowing others to see them up close. Finally, Elders are to be models of Christ both in the church and in the community.
An elder/board-led model provides shared ownership in discernment, as well as successes and failures. As a result, the direction and vision of the church does not rest on one set of shoulders, but is carried by a multitude of qualified, Spirit-filled men and women. The Lead Pastor(s) are then accountable to the elders to direct the energies and resources of the church as discerned by the elders.
As Greeley Vineyard Church moves from a Pastor-led model to an Elder/Board-led model the following would be expected from a member of Greeley Vineyard Church who would be appointed an elder.
- Potential elders would be nominated by the congregation, staff, and leaders.
- Through an application process, candidates will be reviewed and must be in “good standing” as members of the Greeley Vineyard Church. This is determined, but is not limited to, observable patterns of attendance, serving, giving, leading, relationships, spiritual maturity, self-awareness, etc.
- New elders would be appointed by the existing team of elders.
- Lead Pastor(s) would be a part of the elders.
- Minimum of 2-year commitment.
- Following the initial 2-year commitment, elders will recommit annually for ongoing service.
- Elders meet 1x per month throughout the year.
- Elders would work directly with the Lead Pastor(s) to discern the direction and energies of Greeley Vineyard Church.
Considerations for Elder Nominations:
- Elders must be known and approved for consideration by a member of Greeley Vineyard Church’s leadership team (Pastors, staff, small group and ministry leaders).
- Elders can be nominated by Pastors, staff and leaders. Elders cannot only be nominated by self or spouse.
- Elders must have attended Greeley Vineyard Church for at least two years.
- Elders must be Members of Greeley Vineyard Church and functioning in exemplary standing (tithing, serving, attending, etc.).
- Elders must have volunteered in a ministry for at least two years, preferably in a leadership role.
- Elders must have desire, capacity, flexibility and availability to serve in the elder role.
- Lead Pastor(s) will be Elders.