From left to right: Lyndon Cox (Elder), Brian Minter (Deacon), Eric Cox (Deacon), Gary Deck (Deacon), Matthew Barnes (Evangelist), Mike Hernandez (Deacon), Jim Reiser (Elder), Bret Hammonds (Elder).
Meet Our EldersFrom top to bottom: Bret Hammonds, Jim Reiser, Lyndon Cox
Shepherds, Overseers, Elders
Elders are spiritually mature and faithful men. They have proven themselves in their homes by raising faithful children and in faithfulness to their wives. These are men who have demonstrated a commitment to serve the Lord and to lead His people. They are capable teachers, full of wisdom and patience, and have demonstrated their love for God and for the Church through lives of service. The focus of the work of Elders is to feed the flock through effective teaching, to minister to their spiritual needs, to offer spiritual guidance, counsel, and correction, and to pray continually for God's people. 1 Peter 5.1-4
Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Titus 1.5-9
For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. 1 Timothy 3.1-7
It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. |
Meet Our DeaconsFrom left to right: Brian Minter, Eric Cox, Gary Deck, Mike Hernandez
Ministers of Mercy
Deacons are faithful men who serve the congregation and assist the Elders in ministering to the members. Their work covers a large scope of responsibilites. They tend to the physical and financial needs of the members and of the congregation. They can also be helpers in evangelistic efforts, helping Evangelists in their work. Deacons are men of good character who have proven themselves to be wise and trustworthy. 1 Timothy 3.8-13
Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongues, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. |
Meet Our EvangelistMatthew Barnes
Evangelist, Proclaimer of Glad Tidings
Primarily it is the work of an Evangelist to teach the word of God. Much of his work is seeking and saving the lost with an additional focus on assisting in the spiritual growth and establishment of fellow Christians. Evangelists are instructed to train men to be teachers, to make disciples, and to assist Churches in growing to spiritual maturity or addressing problems, lack of growth, or other deficiencies. Evangelists serve the congregation under the oversight of and in cooperation with its Eldership/leadership. Romans 10.15
How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” 2 Timothy 4.1-4
I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. |