One of the duties of a church member is to nominate and elect the officers of your church. As a congregation of the PCA, we have two offices which serve two different roles in the life of the church: elder and deacon. The Apostle Paul explains that the desire to seek service as an elder is a noble task. It is also a significant and somber responsibility of service.
Elders jointly have the government and spiritual oversight of the Church, including teaching. The office of deacon is not one of rule but rather of service both to the physical and spiritual needs of the people.
Any male member in good standing can be nominated to serve as an elder or deacon. However, before nominating a member of our congregation to one of these offices, please take a moment to prayerfully consider the biblical qualifications as described in this document.
We also ask that any member who is nominating someone to an office personally ask the nominee and receive their consent prior to submitting their names.
Even as you consider nominating an individual, please specifically pray for these things:
- That the Lord would gift our church with new elders and deacons from among our congregation (Ephesians 4.8-14).
- That the Lord would grant wisdom for the elders and deacons as they consider, examine, and care for men considering these offices (Acts 14.23).
- That the Lord would shepherd and care well for the congregation of Covenant through wise and godly officers (1 Peter 5.2-4).
The Nominating Process
Members who have been nominated to serve as officers will be contacted by the Pastoral Staff. A Nominating Committee, formed from the Session, will walk with these men over the next few months. During this time all nominees will attend officer training led by Pastors Jones and Bennett. In January, nominees will be examined by the Pastoral Staff in areas of Bible, theology, church history, government, and sacraments. Upon demonstrating sufficient understanding and character to serve as an officer, the Nominating Committee will present nominees to the Session and then Congregation for a vote. This congregational meeting will be a called meeting in February. Every nominee must receive at least a 2/3rds vote of those members present for the meeting.
The Nomination form will be available here from August 31 through September 26. If you have any concerns or questions about submission details please contact the church office.