What are the personal expectations of an elder?

(1)  Biblical Qualifications:

1 Timothy 3:1-7 & Titus 1:6-9 form the apostolic expectations for each man considered for eldership. The single, overarching qualification is that he is to be a man “above reproach.” That is, he must be a leader who has a sustained reputation for blamelessness in his family life, his social life, his business life, and his spiritual life. A primary distinction of this office is that this man be able to teach the Word of God publicly and/or privately.

(2)  5 Practical Expectations:

• Fully endorse the mission of Randolph Street Church
• Completely affirm the eldership statement of faith
• Support corporate gatherings and ministry efforts through regular participation
• Consistently grow through personal reading, assigned reading, training classes, etc.
• Eagerly work with other elders in a spirit of unity and gospel-centeredness

What are the ministry expectations of an elder?  Every elder carries 2 ministry expectations:

(1)  Shepherd (1 Peter 5:1-5)

• Shepherding through Member Care Groups - Most of our lay elders fit into this category of discipleship (James 5:14; 2 Timothy 2:2). These lay elders will be directly responsible for shepherding and caring for multiple Member Care Groups. Member Care Groups are deacon-led groups of Church members.

• Shepherding through Specific Ministries - All of our staff elders & some of our lay elders will be responsible for shepherding through various appointed ministries which will include oversight in various venues (Acts 15:6; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 3:2; 5:17; Titus 1:7-9).

(2)  Overseer (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 5:17; Titus 1:7a; Hebrews 13:7, 17)

• All elders are responsible for managing our local Church. This will include investment of time in prayer, reading, meetings, etc. as we seek God’s wisdom for our local Church ministry.

How does a man become an elder at Randolph Street Church?  The process may vary but there are several key components to men being recognized as elders at Randolph Street Church:

(1)  Elder Appointment: Our current elders are responsible for identifying potential elder candidates. Our elders are constantly looking for men who are already engaged in shepherding type ministry and whose gifts and character match the Biblical description of an elder.

(2)  Examination & Training: Each candidate for eldership at Randolph Street must go through an extensive training process led by our current elders. Lay elders must be a part of the Randolph Street Church family for at least one year before being considered.

(3)  Membership Affirmation: Upon the completion of the examination/training period, the consent of the candidate and the unanimous approval of the eldership, the candidate must be affirmed by the membership. This affirmation is a public statement of a willingness to submit to this candidate as a shepherd of this local Church. All elders serve indefinitely upon continued approval by the eldership and are permitted to take a sabbatical as needed.