Board of Elders

Purpose & Mission
The Board of Elders is responsible for the general and specific spiritual welfare of the congregation as a whole and of the individual members.

Membership & Term of Office
The Board of Elders consists of one elder for each 15-20 members of the congregation. The family groups within the congregation are divided up into parish zones. Elders are selected by the voting membership of the congregation for a term of three years. The terms are staggered to maintain a consistent majority of experience on the Board. Members may currently serve two consecutive terms.

Organization
The Board elects from its members a Chairman of the Board, a Vice Chairman and a Secretary. The Chairman is responsible for presiding over meetings of the Board and also sits on the Church Council. The Secretary keeps minutes of each Elder's meeting.

Committees
The Board of Elders administers the committees which are recommended in the Manual for Parish Officers, Boards and Committees. These Committees are the (1) Worship Committee, (2) Soul Keeping Committee, (3) Welfare Committee.

Duties and Responsibilities:
A. The Board of Elders is responsible for...

(1) all matters pertaining to the spiritual welfare of the congregation.

(2) individually and collectively, by word and action, encouraging the Pastors and other called church workers.

(3) regular prayer for the Pastors and other called church workers.

(4) standing ready at all times to help the Pastors and Pastoral staff in difficult problems of their ministries and congregational problems.

(5) Concern about the spiritual, emotional, and physical health and welfare of the Pastor, other called church workers and their families, including proper rest, vacation, and assistance in times of sickness, housing, etc.

Care Zones
Elders and concerned with the spiritual life of congregation members, especially in each of their "Care Zones" through regular contact and visitation.

Congregational Membership
Elders keep themselves informed of member activity including attendance at public worship, use of Sacraments, baptism of children, visitation of shut-ins, nature and spiritual education of youth, and celebration of special events in member's lives.

New Members
Elders welcome new members by personal contact and are concerned with adequate instruction of youth for confirmation.

Church Discipline
Elders consider members' complaints and grievences according to Matthew 18 and carry out church discipline diligently, carefully and prayerfully in accordance with the Word of God.

Special Concerns
Elders may form a "pulpit committee" when there are pastoral vacancies and encourage younger members to prepare for the full-time work in the Kingdom.

Worship
Elders periodically review, along with the Pastors and staff, the nature and conduct of the worship service.  They review whether the music, hymns, liturgy, sermons, offerings, Baptism, and Holy Communion are meaningful to members and also to visitors. They also monitor the condition of the sanctuary and recommend physical improvements when necessary. The Board of Elders, together with the Pastor, is responsible for arranging the pulpit and for Holy Communion assistance, special services, and guest speakers, worship aids, and liturgical decorations.  Elders assist in the distribution of the Lord's Supper, the administration of Holy Baptism, and serve an appointment as elders of the month in the direction of public worship.

Altar Care
Elders prepare guidelines for the altar committee and arrange for the purchase of candles, communion wafers, and wine. They provide for care of service books and Bibles.

Church Music
Together with the Pastor and Minister of Music, Elders strive to make use of music and singing more meaningful and worshipful including developing a philosophy of Christian music and goals for worship and recommending the annual budget for music.

Ushers & Acolytes
Elders promote reverent worship by arranging for members to serve as ushers, providing usher duties and training.

Crisis Care
The Board of Elders is concerned with the ministry of care by being attentive to those in need and extending help in Christ's name to fellow Christians and to everyone in need of help. Together with Mission and Ministry, Elders extend church facilities to community care projects when need exists.