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What is the role of the Board of Elders?
The Bible teaches that the Early Church appointed Elders to serve as "shepherds, overseers, and examples" to the Lord's flock (1 Peter 5:1-4) and regarded this ministry as a "noble task" (1 Tim 3:1). Following this model, Christ Church also appoints Elders whose overall role is to:
- Model the life of Christian discipleship
- Pray for the congregation and staff
- Partner with staff in the oversight and development of the church’s ministry and mission
- Discern the congregation's interests and needs
- Share in the administration of the sacraments of communion and baptism
- Exercise specific governance duties as prescribed by the CCOB Constitution.
How is the work of the Elders organized?
The Board of Elders is chaired by the Senior Pastor and carries out its work through he efforts of three sub-groups, each made of up Elders:
- The Ministry Board (39 elders)
- The Elder Council (12 elders)
- The Board of Trustees (12 elders)
The Ministry Board focuses on partnering with church staff in the development and oversight of the major ministry areas (MMA's) of the church. Three Elders are assigned to each area and welcome non-elders and former elders to serve alongside of them on the following major ministry teams:
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Worship
Hospitality & Outreach
Children's Discipleship
Student Discipleship
Adult Discipleship - Group Life
Adult Discipleship - Equipping
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Membership
CommUNITY
Prayer & Care
Diaconal Ministry
Local Mission
Global Mission
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The Elder Council focuses on broader issues of spiritual discernment, direction, and ministry coordination than can appropriately be handled by a specific major ministry team. Council members have normally served at least one prior term of office as a member of the Ministry Board. Members of the Council also…
- Provide support to the major ministry team chairs
- Coordinate elder nominations and leadership training Assemble agenda for meetings of the Board of Elders Convene gatherings of the wider leadership community of the church for consultation
- Facilitate connection and communication between Elders, Trustees & Members
- Handle disciplinary and conflict resolution matters on behalf of the Elder Board
The Board of Trustees focuses on stewardship of the human, financial, technological, legal, and facility resources that undergird the church’s ministry and mission. More information about the Trustees is available here.
How are Elders identified and appointed?
Ministry Board and Elder Council candidates are nominated by the existing Board of Elders and Trustee candidates are nominated by the existing Board of Trustees. Candidate recommendations are welcomed from any church source. Elder candidates will normally have a well-established record of BOTH spiritual maturity and leadership experience.
At the church’s annual business meeting in February, the Congregation formally elects Ministry Board and Elder Council nominees to three-year terms of office and Trustee nominees to a term of five years.
An Elder may serve no more than two consecutive terms of office before leaving the board for at least a year. This is in order that others may serve and so that he or she may find refreshment before continuing on in service.
Who are the current Elders?
Click here for a current listing of Elders and the area where they serve.