Qualifications and Responsibilities of Office Holders
While this list may appear overwhelming, God’s grace is sufficient for us all. None of us are perfect or know all the answers. Space to develop gifts, traits, qualifications and training is provided throughout each council year. Also the Pastoral Staff is available anytime to consult regarding specific situations.
All elders and deacons should be considered in the light of biblical and denominational standards such as:
- I Timothy 3:1-13
- Christian Reformed Church Form for the “Ordination of Elders and Deacons” (see also the “Description of Service” and “Charge” below)
- “These tasks of elders and deacons call for believers who are Christlike, who are mature in the faith, and who exercise their offices with prayer, patience, and humility.”
All elders and deacons will serve on the Council which attends to the following ministry tasks:
- Prayer
- Mission and vision of the congregation
- Congregational spiritual health
- Officer training and encouragement
All deacons will serve on the Deacon Board which attends to the following ministry tasks:
- Prayer
- Spiritual formation of the deacons
- Stewardship
- Benevolence
- Offering coordination and schedule
All elders will serve on the Elder Board which attends to the following ministry tasks:
- Prayer
- Membership and Professions of Faith
- Discipline and nurture
- Spiritual formation of the pastors and office holders, staff and congregation
Seven (7) Shepherd Deacons and seven (7) Shepherd Elders will serve on the Shepherd Board which attends to the following ministry tasks:
- Prayer
- Provide pastoral and diaconal care to the congregation and neighborhood
- Family and individual visitation
Administrative Deacons and Administrative Elders (the six officers elected by the Elder Board and Deacon Board) will serve on the Administrative Board which attends to the following ministry tasks:
- Prayer
- Church committees
- Personnel
- Budget
- General administration
Description of Service (from the CRC Form)
These tasks of elders and deacons call for believers who are Christlike, who are mature in the faith, and who exercise their offices with prayer, patience, and humility.
Elders
Elders serve by exercising oversight of the church in Christ’s name. The apostle Paul told the elders at Ephesus: “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). Elders must provide for the true preaching of the Word, instruction for faith formation for both youth and adults, regular celebration of the sacraments, and faithful counsel and discipline while keeping in confidence those matters entrusted to them. And they must promote fellowship and hospitality among believers, ensure good order in the church, and stimulate witness to all people.
Deacons
Deacons serve by leading and equipping the church to minister to its members and the world in a rich diversity of ministries, awakening compassion, demonstrating mercy, seeking justice, and collaborating with God’s Spirit for the transformation of persons and communities. In imitation of Christ’s mercy, deacons teach us to love God, our neighbors, and the creation with acts of generous sharing, joyful hospitality, thoughtful care, and wise stewardship of all of God’s gifts. Deacons offer holistic responses that respect the dignity of all people, working to change exploitative structures and systems, equipping the church for ministries of reconciliation and peacemaking, and seeking opportunities for advocacy. To help them accomplish these tasks, deacons are to identify and develop gifts in both the church and community. By adding to all this words of encouragement and hope, deacons demonstrate in word and deed the care of the Lord himself.
Charge to Elders and Deacons (from the CRC Form)
Elders
I charge you, elders, as shepherds of the flock, to “hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that [you] can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it” (Titus 1:9). Be a friend and Christlike example to children. Give clear and cheerful guidance to young people. By word and example, bear up God’s people in their pain and weakness, and celebrate their joys with them. Hold in trust all sensitive matters confided to you. Encourage the aged to persevere in God’s promises. Be wise counselors who support and strengthen the pastor. Be compassionate, yet firm and consistent in rebuke and discipline.
Know the Scriptures, which are “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). Pray continually for the church. Remember at all times that if you would truly give spiritual leadership in the household of faith, you must be completely mastered by your Lord (1 Tim. 3:2-7).
Deacons
I charge you deacons, to inspire faithful ministries of service to one another, to the larger community, and to the world. Remind us that the Lord requires us “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with [our] God” (Mic. 6:8). Teach us to be merciful and to seize new opportunities to worship God with offerings of wealth, time, and ability. Realize that benevolence is a quality of our life in Christ and not merely a matter of financial assistance. Therefore, minister to rich and poor alike, both within and outside the church. Weigh our opportunities for giving and service and use the church’s resources discerningly. Be compassionate to those in need and treat them with dignity and respect; hold in trust all sensitive matters confided to you. Encourage with words that create hope in hearts and with deeds that bring joy into lives. Be prophetic critics of the waste, injustice, and selfishness in our society, and be sensitive counselors to the victims of such evils. Let your lives be above reproach; live as examples of Christ Jesus; look to the interests of others. And in all your ministries help us participate in the renewing of all things even as we anticipate its completion when God’s kingdom comes.