CHURCH GOVERNMENT

"If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it." - Titus 1:6-9

• Above reproach

• Able to teach

• Husband to one wife

• Not addicted to wine

• Temperate

• Not antagonistic

• Prudent

• Uncontentious

• Respectable

• Free from the love of money

• Hospitable

• Manage own household

• Not a new convert

The Scriptures show that the elders serve by leading and that their responsibility involves the spiritual oversight of the congregation. All elders are equal in authority but not necessarily equal in influence.

The elders' primary responsibilities include:

• Doctrine- Ensuring that the doctrine of the church is biblical; all doctrinal issues in the church will be settled by the Board of Elders.

• Direction- Ensuring that the direction of the church is consistent with the Harvest Bible Chapel statement of purpose and the Four Pillars

• Discipline- Administering in love and humility the process of church discipline as outlined in Matthew 18:15-20; Galatians 6:1-4; Titus 3:10; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; 1 Timothy 5:17-25; 1 Corinthians 5;2 Corinthians 2:5-11, and Romans 16:17

The Scriptures teach that a plurality of elders governed individual New Testament churches (Acts 14:23; Acts 20:28;Titus 1:5; Philippians 1:1). The Scripture does not mention any congregations featuring a stand-alone pastor and leader. A plurality of godly elders, exercising their individual giftedness, squares with the Scripture's teaching that wisdom is found in a multitude of godly counselors (Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 19:20; Proverbs 24:6). This truth does not eliminate the possibility and likelihood that one or more elders will stand out from the others as more public in their ministries or more influential in their workings on the Elder Board.

The Lead Pastor has the same qualifications as an elder and automatically serves as an elder and, because of his public presence and responsibility before the congregation, may be considered first among equals as a member of the Elder Board. The Lead Pastor should be gifted primarily as a preacher/teacher and as a leader.

The Bible teaches that deacons lead by serving (Acts 6). The qualifications for elders and deacons are the same regarding an individual's character, but they differ in aptitude. The elders are to be able to teach while the deacons are to be able and proved as servants.

"Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for hishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well." - 1 Timothy 3:8-12

• Individual of dignity

• Above reproach

• Not double tongued

• First tested as servants

• Not addicted to wine

• Spouses must be faithful

• Temperate

• Not fond of sordid gain

• Holding to the mystery of faith with a clear conscience

• Holding to the mystery of faith with a clear conscience

• Husband of one wife

• Manages household well