KINGDOM PURPOSE CHURCH

"LOVING GOD, LOVING PEOPLE"

>>>   KINGDOM PURPOSE CHURCH

100 NORTH BROAD STREET, FAIRBORN, OH 45324   >>>

ELDERS & DEACONS

Our elders and deacons consider it a joy to serve the members of Kingdom Purpose Church. To see the elders and deacons, please review the names and photos below.

McKinley Harris III

(Deacon)

John

Little

(Deacon)

Lucy

Roberts

(Deacon)

Labertha 

Williams

(Deacon)

Clint

Allen

(Deacon)

Nathaniel Bridges

(Deacon)

Vanetta Bellows

(Elder)

Gregory Nance

(Elder)

WHAT IS AN ELDER

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The New Testament clearly prescribes two offices for local churches: deacons and elders (also known as “overseers,” see 1 Tim. 3:1; “shepherds,” see 1 Pet. 5:1-4;  or “pastors,” see Eph. 4:11). Elders are called to shepherd God’s people in the local church by knowing, feeding, leading, and protecting them spiritually (see 1 Pet. 5:1-4). They are expected to live exemplary lives (as outlined in Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Tim. 3:17)

HOW ARE ELDERS CHOSEN?

Eldership is a call from the Lord. Jesus rules his Church; and as the Great Shepherd, he raises up “under-shepherds” by calling them to serve where he wants them.

 

At Kingdom Purpose, the process for elder selection is as follows:

 

1. Already Serving: Typically, those who step into the role of elder are already shepherding people in areas of the church where they serve. They are already nurturing, teaching, serving, and helping apply God’s Word to people’s lives.
 

2. Recommended: Candidates are recommended to the current elders. Members, various ministry leaders, and elders may all bring forward names of people whom they observe leading and serving well and they think should be considered for eldership.
 

3. Finding out more: When names are received, the Lead Pastor begins the process for considering and dialoguing with the candidate. This includes:

· Evaluating and gathering more information about the candidate

· Gathering feedback from the elders on how they’ve seen the candidate involved in ministry

· Going deeper in conversation with the candidate to discuss their calling, character, and doctrine
 

4. Interview: If the elder candidate feels this call and is in a season of life where he is able to serve in the role of elder, he brings references to the elder committee and is interviewed by one or two elders (with spouses).
 

5. Licenses: The candidate will receive a license as a minister to serve under the tutelage of the Lead pastor and enroll in training set forth by the Jurisdiction that the local church is affiliated with. 

 

6. Elder vote: The Jurisdictional Elder Committee reviews the aforementioned information and votes to bring the nominee to the full Elder Council. The elders vote to present the candidate to the bishop for elevation to eldership.

HOW CAN I START ON THE PATH TO BECOMING AN ELDER?

1. Pray for wisdom in where to use your gifts: the Lord has the full supply and gives it to those who ask him (James 1:5)

2. Study the Word: it is the light to your path (Psalm 119:105) and will help you grow and mature

3. Be humble: serve others and follow Jesus’s example of being gentle and humble in heart (Matt. 11:29)

4. Guard your heart and life from sin: your life flows from your heart (Prov. 4:23)

5. Care for your home: nurture and lovingly lead your wife (Eph. 5:25-33) and protect and disciple your children (Psalm 78:4)

6. Ask the Lord to mature you and shape you more into the likeness of Christ (Eph. 5:1-2)

FURTHER RESOURCES ON ELDERS

· "Biblical Eldership" by Alexander Strauch

· "The Shepherd Leader" by Timothy Z. Witmer

· "Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons" by Thabiti M. Anyabwile

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF DEACONS OF KINGDOM PURPOSE CHURCH?

The simple answer is we care about our people! We also believe using deacons as assistants is faithful to the biblical teaching on the diaconate for three key reasons:

1. DEACONS AS SERVANT LEADERS

First, the word “deacon” in the passages of Scripture referring to the biblical office (Phil 1:1, 1 Tim 3:8-13) is an English transliteration of the Greek word diakonos, which usually means “servant” but can also mean “assistant” or “aide.”

2. DEACONS AS AIDES TO THE CHURCH AND TO ELDERS

Second, in both passages of Scripture in which deacons are mentioned, they are referenced in relationship to the elders. The context seems to imply that the work of deacons is related in a subordinate way to the work of elders, who provide spiritual care for the church (Acts 20:28). This explains why the character qualifications of deacons is so similar to those of elders. The primary distinction between elders and deacons is the elders’ responsibility to exercise oversight (1 Pet 5:2) and teach (Acts 6:4; 1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:9).

3. DEACONS AS COMPASSION MINISTRY HELPERS

Finally, the first deacons in Acts 6 weren’t involved solely in “temporal matters” but administered a compassion ministry to church members in need. Deacons are instrumental in caring for the physical needs of the church body through various stages and trials in life.

QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING FOR DEACONS

Because God’s Word teaches that deacons must first be “tested” before serving (1 Tim. 3:10), a committee of elders has worked to identify and develop members of our church to serve in the office of Deacon.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DEACONS

 Among the tasks of a deacon envisioned by the elders are:

 

· Administration of church events

· Contacting church members for prayer requests

· Assisting in caring for members in crisis

· Coordinating meal trains and other benevolent assistance

· Facilitate oversight of KP ministries

 

While not exhaustive, this list gives a general idea of what you can expect from your KP Deacons.