Elder

Well, it finally happened. I am back in another church leadership position.

Twelve and one half years after leaving my position as a local church pastor, I am now officially a local church elder. This past Sunday I was "consecrated" - I guess is the term - as an elder at the church we've been part of for the past few years.

I was initially nominated and asked to be an elder last year (like, 18 months ago), and it simply didn't feel right (which may be another way of saying I was scared). They asked me again this year and... I said I would do it. 

I'm not entirely sure what changed between then and now, but ever since last year when I said no, it had kind of been gnawing on me. I now feel like it's a way I can offer service to the church, and I want to.

Tonight will be my first 'elder meeting,' which I'm told will last around two hours. They aren't really "business meetings," as much as they're supposed to be about formation and development. 

The "team" I will be joining as leaders of the church can be found on THIS PAGE.

The 'Elder Role' (for our church community) is described as such:

The elders provide oversight of the affairs of the church. In collaboration with one another, and in close proximity and service to the Canvas Community, and for no compensation, the Elders will commit to:

• Following and walking with Jesus as Lord, savior, and friend.
• Seeking and cultivating a Jesus-centered approach to the scriptures.
• The pursuit of health and ongoing growth in all areas of life: spiritual, emotional, mental, physical.
• Cultivating a life and environment of prayer.
• Pursuit of integrity and ethical conduct in all aspects of life (private & public).
• Seeking, listening for, and following the lead of the Spirit.
• Kindness, respect, and warmth in conversation and written communication.

 The 'Expectations and Requirements' for elders in our church community are:

Personal Growth 

• Engaged in some form of regular counseling, spiritual direction, 1 to 1, or group work which provides context for being known and receiving guidance.
• Demonstrates an openness and desire for growth and health in all areas of life.

Familiarity with the community 

• Consistent presence at Canvas events
• Seeks to better know the people of Canvas through presence, time together, and relational initiative and investment.

Service 

• Provides ongoing leadership presence and/or oversight to at least 1 area or ministry team.
• Seeks to be in touch with and aware of all aspects of the church through attendance of meetings, and timely engagement with written communication.
• Seeks responsibility and stewardship for the well-being of the church as a whole.
• Full Time Staff Support – Each full time staff will have 2 designated Support Elders, selected by the staff person and confirmed by the Elder Team, of one male and one female, assigned for encouragement, discernment & alignment with the stated vision of Canvas, and soul care. The main role of the support Elders is support and must exhibit tangible artifacts of that support. An Elder may serve as support for more than 1 full time staff, if desired.

 

I don't know if I really feel "qualified" or even "ready" to be in a leadership position like this again, but... I probably feel more qualified and ready than I ever have been (even when I was a pastor). Not because I think I'm any wiser or more prepared... but maybe because I feel... less. 

One verse that stood out to me as I pondered accepting the role this year was James 3:17:

"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."

I guess I feel like I have a better sense that the wisdom I should be seeking shouldn't be my own... but the "wisdom from above." That's how I want to approach this. I want to have that attitude.

So, this is what's been happening in my life recently. There was a process of like three weeks where they notified the congregation of their intent to add me to the elder team. During that time people were encouraged to speak to me and/or weigh in on the decision. I had a couple people ask me about it, but apparently no one raised any red flags and... that's that. 

Here we go!