The Bible’s teaching on the subject of the office of Elder is found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7,Titus 1:6-9 and 1 Peter 5:1-3. These Scriptures show that Elders serve by leading andthat their responsibilities involve the spiritual oversight of the congregation.
The Scriptures teach that a plurality of Elders governed individual New Testament churches, in Acts 14:23, 20:28, Titus 1:5 and Philippians 1:1. There is no mention of any congregation that features a stand-alone pastor or leader. A plurality of godly Elders, exercising their individual giftedness, is what most closely aligns with the Scripture’s teaching, and that wisdom is found in a multitude of godly counselors (Proverbs 11:4, 12:15, 15:22, 19:20 and 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 ministry. For example, we see in 1 Timothy 5:17 “the elder who labors in preaching and teaching” or as more influential in their workings on the Elder Board.
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 Elder Board.
Direction – Ensuring that the direction of the church is consistent with The Grove Bible Chapel’s mission statement and core values.
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
Deacons
The Bible teaches that Deacons lead in the church through their service (Acts 6:1-6). 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 proven servants. The Bible’s teaching, on the subject of Deacons and their qualifications, is found in 1 Timothy 3:8-12.
Deacons are qualified men and women (1 Tim. 3:8–13) appointed and set apart by the Elders to assist in ministering to the poor and needy in the church, maintaining the facility, and carrying out practical ministry functions. This includes, but is not limited too, oversight and direction to matters such as benevolence, meals, moving support, hospital visits, etc.
To contact the deacons, email info@thegrovebiblechapel.org
Finance Committee
The finance committee provides wisdom and “hands-on” financial accountability to the senior staff and the Elders. The Finance Committee also oversees The Grove’s adherence to the financial portions of the church’s conflict of interest policy. They provide non-vocational verification that The Grove is operating with financial transparency, through regular communication to the congregation, public meetings as needed and private conversations with members who wish to learn in more detail about The Grove’s enduring commitment to best financial practices, true transparency, and Christ-honoring integrity.
To contact the finance committee, email info@thegrovebiblechapel.org