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Who are the Elders of Calvary?

5/20/21 | The Weekly | by Eric Wakeling

    Dear Calvary Family,

    On Sunday, May 30th, we will have the opportunity to vote to affirm two new elders and four current elders for their second term as part of  our Annual Meeting within the morning worship service. I wanted to take some time in this email to help you understand what eldership is and how we select elders at Calvary Church. I have loved working with our elders who are men of godly character and wisdom who passionately pursue Jesus. They love Calvary Church and diligently serve this body of believers.

    The role of an Elder at Calvary Church

    The role of our Elders at Calvary Church is critically important so that we have a healthy, growing church. Their role according to Scripture is found in I Peter 5 and Hebrews 13:17.

    Each man has been called by the Lord to provide spiritual oversight for the congregation. Just as Jesus is our Good Shepherd, He has also called for spiritual shepherds in our church who can lead, pray and counsel the church with wisdom, love and grace.

    The motive for providing this leadership is completely voluntary. Peter warns that none are to serve for their own personal gain but rather for the good of the entire church. Just as Jesus did not come to be served but to serve, our Elders have come to serve us in humility.

    Their leadership style is not to be authoritarian or "lording it over" the church. Rather, they are to lead us by modeling a Christ-like character; Peter says they are to be” examples to the flock.' Their actions and attitudes are to model Jesus Christ in their family, work place and all church ministries.

    Please remember that these men are not perfect, so uphold them with your prayers and kind words as they strive to lead us and grow in their own faith to become more like Christ, the Good Shepherd of our church. Their responsibility is a high calling.

    Scripture teaches us to submit to their authority "for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account." As we all serve together this way, our church will grow into that mature body of Christ. (Hebrews 13:17)

    Elders may serve two three-year terms and then they must step down from the Elder Board. These elders must be selected and affirmed for each term they serve. Elders who just termed out must be off the Elder Board for at least one year before being eligible to be selected again.

    The process for selecting Elders

    The first step in new elders being confirmed for the elder board is prayer. The Elder Board approaches God in prayer asking for His direction as we identify future leaders. After prayer, here are the steps taken:

    • A nominating committee is formed from the Elder Board. This is 2-3 elders who lead the process of identifying new candidates. The decision is made for how many new elders are needed. Calvary’s bylaws require a minimum of 12 elders in addition to the Senior Pastor.
    • Then we ask for nominations from the current elders, the pastoral staff, and from the congregation at large.
    • The Nominating Committee then makes recommendations to the full Elder Board for a list of possible new elders.
    • The full Elder Board votes for who to select to be the next new nominees and on those renewing for a second term.
    • The nominees are then presented to the formal membership of the congregation for a vote of affirmation. This vote is not a contest between the candidates, but is simply voting yes or no to affirm each candidate. A vote to affirm is saying that you agree or disagree with the elders decision to put forth each candidate. Each candidate must receive ⅔ vote of yes to be affirmed.
    • Only official church members may vote. To be a member of Calvary Church means you have confessed faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, been baptized in water as a publish testimony of personal faith in Christ, signed a statement affirming belief in Calvary’s statement of doctrine and agreement with the bylaws, attended the membership class, be at least 15 years old, and been interviewed by an Elder and approved by the Board of Elders. Discover more at CalvaryLife.org/Membership

    Click below to view Nominees who, if affirmed, will begin their three-year term in July 2021. 

    ELDER NOMINEE BIOS (ENGLISH)  ELDER NOMINEE BIOS (SPANISH)

    We will vote during the Annual Meeting as part of the Family Service on Sunday, May 30 at 9:00am in the Worship Center (English/ASL) and at 11:00am in the Chapel (Spanish). Voting will be available in-person and online during the service. 

    Join us this Sunday, May 23 as we continue our series "Worth the Risk" with a look into 2 Timothy 1:15-18. We will have services in English (with ASL available) at 9:00 am in the Worship Center - also available for watching outdoors on the Patio and livestreamed online - and in Spanish at 11:00am in the Chapel.  Plus, there are great programs available for kids 13 months up through High School! Discover more at CalvaryLife.org/Sunday

    May the Lord bless you and keep you,
    Eric