Eldership Pipeline
Phase One: Elder-in-Training:
A man is identified as someone who could potentially be an Elder and aspires to be an Elder. The current Elders vet him and examine his readiness. If the Elders believe he ought to start moving toward being an Elder, then the Elders design a training pathway that is 1-3 years long (unique to each man), including reading and various training activities. Once the Elders believe the Elder-in-training has been trained well, they will move this man into the second phase.
Phase Two: Elder Candidate:
A man proves to be trained and there are no red flags with his character or family. The Candidacy phase is 9-18 months (unique to each man). This phase will give the man opportunity to take on more pastoral duties. The primary goal of this phase is for the congregation to observe and vet this man. There are also potential scenarios where the Elders believe it is ideal for a man to skip Phase One and begin directly in Phase Two candidacy.
Phase Three: Eldership:
At the end of the man’s candidacy phase, the congregation will gather to vote to approve or deny him as an Elder. Lay Elders shall serve a three-year term on the Council of Elders and be brought before the congregation for renewal at the at end of each term. There shall be no term limits. Vocational Elders shall serve indefinitely until their staff position ceases.
A man is identified as someone who could potentially be an Elder and aspires to be an Elder. The current Elders vet him and examine his readiness. If the Elders believe he ought to start moving toward being an Elder, then the Elders design a training pathway that is 1-3 years long (unique to each man), including reading and various training activities. Once the Elders believe the Elder-in-training has been trained well, they will move this man into the second phase.
A man proves to be trained and there are no red flags with his character or family. The Candidacy phase is 9-18 months (unique to each man). This phase will give the man opportunity to take on more pastoral duties. The primary goal of this phase is for the congregation to observe and vet this man. There are also potential scenarios where the Elders believe it is ideal for a man to skip Phase One and begin directly in Phase Two candidacy.
At the end of the man’s candidacy phase, the congregation will gather to vote to approve or deny him as an Elder. Lay Elders shall serve a three-year term on the Council of Elders and be brought before the congregation for renewal at the at end of each term. There shall be no term limits. Vocational Elders shall serve indefinitely until their staff position ceases.