First Baptist Church of Gonzales has an Elder-led, congregational governance. What does that mean?
The Bible uses several terms to describe the office of Elder: presbuteros, meaning “elder;” episkopos, meaning “overseer;” and poimen, meaning “pastor” or “shepherd.” Throughout the New Testament, these terms are used interchangeably to describe the same position. It is also clear that healthy churches are to establish a plurality of elders – that no one man is tasked with carrying the leadership burden of the ministry, alone.
Elders must meet the biblical qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. Namely, he should be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and able to teach. He must not be a drunkard, violent, quarrelsome, or a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, not be a recent convert, and be well thought of by outsiders. He must hold firm to sound doctrine to give instruction and to rebuke those who contradict it.
At First Baptist Church of Gonzales, we recognize three ways in which a man may serve as an Elder:
I. THE SENIOR PASTOR:
The Senior Pastor is a man who is gifted and called to the office of Elder. He must be particularly suited to the full-time duties of preaching, teaching, and pastoral care. He is assigned the primary preaching responsibilities for the church and serves as a leader among the other Elders. He is the only Elder not subject to reaffirmation every three years.
II. LAY ELDERS:
Lay Elders are men who are gifted and called to the office of Elder who are not employed by the church. These brothers share the teaching, counseling, oversight, and corrective duties of the ministry, and are fully recognized as Pastors by the church body.
III. ASSOCIATE PASTORS:
Associate Pastors are men who are gifted and called to the office of Elder who are employed by the church for the work of ministry.
What About Church Staff Members?
First Baptist Church retains a staff of full-time ministers who carry out specific assignments, focusing on particular areas of ministry. These staff members are often engaged in pastoral work, and certainly utilize pastoral gifts. Colloquially, they are referred to as pastors, though they might not hold the office of Elder. Officially, we call these fellow laborers “ministerial staff.” We believe this helps preserve the distinction that Elders, Pastors, and Overseers are all one Biblical office.
How Are Decisions Made?
First Baptist is Elder-led, not Elder-ruled. The congregation is informed of the Elders’ work during quarterly Members’ Meetings. Major decisions like hiring staff members, large purchases, or the adoption of the annual budget are all approved by the congregation. In Elders’ Meetings, decisions are made with great care, in a spirit of prayer, unity, and deference.
What Else Do Elders Do?
· Oversee the examination and instruction of prospective members.
· Examine and recommend all prospective candidates for offices and positions.
· Oversee the work of the deacons, church officers, and leadership teams.
· Conduct worship services, oversee the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper.
· Equip the membership for the work of the ministry.
· Admonish and correct error.
· Oversee the process of church discipline.
· Coordinate and promote the ministries of the church.
· Mobilize the church for the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
· Ensure that all who preach and teach, including guest speakers, do so according to the church's statement of faith.
· Development of recommended policies regarding the use of space, properties, and equipment.
What About Women in Ministry?
First Baptist whole-heartedly endorses a complementarian approach to ministry. In short, this means that God made men and women of equal value, but with differing gifts and roles to play. These roles complement one another for God’s glory. While there are many places for women to serve in the church, the New Testament specifically reserves the office of Elder to be filled by men.