Next Action Goals for the Leadership Research Team Recommended Proposal to Leadership Team Proposal Statement Clarified (terms defined) Roles of the New Leadership Team Transition Plan Transition Plan Chart Form (Timeline) Transition Plan Outline Form Potential Constitutional Statement New Testament Theological Survey of Church Leadership

Next Action

1. Secure Candidate Questionaires (May 27)
2. Deacon Interviews and Vote (June 1, June 8)
3. Congregational Announcement of Names (June 15)
4. Congregational Affirmation (June 29)

Goals for the Leadership Research Team

Propose a biblical model of shared leadership for Calvary Church, ensuring against over-reliance on one person.

Provide a method by which to involve lay-people at the Leadership Team level at Calvary Church, enabling more people to gain ownership of Calvary's ministries.

Enable more efficient systems for accomplishing objectives, creating a Leadership Team culture of execution.

Recommended Proposal to Leadership Team

We recommend Calvary become a church shepherded by biblically qualified men*, utilizing their giftedness and functioning as a team. This transition will be gradually achieved over time by adding qualified laymen** to the existing leadership team, discovering how to function as a team of elders, consistently communicating progress to the congregation, and developing appropriate systems and structures as needs dictate.  We anticipate the transition will be completed by January 2009 with the adoption of a new church constitution and the formation of an official “elder team”.

A team-based approach will provide the most biblically consistent model of church governance, alleviating the individual-centric stresses caused by our current model of leadership, and enabling us to utilize more people’s giftedness more effectively to create systems and structures for organizational efficiency to benefit the mission of God's church.

*This statement is not intended to speak to the role of deacons.  Although we recognize a need to better define the role of the deacons at Calvary, we believe that is a secondary project that could potentially draw focus away from this project.

**It is our intention as a team to move away from terms which indicate a distinction between paid and nonpaid "elders".  We desire to an ultimate outcome of an elder team consisting of paid and unpaid elders who serve as equals.  Therefore, the term "layman", while effectively communicating our desire,  is a term we desire to move away from.

Proposal Statement Clarified (terms defined)

Roles of the New Leadership Team

1. Provide for the doctrinal purity of the church (TEACHING)
   1. With the assistance of PBR, determine preaching series and "all-church focus" topics
   2. Keep abreast of the doctrinal/teaching topics in LIFEGroups and Family Ministries
   3. When necessary, make determinations as to the orthodoxy of certain doctrinal positions
2. Provide a healthy direction for the church (LEADING)
   1. Regularly evaluate and plan for the alignment of all church ministries
   2. Work alongside ministry leaders to ensure alignment
3. Provide oversight for the ministry of the church (EQUIPPING)
   1. Accountability
   2. Resources
   3. Personnel

Transition Plan

Transition Plan Chart Form (Timeline)

Transition Plan Outline Form

1. Proposal to Leadership Team
   1. Explain three presenting issues
      1. A system which creates an over-reliance on one person
      2. A lack of lay partnership at the highest levels of church oversight
      3. An inability of the current leadership to efficiently execute to completion
   2. Discuss Biblical teaching about elders
      1. The qualifications for Elders
         1. 1 Timothy 2
         2. Titus 1
      2.  
      3. A plurality of Elders
      4. The role of Elders
         1. Provide for the doctrinal purity of the church (teaching)
         2. Provide a healthy direction for the chuch (strategic planning)
         3. Provide oversight for the ministry of the church (administration; equipping)
   3. Present Transition Plan
2. Proposal to Deacons
   1. Explain three presenting issues
      1. A system which creates an over-reliance on one person
      2. A lack of lay partnership at the highest levels of church oversight
      3. An inability of the current leadership to efficiently execute to completion
   2. Discuss Biblical teaching about elders
      1. The qualifications for Elders
         1. 1 Timothy 2
         2. Titus 1
      2. A plurality of Elders
      3. The role of Elders
         1. Provide for the doctrinal purity of the church (teaching)
         2. Provide a healthy direction for the chuch (strategic planning)
         3. Provide oversight for the ministry of the church (administration; equipping)
   3. Present Transition Plan
3. Selection of New Leadership Team Members
   1. Current Leadership Team creates a list of 10-15 potential names
      1. Each member of the Leadership Team should spend time considering this, praying about this, and consulting others regarding their nominations
      2. Each member of the Leadership Team will bring a list of names to the meeting
      3. Other names may be added over the course of the meeting
      4. The team will work through all the names until the list has been narrowed down sufficiently
   2. Current Leadership Team spends a week in prayer and discussion
   3. NOMINATION: Leadership Team creates a final list of nominees
   4. ELECTION: Deacons vote on no more than 4 new members of Leadership Team
4. Communication to Congregation
   1. Leadership Research Team makes short presentation to Congregation (updates made as needed)
   2. Comprehensive document explaining the change is made available
   3. Deacons make introductions of four men
   4. Pastor Bill invites congregation to pray for these men, and gives instructions for those who may have "character questions" about the four men.
5. Ceremony of Congregational Affirmation
   1. AFFIRMATION: The following Sunday the four men's LIFEGroups as well as any others will be asked to lay hands on these men while they are prayed for by several deacons.

Potential Constitutional Statement

In obedience to Jesus Christ, the church is to submit itself to his authority and his mission to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18,19).

Calvary Church consists of a group of believers who have covenanted together to be a local expression of the church of Jesus Christ. The following document establishes our Biblical model of church governance:

1. Human Leadership of Calvary Church:

A) The elder team of Calvary Church shall consist of men entrusted with the responsibility to guard the doctrine of the church (Titus 1:9), direct the church (1 Timothy 5:17), and oversee and manage the affairs of the church (Acts 20:18). The elder team shall be comprised of both paid and unpaid elders. The office of elder is conferred upon men whose lives have been examined by the elders of the church; whose qualifications have been confirmed according to the guidelines of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 (listed below); and who have been affirmed by the congregation of Calvary Church.

B) Qualifications for an Elder

• Relation to God

  • A man – masculine leader

  • Above reproach – without any character defect

  • Able to teach – effective Bible communicator

  • Not a new convert – mature Christian

• Relation to Family

  • Husband of one wife – one-woman man, sexually pure

  • Has obedient children – successful father

  • Manages family well – provides for, leads, organizes, loves

• Relation to Self

  • Temperate – mentally and emotionally stable

  • Self-controlled – disciplined life of sound decision-making

  • Not given to drunkenness – without addictions

  • Not a lover of money – upright, not greedy

• Relation to Others

  • Respectable – worth following and imitating

  • Hospitable – welcomes strangers, especially non-Christians for evangelism

  • Not violent – even-tempered

  • Gentle – kind, gracious, loving

  • Not contentious – peaceable, not quarrelsome/divisive

  • Good reputation with outsiders – respected by non-Christians

  • Mutually submissive to the other elders

2. Structure and Procedure:

A) The elder team will appoint an oversight team which will be responsible for organizational influence over the entire church on behalf of the entire body of elders. The oversight team will consist of no more than six and no fewer than three elders. The oversight team will be carry out the responsibilities of the elders by directing the teaching and discipleship efforts of the church, overseeing the ministries of the church, equipping the deacons for service, and providing for the administration of church business matters. Members of the oversight team (other than the lead elder) will be appointed annually by the entire elder team. No fewer than half of the oversight team shall consist of paid elders.

B) The elder team will also appoint a lead elder who will serve as a first among equals, participating on and guiding the elder team and the oversight team of the church. The congregation will affirm the elder’s selection of a lead elder by a majority vote. The lead elder shall be a paid employee of Calvary Church and will serve an indefinite term, at the discretion of the elders.

C) The oversight team may, at their discretion and with the affirmation of the elder team, develop ministry and administrative teams to provide for efficient operation of Calvary Church. These teams may be comprised of elders as well as non-elders.

D) The following teams shall be appointed annually by the oversight team with the affirmation of the elder team. Each team shall be directed by an elder who has been selected by the oversight team:

• A facilities team shall serve as the legal trustees of the property of the church. They shall oversee the maintenance of the church buildings, vehicles and the grounds, and shall be responsible for necessary renovation projects. The facilities team will report to and be accountable to the oversight team.

• A finance team shall recommend an annual budget to the elder team. They shall assess the financial health of the church and report to the elder team no fewer than four times per year. They shall have authority to approve non-budgetary expenditures up to $5,000 (not to exceed $15,000 in one year without elder team approval).

E) The oversight team may, at their discretion, and with the affirmation of the elder team appoint qualified people to serve in paid and unpaid ministry roles which utilize the giftedness of the appointed person and provide for the equipping of the saints.

F) Except as otherwise specified in these bylaws for a particular action and when unanimity is not clear, the decisions of the elder team shall be determined by a majority vote of those present at the meeting.

G) For an issue to meet the approval of the oversight team it must receive a unanimous vote (abstention permitted).

H) The elder team shall maintain a “procedure guide” documenting any processes and systems not articulated in this document.

3. Appointing Elders:

A) The process of becoming an elder involves at least the following steps: 

• The man must be a member in good standing at Calvary who has demonstrated the calling, character, and competencies of an elder (1B).

• The man must make his desire to become an elder known to one of the elders and be interviewed by the lead elder for approval.

• His nomination must be approved by the Oversight Team without objection from anyone on the Elder Team.

• If accepted as an elder nominee, the man will then undergo a period of training and testing. 

• Training, prior to becoming an elder, will include whatever is deemed necessary to enhance the nominee’s understanding of an elder’s responsibilities as outlined in Scripture. The nominee will enter into a mentoring relationship with a sitting elder to assist in the training process. 

• Upon completing his training and testing process, the man must be approved by all elders without objection to be introduced to the church members as an official elder candidate.

• If approved as an elder candidate, members of Calvary will be notified that he has met the criteria of an elder. Anyone in or out of the church having a concern regarding the man’s qualifications as an elder will have four weeks to notify the elders, who can investigate the matter to determine if there is any reason to disqualify the man.

• If the elders do not find any reason to reject the man as an official elder, an official final vote of the elders shall be taken and if there are no objections to his installation from any elder, the man will be installed by the laying on of hands, after which he shall be considered an ordained and licensed minister of the gospel.

• Selection as an elder does not result in contract rights as a paid employee.  All employees are “at will” and the employment relationship may be terminated without regard to such person continuing to serve as an elder.

B) The annual process for selecting the oversight team shall include at least the following steps:

• Nominations shall be submitted privately to the lead elder. An elder may nominate himself or another elder.

• During the selection meeting, each elder shall vote (by private ballot) for no more than five nominees.

• Those five men receiving the highest number of votes, as well as the lead elder shall be named to the oversight team. If fewer than half of the elected elders are paid elders, the lead elder, with the approval of the elder team may determine an appropriate course of action to bring the oversight team into compliance with the above stipulations (section 2, paragraph A)

• If there is a tie among two or more men for the final seat on the oversight team, a new vote will be taken by all elders (on only the final position) with the man receiving the highest vote total being appointed to the oversight team

4. Terms of Service for Elders:

A) Because the office of elder is a "calling", Once a man becomes an elder at Calvary, it is expected that the man would continue to serve as an elder indefinitely.

B) If the elders determine that an individual elder needs an extended Sabbath for a season because of a legitimate need (e.g., illness, tragedy), then that elder can transition to an inactive and non-voting role for a set period of time as determined by the elder team.

C) To resign from the elder team, an elder must notify the oversight team by letter, which the lead elder will then distribute to the other elders.

D) An elder who senses God’s call to leave Calvary to help plant a Calvary–sponsored church should make his desire known to the oversight team. If the elder team confirms his calling, the elder will be sent out with blessing to help lead another church.

E) Any credible charge of moral impropriety, doctrinal error against an elder; or any other charge that could displease the Lord or harm Calvary Church, shall be investigated by a taskforce established by the elder team. During the investigation, the elder in question shall not be allowed to vote on any church matters and shall be placed on temporary leave. If the elder taskforce finds credible evidence of wrongdoing, the elder in question shall be tried by the elders according to the criteria of 1 Timothy 5:19–21. A three-fourth’s vote of the remaining elders is necessary in order to find an elder guilty of the charges.  If such a verdict is rendered by the elder team, the consequences for such a finding shall be determined by the elder team, with any action (up to and including removal) requiring another three-fourths vote of the remaining elders. In such instance, the members of Calvary Church shall be notified in writing of the process and results (1 Timothy 5:20).

New Testament Theological Survey of Church Leadership

Antioch

• Barnabas sent from Jerusalem to investigate church.  Finds Paul and together with Paul teaches for a whole year. (Acts 11)

   

• Apparently overseen by a group referred to as “prophets and teachers”. (Acts 13)

   

  • Five are listed

     

  • Barnabas is listed first, Paul is listed last

     

  • Apparently these men affirmed the Spirit and sent Paul and Barnabas off

     

• Engaged in debate with Jerusalem church regarding Gentiles and the Law

   

  • Paul confronted Peter because of his change in behavior after men from James arrived in Antioch (Galatians 2)

     

  • This “sharp dispute” caused Paul and Barnabas to go to the Apostles and elders in Jerusalem (Acts 15)

     

  • The Jerusalem Council met and heard from Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James (apparently James was the most authoritative) before the Apostles, elders, and whole church made a decision (Acts 15)

     

• Key Figures in the Church at Antioch

   

  • Barnabas – sent by Apostles, became a lead teacher, sent as missionary

     

  • Paul – invited by Barnabas, became a lead teacher, sent as missionary

     

  • Simeon called Niger – teacher/prophet

     

  • Lucius of Cyrene – teacher/prophet

     

  • Manaen – teacher/prophet

     

  • Peter – came to Antioch, lived as Gentile, changed behavior when men from James came

     

  • James – apparently sent men to check out Gentile behavior

     

Corinth

• Paul’s main role in the Corinthian church was preaching and teaching.  He devoted himself to these upon the arrival of Silas and Timothy.

   

• The church struggled with leadership/personality issues

   

  • Paul uses himself, Apollos, and Peter as an example of the problems associated with choosing which man to follow(1 Co.1:12; 3:4; 4:6)

     

  • Likely, he was referring to the un-named “super-apostles” (2 Co.11:5; 12:11)

     

• Within the context of a divided church, Paul gave his most thorough explanation of spiritual gifts and their exercise in the church (1 Co.12-14)

   

  • Unity with diversity is emphasized (1 Co.12:4-6)

     

  • Gifts are equal in value (1 Co.12:22-25)

     

  • Gifts should be exercised in an orderly way in the church

     

    • Only one speaks at a time, but two or three “prophets” should speak (1 Co. 14:29-31)

       

    • The words spoken by “prophets” should be weighed and validated by others (1 Co. 14:32)

       

• Key Figures in the church at Corinth

   

  • Paul – Founded the Church, Enacted Apostolic Authority

     

  • Apollos – Gifted Teacher, sent by Ephesian church

     

  • Timothy – Representative of Paul, present at founding, sent to correct things, co-authored second book

     

  • Titus – Representative of Paul, sent to correct things

     

  • Aquila and Priscilla – Present at founding

     

  • Stephanus – One of the first converts, devoted to service of the saints, his household was to be submitted to

     

  • Fortunatus – deserved recognition

     

  • Achaicus – deserved recognition

     

  • Erastus – Sent by Paul much later (2 Tim. 4)

     

Ephesus

• Paul had a teaching ministry for over 2 years (Acts 19)

   

• Apparently several elders were in place as Paul called them together for a farewell (Acts 20)

   

  • Paul said the “Holy Spirit has made you overseers”

     

  • He told them to watch over themselves and the flock

     

  • He told them to “be shepherds”

     

• Apollos was instructed by Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth (Acts 18)

   

  • When he was ready to move on, he was encouraged to do so by “the brothers”

     

• Timothy was sent to the church by Paul

   

  • To command certain men (1 Tim. 1)

     

  • Paul gave him the qualifications for elders (1 Tim. 2)

     

  • To instruct people how to conduct themselves in God’s household (1 Tim. 3:15)

     

  • Timothy’s gift had been “confirmed” by the body of elders (1 Tim. 4:14)

     

  • Paul instructed Timothy that the elders were to direct the affairs of the church (1 Tim. 5:17)

     

• Key Figures in the Church at Ephesus

   

  • Paul – founded the church

     

  • Timothy – sent by Paul to address problems (and possibly appoint Elders)

     

  • Aquila and Priscilla – helped to train Apollos

     

  • Tychicus – Sent by Paul (perhaps to relieve Timothy?)

     

  • Onesiphorus – Ephesian believer who had been of great assistance to Paul

     

Key New Testament “Leaders”

• Peter

   

  • Frequently mentioned by Paul as one of the leaders in Jerusalem

     

  • Apostle to the Jews

     

  • His testimony validated the

     

• James

   

  • Apparently had some level of authority in the Jerusalem church

     

• Barnabas

   

  • Sent to Antioch

     

  • Brought Paul to Antioch

     

  • Missionary

     

• Paul

   

  • Sought validation from Apostles and Elders in Jerusalem

     

  • Apostle to the Gentiles

     

  • Sent appointees to churches to deal with problems and to appoint elders

     

  • Asserted authority when needed

     

• Apollos

   

  • From Alexandria, came to Ephesus

     

  • Discipled by Aquila and Priscilla

     

  • Sent by the brothers to Achaia/Corinth

     

  • Used by Paul as an example of the division in Corinth

     

  • Sent by Paul to Corinth

     

  • Travelled through Crete during Titus time there

     



• Timothy

   

  • From Lystra

     

  • Recommended by “brothers”; chosen by Paul

     

  • Served in: Berea, Macedonia, Corinth, Jerusalem, Philippi, Thessalonica, Ephesus, and apparently spent time in jail.

     

  • Key Roles:

     

    • Corinth

       

      • As appointee of Paul, sent to investigate problems

         

    • Ephesus

       

      • Instructed

         

      • Apparently helped in the appointment of elders

         

• Titus

   

  • Served in: Troas, Corinth, Jerusalem, Dalmatia, Crete

     

  • Key Roles:

     

    • Corinth

       

      • As an appointee of Paul, sent to investigate problems and get collection

         

    • Crete

       

      • Straightening out what was unfinished

         

      • Appoint elders in every town

         

• Tychicus

   

  • From the province of Asia, traveled with Paul on second journey

     

  • Served in: Ephesus, Colosse, Crete

     

Conclusions:

1. Apart from James’ “authoritative” statement at the Jerusalem council, there is no evidence of any church which was led by one person.

    

   1. The Jerusalem council was not a function of a local church

       

   2. Examples such as Timothy and Titus were clearly apostolic appointees given roles to assist local churches in their formative years.  Even Timothy was instructed by Paul that the elders were given oversight of the church.

       

2. Several examples can be pointed to which indicate bodies of people acting authoritatively on behalf on local churches.

    

3. The only instances in which one person speaks authoritatively to a local church, that person is speaking from outside the church.

    

4. Despite the prominence of many key figures in the “big story” of the early church, none are given nor assume a role of individual authoritative leadership from within any of the local churches. (the Apostles and their designees typically exerted authority in a “consultant-type” manner, only to the extent needed to allow the churches to function on their own)

    

5. All three church case studies indicated a plurality of leadership

    

   1. Antioch – prophets and teachers

       

   2. Corinth – household of Stephanas

       

   3. Ephesus – Elders

       

The clear Biblical example for church leadership is governance through a plurality of men.  Within the plurality is room for different men to exercise their gifts in ways which will be beneficial to the body of leaders (elders) and the body of the church, however, ultimate authority under Christ rests with the plurality, not any one individual.