Elder and Deacon Election
It is not an overstatement to say that the leaders set the tone, texture and temperature of the church. If the leaders are gentle and humble, the church will most likely be marked with gentleness and humility. If the leaders are harsh and abrasive, the whole tone of the church will be marked by their vibe eventually. If the leaders are passionate for Jesus, then the church’s worship and ministry will be marked with passion. If the leaders are lukewarm and complacent, then we cannot expect the spiritual temperature of the church to any different. Normally people don’t rise above the level of their leaders, because leaders set examples for people to follow. It’s inevitable that people will follow and imitate leaders.
Establishing leaders at church is an important matter. We are grateful that in this season we have two elder candidates and one deacon candidate for our church in Mississauga campus. For those of you who may have questions about elder and deacon election, here some information in the Q&A form.
1. What is an elder?
The term “elder” appears in both the Old and New Testament. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word is zaqen which means “old,” “aged,” or “elder,” often referring not just to age or gray hair, but also denoting a respected leader: a tribal leader or a community council member. In the New Testament, Paul describes the role and the qualifications of an elder to Timothy, specifically describing the moral character as well as some of the key responsibilities such as directing the affairs of the church as well as preaching and teaching (1 Timoty 3; 1 Timothy 5: 17). In our church and denomination Their primary function is to govern the church alongside pastors, providing spiritual direction and administrative oversight.
2. What is a deacon?
The term “deacon” comes from the Greek word, diakonos, which means a “servant” or “minister.” We are all “servants” but a deacon as an officer is called by God and recognized by the congregation to serve the church, especially by caring for those in need, and by managing church’s finances. They serve the physical and fiscal need of the church. They also function as the intermediary between the elders/pastors and congregation. In their intermediary role, they promote and protect the unity of the church through prayer and relational connections. They work alongside the pastors, implementing their preaching, teaching and oversight in the practical life of the church. They are to carry out whatever tasks are assigned to them by the elders/pastors or needed by the congregation. They are to support the pastors in their uninterrupted diligence to the task of word and prayer (Acts 6:2-4).
3. What are the expectations of the person being ordained as an elder or deacon?
Elders and deacons make up “officers” group in our church. It is expected that they are exemplary members by reflecting the following four covenant members commitment of our church: They are committed to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, trusting and obeying him with his whole life, treasuring Him above all things. They are committed to the word of God as the perfect rule of life and faith, striving to live a godly life and setting a good example inside and outside the church. They are committed to praying for the church, including other leaders, members, and other topics as it pertains to the health of the church. They are committed to NHF as his/her home church, participating in church gatherings, including corporate worship and fellowship. They are committed to the vision, mission and values of our church, sharing his/her time, talents and tithes.
For elders, they participate in session meetings and provide godly counsel regarding important matters of the church’s direction. For deacons, they serve as frontline workers and leaders in various ministries and with sacrificial servant-leadership alongside fellow-officers.
4. What is the process of being ordained as an elder or a deacon?
The first step is for the session to identify potential elders and deacons based on the biblical qualification (1 Timothy 3) and the constitution of our denomination. Potential elder/deacon nominees go through self-evaluation and prayerful discernment. They can accept or decline the invitation by the session. The session reviews the shortlist of the nominees and discerns again whether each person should become elder/deacon candidate for election. Once the session confirms the elder/deacon candidates, they are interviewed along with their spouse (if married). If the interview affirms their candidacy, each candidate is introduced to the congregation who get to know them through their testimonies. Election takes place in a congregational meeting when covenant members vote to elect elders and deacons. Once elected, elders will participate in six months training and write an elder ordination exam under the KPCA English Presbytery. Deacons go through three months training. Once they fulfill the period of training and pass the exam, they get ordained.
As you can see, the whole elder and deacon ordination process is quite rigorous. I ask that you continue to pray for the elder and deacon election process. If you have questions about the process, please reach out to me or elder James.
