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Recommend an Elder or Deacon – 2024

Published On September 29, 2024

Make a Recommendation for Elder or Deacon
Recommendations are open October 20–December 8, 2024.

Officer Nominating Committee

2024 ONC

Back row: Michael Miller, Tom Leiser, John Rain, Joe Neely

Front row: Ali Dunagan, Caryn Bramhall, Katie Godfrey, Angie Vaughan

Not pictured: Anne Lindsey Hunt

Whom Should I Recommend?

Elders

Men and women who demonstrate the spiritual maturity of a life abiding in Jesus, alignment to HP Pres’ vision, and the ability to discern God’s call for our church prayerfully. They are regarded by fellow Christ followers as possessing the essential components of an Elder in character, courage, calling, and competence. Competence is essential in the spiritual gifts of discernment, wisdom, teaching, and leadership. The presence of other gifts, such as administration, encouragement, and mercy, greatly enhances Elder effectiveness. Candidates for Elder must be willing to submit to the principles of governance adopted by the Session. Read the qualifications below.

Deacons

Men and women who are compassionate, dependable, good communicators, and caring listeners; people who have led others to Jesus by sharing joys and sorrows and providing encouragement and help; people who are committed to building community in our church and are dedicated to the concept of servant leadership; people who are enthusiastic about the opportunity to interact with our many members—some of whom have acute and critical needs. Read the qualifications below.

Elder Requirements

HP Pres’ elders are recommended by the congregation and undergo a robust screening and evaluation process by the Officer Nominating Committee before being elected by a congregational vote. “Elders are given authority and responsibility, along with pastors, to oversee the spiritual health of the congregation…governing and guiding its mission for Christ in the world” (ECO Polity 1.0603 & 2.02).

Elder Qualifications

  • Active Covenant Partner of HP Pres for three years or more, including a demonstrated commitment to worship, community, mission, and financial support (Acts 2:42)
  • A mature and growing relationship with Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 5:1-3, 1 Tim. 4:16, 2 Pet. 1:3-11)
  • Highly regarded by those inside & outside of the church for the character traits described in 1 Tim. 3:1-7 and Tit. 1:5-9, including:
    • An “above reproach” lifestyle free from patterns of sin
    • Sound judgment, including tempered emotions and the ability to keep confidence
    • Ability to listen well to others and to submit preferences for the good of the whole
    • Devotion to spouse (if married) with a healthy family life
  • Familiarity with and commitment to God’s Word and the ECO Essential Tenets (2 Tim. 2:2). Read the ECO Essential Tenets.
  • Ability to communicate Biblical teaching in a winsome & non-argumentative way (Tit. 1:9)
  • Ability to engage in strategic thinking, visioning, and anticipatory leadership (Rom. 12:8)
  • Faith and devotion to intercede for the church in prayer (James 5:14, Acts 6:2-4)
  • A sense of calling based on both personal desire to serve and the affirmation of others

Elder Responsibilities

  • Shepherding Responsibility (Vine Work)
    As the spiritual shepherds of the church, elders disciple and evangelize others through organic relationships and specific ministries, such as:

    • Leading a small group or teaching a class
    • Discipling new believers or future leaders
    • Extending hospitality to neighbors and seekers
  • Governance Responsibility (Trellis Work)
    When gathered monthly as a Session, elders govern the church through:

    • Strategic Planning & Visioning
    • Determining and Monitoring Annual Goals and Policies
    • Providing General Oversight, including Annual Budget Approval. Additionally, many elders will serve on select Session committees or work teams.

Time Commitment

  • Elders are elected for a four-year term of service
  • New elder training for 8 weeks (approx. 2 hrs per training)
  • Time to spiritually shepherd church members and seekers in the ways listed above
  • Session meeting on the 4th Monday evening of the month (approx. 2 hrs)
  • Session retreat over one weekend per year (typically in January)
  • Committee and Session work teams typically require additional monthly hours
  • Regularly administer the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Deacon Requirements

HP Pres’ deacons are recommended by the congregation and undergo a robust screening and evaluation process by the Officer Nominating Committee before being elected by a congregational vote. Under the oversight of the Session, “Deacons lead ministries that nurture fellowship and caregiving within and beyond the congregation” (ECO Polity 2.03). Deacons “serve the people, urge concern, and direct the people’s help to those in need.” (2.0103).

Deacon Qualifications

  • Active Covenant Partner of HP Pres for three years or more, including a demonstrated commitment to worship, community, service, and financial support (Acts 2:42)
  • A mature and growing relationship with Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:3-11)
  • Worthy of respect for the character traits described in 1 Tim. 3:8-10 including:
    • An “above reproach” lifestyle free from patterns of sin
    • Sincerity and integrity
    • Devotion to spouse (if married) with a healthy family life
  • Commitment to God’s Word and the ECO Essential Tenets (1 Tim. 3:9). Read the ECO Essential Tenets here.
  • A servant’s heart that is eager to help meet the tangible needs of others (Acts 6:3)
  • Proven gifts of “helping” (1 Cor. 12:28) and “mercy” (Rom. 12:8)

Deacon Responsibilities

The Vision Statement of HP Pres deacons is “to build Christian Community in the name of Jesus Christ through ministries of care, prayer and connection.

In order to show Christ’s care and compassion, each deacon is expected to:

  • Join and be actively involved in a Service Team Ministry (e.g. Rehab Visitation, New Infants Team, Memorial Service Team, etc.) based on individual calling and gifts

In response to Christ’s promises regarding prayer each deacon is expected to:

  • Intercede regularly for individuals within our congregation
  • Notify or confirm with the church’s Congregational Care office when special needs become known; and share prayer concerns, as requested and appropriate

In the ministry of connection each deacon is expected to:

  • Connect members of the congregation to each other and to the resources of the church in times of need

Time Commitment

  • Deacons are elected for a four year term of service
  • New deacon training
  • Time to serve in the ways listed above
  • Attend quarterly deacon dinners and the annual day-long deacon retreat
  • Regularly administer the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

 

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