• Nominations solicited from the congregation for Elder and Deacon

• Announcements, communications, and information shared about nomination process and each role

• Nominating team will provide application to nominees who are verified as members and approved by the COR Session for consideration

• Deadline for nominations is November 3rd

• Individuals nominated prayerfully discern and determine whether to accept nomination

• Individuals who accept nomination complete application questionnaires

• Application deadline November 30th

• Congregation informed in November of candidates who have accepted their nominations

• Congregational meeting to vote on candidates for Elder and Deacon middle January 2025

  • Each candidate for Elder and Deacon voted on separately (yes, no, abstain)

  • Simple majority vote (>50%) used to determine approval of Elder and Deacon candidates by congregation

• New Elders and Deacons ordained into office during service and begin to serve

• Training for all new Elders and Deacons

• Session and Diaconate identify new representatives to the nominating team, including Elder who will serve as team chair

Spiritual Qualifications

• 1 Timothy 5:17 // 1 Peter 5:1-3 // James 5:17 // Acts 20:17 // Titus 1:5-9 // 1 Timothy 3:1-7 

• Above reproach; faithful to his wife; having obedient children; not overbearing; not quick-tempered; not given to drunkenness; not violent; not pursuing dishonest gain; hospitable; sensible; just; devout; self-controlled; holding fast to the word; able to teach; eager to serve; not lording over those entrusted to you; examples to the flock; not quarrelsome; not a lover of money; not a recent convert; good reputation with outsiders; able to direct the affairs of the church; a shepherd of the flock  

Purpose

• Chosen by the congregation, Ruling Elders are to watch over the spiritual welfare of the congregation and are responsible for the oversight of the church. As under-shepherds, they should take care of and pray on behalf of all those who have a pastoral need. They must be attentive to themselves and church members, guarding against dangers to the faith and dangers to the moral life of believers. They are to see to the development of the children, encourage new members in spiritual development, inquire after inactive members, and otherwise show care for those whom they serve while working for the advancement of the Kingdom and growth in grace of all.

Additional information about this role at City of Refuge Church is available here

Elders, as all of us, are imperfect in their meeting of scriptural qualifications, fulfillment of responsibilities, and alignment with values, but they take these things seriously and strive to grow in them by the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. 

Scriptural Qualifications

• Acts 6:1-7 //  1 Timothy 3:8-12 // Paul lists qualities of a deacon that are very similar to the role of elder, with the exception that deacons are not required to teach

• Have integrity; not be heavy drinkers; not be dishonest with money; be committed to the faith; live with a clear conscience; be well respected, along with their spouses; not slander others; exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do

Purpose

• The office of Deacon is one of compassion, concern for community needs, and serving others.  Deacons must have a strong heart for service.  More specifically, COR Deacons serve diligently at Sunday services (offering, communion, baptisms), administer benevolence, and offer community support through prayer and other concrete means.

Additional information about this role at City of Refuge Church is available here

Deacons, as all of us, are imperfect in their meeting of scriptural qualifications, fulfillment of responsibilities, and alignment with values, but they take these things seriously and strive to grow in them by the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.